Swing Joined: 11/29/22
Well, based on what people are saying on this thread, she seems to be doing Sweeney Todd AND Light/Piazza. How can she do that AND open Here Lies Love.
Swing Joined: 11/29/22
I actually think it’s beautiful and modern. Compared to the standard marquee.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/24/11
RippedMan said: "Timbers did move half the audience for Rocky. So it could be done.
I saw it from the upstairs so I didn't move around and I still had a blast."
This was exactly my experience as well! As a matter of fact I saw it later at the National Theatre where they had built a specific theatre so they could house Here Lies Love immersively and I participated in the immersive process of the show and did not enjoy it as much!
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/24/11
How strange...There was just a news item up here about the Here Lies Love rumor and then it was almost immediately taken down....
Hmm...did somebody jump an embargo?
While no official news is out, I was wondering if Andrea Macasaet from Six could take on this role? She's young yes, but Lupone was young when she played Evita.
inception said: "Hmm...did somebody jump an embargo?
While no official news is out, I was wondering if Andrea Macasaet from Six could take on this role? She's young yes, but Lupone was young when she played Evita."
Patti was what, 30, 31? She played Eva age 15-33.
The latest I've heard is that Ruthie is NOT doing Here Lies Love. Producers and director wanted her and she was offered the Broadway production but turned it down.
As for why? Who knows. Maybe she feels she has spent enough time with the project. Maybe Sweeney is a dream show for her. Maybe she wants a gig where she doesn't have to be the lead and carry the show on her back. Only she has the answers. All I know is that she chose to do Sweeney instead.
Leading Actor Joined: 10/3/22
So who is replacing her?
I mean, Brand new risky Broadway musical over a solid paycheck and a show that will probably run at least 6-9 months with Groban, if not a year. I'd say take the solid paycheck and work with some crazy talented people.
Swing Joined: 11/29/22
Call me crazy, but I think Here Lies Love would have longer legs than another revival of Sweeney Todd.
Understudy Joined: 9/9/22
This is just me speculating, but maybe she isn't physically up to leading a giant musical yet. She had that horrific accident a few years ago, maybe her body cannot handle that just this soon. Just a thought I had.
Could this be a vehicle for (an) Eva Noblezada or Vanessa Hudgens (type)? Both are of Filipina descent.
Updated On: 11/30/22 at 11:16 AMBroadway Legend Joined: 1/25/20
It's entirely possible that Ruthie just wants to move on with her career. Her life has had enormous changes since Here Lies Love. Sweeney and The Light in the Piazza are two phenomenal shows and roles. Why not add two more great roles to her list of credits? As opposed to reprising one she may feel she's explored enough.
Natalie Mendoza played Imelda in the London production, and Jaygee Macapugay played her in Seattle. With how long it's been I'm not terribly surprised if she's not on board for a return
seraphim11 said: "Natalie Mendoza played Imelda in the London production, and Jaygee Macapugay played her in Seattle. With how long it's been I'm not terribly surprised if she's not on board for a return"
I think Macapugay might be working on Shucked in the spring.
Andrea Macasaet is playing Mimi in Rent at Stratford this season so, unless she bails, she's out. I think she'd be lovely tho.
Intotheblue said: "Call me crazy, but I think Here Lies Love would have longer legs than another revival of Sweeney Todd."
Why? Here Lies Love didn’t have super long legs off-Broadway. And if it is indeed at the Broadway, it has a huge house to fill.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/25/20
If Ruthie truly isn't doing it, I'd crawl over broken glass to see Lea Salonga in this role. A thoroughly underused talent (in this country that is). And she recently moved back to the states full time if I'm not mistaken.
Understudy Joined: 9/9/22
Lea would sell tickets, imo. and be fantastic.
Yeah, we know it's another revival, but it's got major stars, major director, etc. It'll have legs even if it gets bad reviews where as Here Lies Love is a huge risk given the current climate with new musicals.
Eva's vocals would be wonderful.
So they built a whole theater in London to house the show? Would love to hear more about this. Maybe Timber's has won over some investors with Moulin Rouge's immersive feel. But doesn't seem like Here Lies Love would be able to tour, etc.
broadwayben3 said: "Lea would sell tickets, imo."
The abysmal grosses for ALLEGIANCE, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and FLOWER DRUM SONG do not support that opinion in any way.
And from what I had heard a few months ago, they are extremely committed to Ruthie.
Kad said: "And if it is indeed at the Broadway, it has a huge house to fill."
Not necessarily, if they reconfigure it to make the experience more immersive (as it was downtown) in a way similar to the way they reconfigured the Broadway for Hal Prince's revival of CANDIDE. The capacity was taken way down.
^ 100%
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/24/14
I can't believe a tony winner with such a resumée as ruthie chose to do a sweeney revival playing a thankless role as the beggar woman than lead a lead musical that she has received so much acclaimed before, but I like the score of this show and hope it success anyway
MadsonMelo said: "I can't believe a tony winner with such a resumée as ruthie chose to do a sweeney revival playing a thankless role as the beggar woman than lead a lead musical that she has received so much acclaimed before, but I like the score of this show and hope it success anyway"
Where are people getting the idea that Ruthie is out?
Videos