Applegate Out of Boston Run — Page 2

You took the words right out of my mouth, Marquise. The Fosse choreography IS SWEET CHARITY, as much as the book or the score (both of which they've ALSO tinkered with and rewritten for this production). I think it's truly a shame and dishonors Fosse's legend.

Why not let Cilento choreograph a NEW show and leave SWEET CHARITY alone?

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With all due respect to Coleman, I wonder if he gave the re-jigged CHARITY his blessing because... it is best known as a Bob Fosse show and less so a Cy Coleman show.

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The Tony rules state that only those performers who are in the opening night cast are eligible for consideration. There was only one exception ever made -- Dean Jones opened COMPANY, but left the show shortly thereafter due to personal reasons (he was going through a painful divorce) and was replaced by Larry Kert, who was later nominated for the Tony.

In this instance, if it looks like Applegate can return and do the role full time after she heals, then I'm sure the Weisslers will delay the NY opening, if need be, until she's ready. If (and there's been no indication of this, mind you) she decides to withdraw, then I guess the show would open with D'Amboise.

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Updated On: 3/13/05 at 08:12 PM

With five slots for Best Actress, she'd have to be a complete and total car-wreck not to get a nomination (though according to you, Glebb, she was ...... ).

Enjoy the movie -- the dance sequences, as you know, are just stunning.

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Margo, I'm sure you know this. What is the name of the lead dancer in "Rich Man's Frug"? The one with the extra long pony tail. She's so great in that sequence!

Dammit Glebb I'm going to pop in that DVD now to watch some of my favorite sequences. Thank god for the scene selections feature. No more fast forwarding or rewinding!

Suzanne Charney was the lead frug dancer (and, I believe also played the role on Broadway). Great dancer (and one of my favorite dance sequences ever).

And, Princeton, no you're not the only one who wishes D'Amboise could get this big break (wishing no ill on Ms. Applegate). D'Amoise has paid her dues for decades and deserves a break like this and would be fantastic. Too bad sitcom stardom is more important in determining who gets cast in lead roles on Broadway than hard work and experience and sheer talent.

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Updated On: 3/14/05 at 08:46 PM

Margo,
I've seen "Chicago" over 10 times on tour, on Broadway and in London (with Maria Freedman playing Roxie). Charlotte is easily my favorite Roxie. She is a true triple threat. Did you have the pleasure of seeing her in "Chicago?"

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She probably figures...
"I could get paid to go on once in a while...or I could play Roxie AGAIN."

Too bad there aren't more options for her.
That said...I'm sure she'll be fab. And more and more, i'm liking the idea of her opening the show on Broadway.

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brdlwyr,

alot of us didn't expect Fosse to choreograph this production. the man after all has passed on. what we would have rather seen was a faithful re-creation of those amazing dance sequences that gave that show it's style and flair and made the show a classic.

I would personally love to see Charlotte and or Karen Ziemba in this role. Love me them triple threats.

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Uh-oh. This show must REALLY be ina LOT of trouble. Sounds like they've pushed the panic button.

From Broadway.com:

" Charity Hope Valentine's getting a couple of new best friends. Broadway.com has learned that Kyra DaCosta and Janine LaManna will replace Solange Sandy and Natascia Diaz, respectively, in the Broadway-bound revival of Sweet Charity. The two new actresses will begin performances as Helene and Nickie, cohorts of Christina Applegate's Charity, when the production begins its final pre-Broadway stop in Boston on March 18. As previously reported, Charlotte d'Amboise will also start performances in the title role, subbing for injured headliner Applegate, at the same time.

DaCosta, whose Charity character Helene works at the Fandango club with Charity and Nickie, previously appeared on Broadway in the ensemble of Aida and also served as the Nehebka understudy. Her off-Broadway credits include Red Hot Broadway at the Acorn Theatre and the Encores! staging of Golden Boy. She has also appeared in productions of Dreamgirls, Finian's Rainbow, Once on This Island, Smokey Joe's Café and TV's The Parkers and A Makeover Story, which she hosted. DaCosta recently toured the country as a “Harlette” on Bette Midler's Kiss My Brass tour."
http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=508277

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PRINCETON 78, i too have seen CHICAGO on the road many times. One of the best combinations, in my opinion, was Charlotte and Deidre Goodwin as Velma.

i just wanted to see Applegate get a shot, because i like her comedy sense on screen and her background suggests she might be able to dance. Ever since JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY Charlotte has had many features on Broadway, but always in revivals. i'd love to see her actually create a role, but alas true dance-centered original shows are few and far between. For instance, she'd be great in a new show with choreography and/or direction by Jerry Mitchell.

Due to Christina's (relatively) untrained vocal technique, maybe a good solution would be to have Charlotte stand-by for Applegate (not the most glamorous job, i know, but many smaller name actors do it) PLUS play matinees (once it gets to Broadway, which i agree after all this heartache Weisslers will MAKE happen). That formula of a really good matinee performer for vocally taxing shows has worked in the past to some success.

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