Beth Leavel & John Dossett to join MAMMA MIA! Sept. 22- Page 2

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 4:40pm

When I was first offered the job I have now, I almost didn't take it, thinking it was "below me." But then I decided I'd rather make my mortgage payments, see that my children are healthy and clothed, and generally maintain the upkeep of my home and well-being.

Responsibility is more important than ego, people.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 4:52pm

^ exactly. if she was unmarried or had no children, she'd have the luxury of waiting around for a piece of "high quality." Actresses like Karen Olivo or Laura Benanti can take risks with material or bide their time and wait for the next "perfect" show, because they don't have children to worry about. Why do you think George Lee Andrews has stayed with Phantom?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 7:47pm

The rumor I heard a few months ago was that they were bringing in Andrea McCardle as Donna with her daughter, Alexis Kalehoff, as Sophie.

Leavel was first seen for the show ages ago and has been "on hold" for a while, so if she's leaving at the end of the year to do MINSKY'S, I wouldn't be surprised if it worked out perfectly to bring her in as an interim between Carmello and McCardle.

Assuming Brandi Burkhardt's contract is up in the fall, as some here seem to think, it would also make room for Kalehoff.

Updated On: 7/14/09 at 07:47 PM

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 7:53pm

"The rumor I heard a few months ago was that they were bringing in Andrea McCardle as Donna with her daughter Alexis Kalehoff as Sophie. "

*Fingers crossed* McArdle needs to return asap! And how cute/cool would it be to see an actual mother/daughter coupling on stage?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 7:55pm

I agree that would be adorable. I'd definitely see that.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 8:31pm

If the rumor turns out to be true -

Beth then Audra in the same show...would pay to see again.

Updated On: 7/13/09 at 08:31 PM

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 8:37pm

McCardle would be replacing Leavel, so they wouldn't be in the show at the same time.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/13/09 at 9:20pm

I know it's a job, but Beth Leavel is SOOOOO above this! Still, this gives me a reason to enter the Winter Garden Theater for the first time ever!!

She's been waiting for a bunch of new projects she's associated with to get off the ground, one of which being MINKSY'S. She's mentioned last February that it seems as if it will contend in the 2010-2011 season.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:20am

BTW, I didn't really think my current job was "below me." I was just trying to make a point.

Nevertheless, in addition to Ms. Leavel's sense of responsibility, joining the cast of MAMMA MIA also reinforces what those in the business have known for years: Beth Leavel is a work horse. And when you're as talented as she, no role is too small, no part is too meager.

I find it interesting that people here are being critical of her next role rather than supporting the fact that this Tony-winning actress isn't all uppity and conceited about it! Try to look at it this way: It's another chance to see her on stage, another opportunity for her to put her spin on a character, and another example of how an award-winning actor can accept a role that's just plain FUN. She is, after all, following in the footsteps of Meryl Streep. Not too shabby!

[scott68]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:56am

Wasn't Beth Leavel's last job as Cruella DeVille in the 101 Dalmatians "pre-Broadway" (heavy on the quotation marks) tour? I know she presented some of the songs for industry people, and I thought she was headed out on the road for it. Either way, I can't imagine that the lead role in one of the top-selling shows on Broadway being a downgrade for almost anyone. She's a phenomenal talent, but there just aren't that many roles available in high-profile productions for someone of her voice range and character type.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 1:16am

Leavel did the industry presentation of 101 DALMATIANS, but she was never actually going to tour with it.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 1:37am

Beth would get me to go back to see Mamma Mia...definitely.

Spotted: Brandi Burkhardt of Tale of Two Cities and Mamma Mia at 41st and 9th headed in for a Pure Country audition.
BWAYSPOTTED

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 1:55am

Well, I'm DEFINITELY going. At least once.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 10:41am

Eeesh, can't stand the show but may have to go back and see it.

[zepka102]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 10:45am

I really don't understand this whole "below her" argument. What makes the show below anyone? Not only is it a paying job, but it's also one of the more successful shows on Broadway right now. It's been going strong for years and doesn't seem to be slowing down. Just because a show isn't a deep thinker and been around for more than three years doesn't mean it's degrading to be in. Audiences love it because it is a good time, and it seems like the cast members are having just as much fun up there, and the fact that a recent Tony winner is joining doesn't mean she's dropping low for work. Geez, I'd love to be in Mamma Mia... I know I'd have fun! So I say all the more power to her... and I hope she enjoys it as much as it looks!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 11:00am

What Zepka said.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 11:19am

I don't look at "Mamma Mia" as "beneath" Beth Leavel at all--I just question her suitability for Donna. Tanya yes, but I base that strictly on the fact that her most recent roles invite playing things broadly. Meryl Streep, of all people, proved you can be broad as a beam (soemwhat to the movie's detriment) as Donna, but Louise Pitre played it with sincerity and heart and from all accounts, so does Carolee.

Maybe it will showcase a side of Beth I've never seen.

She's very canny though--whether she's good, bad or indifferent in it, "Mamma Mia" offers her a real level of job security for as long as she sticks with it. It ain't going anywhere soon.

[zepka102]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 11:24am

I seriously thought she was going to be Tanya when I saw the headline she was joining the show. I was so surprised when I opened it. I love the idea though.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:00pm

To add to the current discussion Beth has a job all lined up in Minsky's (unless something should happen) but that isn't the winter. I suspect someone like Beth doesn't like to be sitting around that long waiting for a project to start. I always felt she just wants to work as much as she can not just for the financial reasons but because she loves it. I'm sure when the Mamma Mia offer came she saw it as the perfect chance to not only keep working but to, also, keep herself ready for Minsky's. Performing 8 shows a week is the perfect "exercise" to keep body and voice in top shape.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:12pm

I always wanted Beth to play either Velma Von Tussle or female authority figure in Hairspray or Dolly in Hello, Dolly! for that matter.

Updated On: 7/14/09 at 12:12 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:17pm

There is nothing wrong with taking over the lead in a hit show. Carmello managed to reinvent Donna in her performance. Leavel could do the same. Broadway isn't always about going into new shows.

[justafan2]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:43pm

I loved Louise Pitre in the role, but am very happy to hear about Beth---I think she'll be great---certainly won't be a meek Donna!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 12:44pm

She's fabulous and I love her!

[snowskittle]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 1:58pm

Is Sean Krill leaving also?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 7/14/09 at 2:16pm

Since Dossett is taking over the role of Sam, I think it's pretty safe to assume Krill (who is currently playing the part) will be leaving.