Yes D2, thanks for the correction. It was early in the morn and my mind slipped and I forgot that Routledge originated the role at the Delacorte and was replaced by Parsons when the production transferred.
Another interesting side note: George Rose and Kevin Kline also reprised their roles for the film version, Parsons was replaced by Angela Lansbury.
When Ronstadt left the production she was replaced by another rock songstress: Karla DeVito, who was Ronstadt's understudy. Rex Smith was replaced by Robby Benson, who was a big box office draw (and went on to marry DeVito). When Benson left he was replaced by Peter Noone who was lead singer for the rock group Herman's Hermits in the 1960s.
Pop stars on Broadway are not a new thing and many have proven that they can more than hold their own on a Broadway stage.
Another great example:
Vanessa Williams, a de-throned former Miss America who achieved success on the pop/r&b charts and despite her musical theater training in college hadn't graced the Broadway stage until she was given a chance to replace Broadway theater legend Chita Rivera in the smash musical "Kiss of the Spider Woman". Again, people voiced their doubts and some predicted the show would close.
You all want to guess what happened there?
Updated On: 12/30/13 at 10:17 AM