I’ve seen the show live twice, both with a ‘name’ (Caroline O’Connor) and an unknown. I did find the tone of the show varied greatly - when Caroline was on it felt like her show whereas with the unknown it put the focus more on the two male leads and their relationship. I would say it actually worked and I’d be open to anything as long as there is some strong and interesting direction. My fear is that this will turn out like the Thomas Kail Sweeney (serviceable if a little bland and stale). I hope I’m wrong!
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
This is officially happening! =) Spoke to a source this morning and I'm giddy about the leads.
Given how exciting I think the cast is...I REALLY hope it makes it to Broadway and doesn't just end with the workshop. We need a proper revival of this musical!
MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "This is officially happening! =) Spoke to a source this morning and I'm giddy about the leads.
Given how exciting I think the cast is...I REALLY hope it makes it to Broadway and doesn't just end with the workshop. We need a proper revival of this musical!"
Aurora is clearly cast with Broadway in mind. She will sell tickets.
There was a whole casting discussion/predictions in the thread about the cancelled Kennedy Center production...and all 3 leads for this are mentioned at some point in that thread.
I would’ve been shocked if it was anyone other than DeBose. Simply perfect casting.
I’m assuming they want actors of Latin/Hispanic descent, but Ramin Karimloo would be a fascinating Valentin. Of course, there’s the argument that the ethnic makeup of Argentina could allow actors of various backgrounds.
MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "Aurora is clearly cast with Broadway in mind. She will sell tickets.
There was a whole casting discussion/predictions in the thread about the cancelled Kennedy Center production...and all 3 leads for this are mentioned at some point in that thread."
Can you please copy the link to the other message board and post it here?
I feel like the only person who doesn't think Ariana Debose is right for this role. I know people think her manner can be a bit affected but to me, she has that "awww shucks, I'm just a regular girl who made it!" talk show host thing down. Which is cool but nothing about that works for Aurora. Where's the glamour?
I kind of get the concern that she still feels early in her career rather than a legend as the character might suggest but ultimately she is an academy award winning film actress who probably has the skills to pretend to be a legend as that’s the job :p. Plus will be a name to help sales. May not be my first choice but I can’t complain.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Ariana's biggest and most obvious obstacle is her singing. She can get a way with being a middling vocalist in supporting roles or in movie musicals. It's no knock on her acting ability, but she's better on screen than on stage. Not every stage actor can make the leap. If I were her, I'd go all in on film.
Ke3 said: "I feel like the only person who doesn't think Ariana Debose is right for this role. I know people think her manner can be a bit affected but to me, she has that "awww shucks, I'm just a regular girl who made it!" talk show host thing down. Which is cool but nothing about that works for Aurora. Where's the glamour?"
Nah she will be FAB!
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
babyjunegem said: "Ariana's biggest and most obvious obstacle is her singing. She can get a way with being a middling vocalist in supporting roles or in movie musicals. ."
I don't think Chita was ever known as an incredible singer - at least not by the age she originated Spider Woman.
She completely lacks the charisma and sex appeal that Aurora requires... Not to mention that I cringe at the thought of having to hear her sing that score.
FANtomFollies said: "babyjunegem said: "Ariana's biggest and most obvious obstacle is her singing. She can get a way with being a middling vocalist in supporting roles or in movie musicals. ."
I don't think Chita was ever known as an incredible singer - at least not by the age she originated Spider Woman."
Chita was a very strong singer when she was younger. There's clips of her on variety shows in the early 60s that are frankly shocking. Much like Elaine, smoking gave her the voice that's now become legendary. By the time of Spider Woman it didn't matter how diminished her voice might be. She was a star.
It's actually funny reading her book, she barely got to sing at her WSS audition, but Bernstein immediately loved her and called her to his home to begin working on learning the music.
I don’t foresee DeBose having any issues with the music. It’s not a strenuous singing role and there’s literally two sets of keys to choose from, or they can even meet in between the Chita and Vanessa keys. I prefer the eerier Chita keys, but I’m assuming DeBose’s voice would be more appropriate closer to the Vanessa keys.