Bernadette Peters as Lovett - Will it EVER Happen?

Original post:

I hope so.

Is it rude to ask her after a concert if she is interested in playing the role :P? (Someone ask.)

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Update #1 (28th October, 2009): Bernadette Peters is explicitly asked if she is interested in playing Mrs Lovett in Broadway.com's ask a star:

http://www.broadway.com/videos/all/ask-a-star-answers-bernadette-peters/

She says she is, and has learnt one song from the show.

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Update #2 (7th November, 2009): A UK Sweeney Todd revival is semi-announced with Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton in the lead roles. Launching 'Spring 2011' then a west end transfer. Sounds like an appropriate vehicle for Bernadette Peters if the production transfers to Broadway in 2012-2013 (Aged 65 if she is able to pull it off it will be her last chance).


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Update #3 (3rd March, 2012): Well it's been a long time and the fanboyish pipe-dream continues but since the last update, Bernadette Peters has returned to Broadway twice in two leading Sondheim roles (in NIGHT MUSIC and FOLLIES) so it seems clear she still enjoys working. The Chicester Sweeney Todd has opened and closed and is about to open in the West End, and has just been recorded in the studio.

Apparently there is going to be a "Special Guest Star" in the summer. Perhaps Bernadette could make a temporary replacement for Staunton :P.

Michael Ball has expressed desire to come to Broadway with the production, although I assume Staunton who is praised in the role will come with him. This will be the last chance for Bernadette to ever play the role in London or New York if it transfers though.

Doesn't mean that Bernadette can't sing the role in a concert when she is 70 or play it somewhere regionally (although playing the role regionally seems beneath her). But this will be the last chance for her to play the role in London or in Broadway.

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Update #4 (5th November, 2012). So, according to rumours on the West End board - the Sweeney Todd production with Ball and Imelda is not going to Broadway anymore because of the high upfront costs. So that avenue seems exhausted.

Bernadette said she'd return to Broadway in a recent interview she suggested it's a lot of work, but that she "loves it" and she'd return if the project was "irresistible".

http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/170837-DIVA-TALK-Tony-Winner-Bernadette-Peters-Chats-About-NJ-Concerts-Smash-Coming-Up-Roses/pg3

The plight continues..


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Update #5 (7th November, 2012). Well, it seems BWW just asked Bernadette whether MRS LOVETT is the next role she'd like to take on, and she replied:

BP: Well, you see, it wasn’t done that long ago, you know?

PC: Of course - with Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris.

BP: Right. So, I haven’t really thought about it. But, you’re right - it is a really wonderful role. It really is.

In fact, they then went onto ask her if she would play Lovett against Michael Ball's Sweeney if the London production transferred:

PC: Sondheim recently spoke so favorably to me of that new West End Jonathan Kent production set in the 1930s. Perhaps you could team with Michael Ball if it comes over?

BP: Oh, I know! I’ve heard it’s just fabulous, but I didn't get over there to see it. I’d love to have seen Imelda Staunton in it.


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Update #6 (9th November, 2012). Because Bernadette is promoting her new movie COMING UP ROSES there are a lot of interviews popping up, so here is yet another that discusses MRS LOVETT on broadway.com. This makes it clear that the song she learned a few years ago was WORST PIES IN LONDON (see update #1). Assuming it isn't misleading, it also suggests that Bernadette explicitly brought up the role in the interview, saying she still has it left to play.

"Peters notes that Sweeney Todd’s Mrs. Lovett is still left to conquer, “but they did that [on Broadway] not long ago. I once learned 'The Worst Pies in London,' and the details in that song are incredible.”

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/165342/bernadette-peters-on-losing-her-mind-in-the-new-movie-coming-up-roses-and-her-thank-you-note-to-sondheim/

In another interview over at theatremania she said ""I don't think I'll be doing anything in the next year, but it [sic] you never know. I have a part in mind"

http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/11-2012/bernadette-peters-is-busy-coming-up-roses-and-revi_63698.html?cid=homepage_news

Is Bernadette looking for a vehicle to play Mrs Lovett?


Update #7 (7th July, 2013) The NY Phil has announced a Sweeney concert for 2014. This is the perfect opportunity for Bernadette to play Mrs Lovett.

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Update #8 (10th October, 2013) The NY Phil has announced Emma Thompson will play Mrs Lovett in the 2014 concerts. A bit of a dead end.

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Update #9 (23rd August, 2016) An Off-Broadway revival has been announced for 2017 NYC. Bernadette, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!!

Updated On: 8/22/16 at 03:23 AM

Updated On: 3/2/12 at 05:26 PM

Updated On: 7/6/09 at 07:51 AM