2nd time casts

[b-waygirl]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 3:33pm

most people will agree that the original cast of a broadway play is always the best. but was there ever a play where the original cast was good enough...but the other casts were phenominal? or at least better than the original ones?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 3:42pm

I don't always agree that the original cast is the best. But the original cast usually has more time to rehearse with the director (and sometimes authors) of the show. Many times a new performer brings a different interpretation and so takes the show in a different direction.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 3:44pm

I agree Gotham. That is a VERY unfair blanket statement

[wickedfan]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:12pm

It's not the greatest question to answer because not everyone has seen an original cast the bother to go again. Also, how would you define the word better?

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:22pm

I know this is a touchy subject for some (hopefully not anyone here) but I preferred Betty Buckley to Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard. The rest of the cast stayed pretty much intact throughout the run.
I also enjoyed the latter casts of Phantom of the Opera (especially Howard McGillan and Sandra Joseph)to Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:33pm

The OBC of Hairspray was outstanding. The replacements, for the most part, are equally amazing.

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:39pm

Phantom2:
Who does the body belong to in your pic?
Snazzy dresser, and an equally fun backdrop!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:49pm

Gee, thanks.

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:51pm

I like your style P2... looks like you raided my closet!
Stay great!
dt

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 6:56pm

I dont agree that the OBC is always best but i do like to see the OBC than a replacement. I think its because if you get the cd, program, or anything else that has to do with the show you can say youve actually see those actors live. its just my prefrance.

[Crazy4MattMorrison52]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 9:56pm

i agree with Phantom2 about hairspray. i still love the show but its different with the new cast.

[chasing_rainbows43]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 10:03pm

I liked the replacement boys in The Full Monty better than the originals. Although I also liked the original girls better than their replacements.

And while Bebe Neuwirth was fabulous in Chicago, I did prefer her understudy/replacement (for the most recent run),Donna Marie Asbury, much, much more. And Charlotte D'Amboise is fabulous.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 10:12pm

Even TGC has nothing but praise for Pearl Bailey, who replaced her in TWHM.

Most people agree that CRAZY FOR YOU improved when Jodi Benson left the cast.

The same is true for Sarah Rice, who left absolutely no impression on audiences in the original SWEENEY TODD. Betsy Joslyn was much better (and more audible!)

And I defy anyone to say that Eric McCormack was inferior to Craig Bierko in the MUSIC MAN revival!

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 1/31/04 at 10:17pm

I like Larraine Brocko in The Graduate 100 times more than Kathlene Turner.

[Elphie]

Posted: 2/1/04 at 9:13am

Well, RENT I guess can be considered a candidate of this. I know the two casts I saw, though neither the original, were awesome.

I saw Christian Borle as Jimmy in MILLIE and I actually like his voice better than Gavin Creel's.

[MissElleTow2]

Posted: 2/1/04 at 12:49pm

I'm a very big fan of Eric, but I still preferred Craig's Harold Hill over his. Both actors did a great job. I never heard of Craig Bierko before the Music Man, but have been a fan of his ever since. I hope both actors are back on Broadway soon.

Elle

[sloane]

Posted: 2/1/04 at 1:36pm

Dollypop...
Boy you really don't know much about talent do you?

If you SAW Craig bierko on stage for the Music Man, you would of really appreciated his true talent. Bierko is a MUCH better Harold Hill--BELIEVE ME. He's much better than any actor for this matter actually--in anything he does. Just watch and wait in a year or two. After he shoots 'Cinderella Man', you won't be so quick to judge, now will you? Bierko is an 'actor's actor'. he is the real thing. Not some overly-hyped up TV actor like you-know-who.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 2/1/04 at 2:41pm

The current Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Nadine Isenegger, in my opinion, is incredible, and completely superior to Kate Levering, who's voice bothers me. Nadine is a pleasure to watch.

My father thinks that Mickey Dolenz suits Zoser more then the original man did- his name escapes me at the moment. Mickey looked older; more like a father, and blew the audience away with his vocal power.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/1/04 at 8:59pm

I saw Craig Bierko in THE MUSIC MAN and loathed his performance. anyone can sit hoome and memorize everything Robert Preston did by studying the video of the movie. Eric McCormack created a fresh and marvelous Harold Hill.

[TheBalladeer]

Posted: 2/2/04 at 10:39am

Dollypop.....you actually like Betsy Joslyn as Johanna? Was she better before she appeared in the tour version that was taped for television? I would hope so! That was one of the most awful performances I have ever seen, and I have seen some doozies!


Cheers,
The Balladeer

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 2/2/04 at 10:55am

I thought the replacements in "Ragtime" were as equally effective to the Broadway originals. I saw the show a number of times and the only time I had a complaint was when the mother understudy performed (saw two different understudies and neither was good).

[MissElleTow2]

Posted: 2/2/04 at 11:58am

Yeah, Dolly, everyone KNOWS you loathe Bierko. ::yawn::

Personally, I'm glad Bierko kept the aspects of the Music Man that I loved and was familiar with. Look at what happened when Matthew Broderick changed the elements of the role that we all love! Most people hated it. For the record, I adore Matthew Broderick, just not in that role. Bierko brought a energetic, sensuality to Professor Hill, that Robert Preston definitely lacked. As much as I loved Preston's portrayal of Harold Hill, I couldn't figure out what about him made the women go all "agog." As much as I enjoyed it, McCormick brought Professor "Will" to the stage. I kept waiting for Grace to come out singing My White Night.

Elle

[sloane]

Posted: 2/2/04 at 1:36pm

Ohh Dolly Poop...
Blow it outta yer A**

Craig Bierko IS KING!

Oh wait a second. I get it now...you only WISH you had Craig's career? Ahhhhhhhhhh, that's why you always have a tinge of scathing animosity toward the ever talented Mr. Bierko!! Aww boo hoo Dolly.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 2/2/04 at 4:55pm

The second Urinetown cast was equally amazing, if not more so, than the original cast.