Bernadette Peters and Kim Cattrall to star in Kennedy Centers Follies - Page 3

[logan0215]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:07pm

Agreed MB but we must also remember that Ravinia is what, a week or two of performances? LuPone could very well be touring and performing an entire set of her choosing although her track record may indicate she could be game.

I certainly would love it. I feel that Carlotta would be better suited because she has more book scenes in the first act than Stella from what I can assess from the City Center production.

EDIT: husk, That's sort of why I suggested LuPone. I feel like it would really fuel an interesting rendition of "I'm Still Here" to have her and her only real Sondheim contender in the same show.

Updated On: 8/25/10 at 03:07 PM

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:08pm

I also thought of LuPone as Carlotta, but think she'd be an awesome Stella, too. Neither one would happen, though, because she's doing Seven Deadly Sins with the New York City Ballet in early May.

Updated On: 8/25/10 at 03:08 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:10pm

I always saw Carlotta as a little more of a faded sex symbol, which LuPone realy never was, though I'm sure she'd find a way to be wonderful in the part.

She's absolutely a Stella though - that tough, ballsy, slightly blousy broad!

[newintown]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:11pm

Carlotta possibilities:
Donna McKechnie
Lola Falana
Melba Moore
Loni Ackerman
Patti Lupone
Michele Pawk

Stellas:
Lainie Kazan
Mary Testa
Judy Kaye
Kathi Moss
Camille Saviola
Bette Midler

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:16pm

Bette Midler could sing the part, but would only do it should it be turned into a film...which has been mentioned before.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:23pm

Even though we're just trading hypotheticals here, do you really think Patti would agree to play a small (though distinguished) role in a production where Bernadette is playing the iconic lead?

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:32pm

"I always saw Carlotta as a little more of a faded sex symbol..."

I (and others) have often suggested Vanessa Williams as Phyllis, but she could easily fit the Carlotta role as well.

[newintown]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:37pm

I know that she is almost 50, but Vanessa, with that perfect smooth skin and sylph-like figure, hardly looks like someone who has been through much in the way of good times and bum times, does she?

It seems that Carlotta works best when played by an actress who actually sort of has run the gamut. Vanessa (although she has been represented on film, tv, stage, and records) still seems more mid (or early-mid-)-career, don't you think?

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:45pm

She was stripped of her crown, for Pete's sake! How much more bum times do you NEEEEEEED????

Kidding. I think she can certainly do it, but your reasoning is why I suggested LA Warren.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:52pm

The moment I saw "Peters" and "Follies" together, I smiled. This is such great news. I know it was rumored for quite some time, but it's great to see some confirmation. Now I just have to plan a trip from Las Vegas. Hmmmm...

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:53pm

I think by 'bum times' she means career and personal lows - I don't think it necessarily means she was living on the streets or was in a crack house.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:56pm

Well...she does mention bread lines, reefers, vino and pills.

WAIT.

GOT IT.

WHITNEY.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 3:59pm

Danny Burstein? Count me in.

Posted: 8/25/10 at 4:17pm

She toured in stock! How much lower can you go?

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 4:19pm

SonofRobbieJ - If they cast Whitney poor Gregg Barnes is gonna have to scotch guard all of her costumes from the sweat...

[BellatrixxLestrangee]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 5:08pm

Wait, I'm so excited for this.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 5:15pm

Though she'll be pushing 70 next year, I would love to hear Ann-Margret's take on Carlotta and "I'm Still Here."

[binau]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 5:21pm

Whyyyy can't they start FOLLIES a month earlier :'(!!!!

[AngusN]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 5:40pm

I am SOOOO excited at the prospect of this production, but am so apprehensive about Kim as Phyllis. Do we know anything about ehr singing ability? And I don't buy, well Alexis couldn't sing very well. This is a professional production, with professional performers in a musical - deserve someone that can sing and act. Therefore my vote goes to Vanessa Williams.
Updated On: 8/25/10 at 05:40 PM

[D2]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 5:42pm

Because the original production was unprofessional?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 6:00pm

Kim Cattrall is inspired casting for Phyllis. She'll knock "Ah, But Underneath" (which suits her much better than "The Story of Lucy and Jessie") out of the ballpark. Initially, they'd indeed been talking to Vanessa Williams before she signed on to another television series and became unavailable.

Eric Schaeffer wants Bette Midler for Carlotta. I have serious doubts as to whether or not she'd actually do it (though her schedule's free now that her Vegas engagement is up,) but they've already had a meeting about it.

Updated On: 8/25/10 at 06:00 PM

[logan0215]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 6:02pm

Do you know for a fact that "Ah, But Underneath" is being used?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 6:06pm

"The Story of Lucy and Jessie" was designed to show off Alexis Smith's dance chops. "Ah, But Underneath" seems tailor made to Cattrall's abilities- it's a sexy showcase for an actress first and singer second, which is exactly what she is (and what Diana Rigg was when Sondheim wrote it for her in the London production.)

I'd be willing to bet almost assuredly that they'll use it.

Updated On: 8/25/10 at 06:06 PM

[AngusN]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 6:11pm

Of course, Vanessa is in Desperate Housewives now, isn't she? No chance of her signing up to it.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 6:12pm

I Am Woman - Sex and the City 2