Any scoop on why the LITTLE SHOP producers let go of Alice Ripley?

i understand the producers were only unhappy with the original director (the cast were not terribly pleased with her either) and replaced her with Jerry Zaks. Despite the talents of the original cast, Zaks wanted to start fresh with a wholesale change, went back to the drawing board and auditioned people in every role for several weeks. With the possible exception of Hunter Foster, i think it's an all new cast. Meanwhile i heard that Alice, undeterred, took a job in a new play in Washington and is preparing material for her next album.

the producers have generated tons of ill will around town by the shoddy way they handled the situation and (other than Jerry Zaks' track record) there doesn't seem a lot of reason to think this new version is going to fare all that much better this time around. the rumored new cast, while fine, doesn't seem any real improvement.

the big question is why revive a wonderful small off Broadway musical (which had the good sense not to move uptown even though it could have in its original run) in a multimillion dollar bloated Broadway version--especailly one as perfect in its original form as little shop?

i can't imagine anyone better than Alice to tackle the legacy of ellen green. sounds like shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic to me?

Ahh, I love Alice, was looking forward to her interpretation of Audrey. But now she's doing a comedy in Los Angeles, where I am, yee ha!

-Rob
ALICE RIPLEY AS AUDREY PHOTOS

Yeah, it's hardly in L.A., Rob! Even if it's SET in L.A. Similarly, Marissa Jaret Winokur isn't starring in Hairspray actually in Baltimore. And Toni Braxton isn't nubian in Egypt. And "Cabaret" isn't in Berlin, "Nine" isn't in Italy, etc... The only show that actually does take place where it's supposed to is "Urinetown," cause 43rd Street smells like piss! :)

-DR

Updated On: 7/7/03 at 08:10 PM

America is brutal on performers.
And America can be very prudish at times too.

america has soo many issues and hang ups when it comes to sex and sexuality it is ridiculous.

Not really anything. Jake commented on how harsh American's can be and I commented that they are harsh/judgemental on just about everything.

It was! The director wanted carbon copies of the originals!