Also worth noting that she also did Sunset Boulevard in London and then didn't do it in NY.
I know those were entirely different circumstances, and also it's not fair to compare her experience on Company to experience in Sunset. I'm not really making a point one way or the other, I think it's intriguing that if she doesn't reprise her role in Company, it will be the 3rd time she has played a role in London and not come back to play it when it transferred to Broadway. Which is obviously an unusual situation for a New York-based actor.
Of course, Patti will absolutely do it, but she's known for playing hardball. She has previously said that she'd only move with it if certain cast members could join her, presumably she's referring to Craig and Bailey.
Imagine seeing Laura Benanti and Patti LuPone in the night club scene together again. It has to be her if it's not Craig!
"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
At the end of the day, if they don’t go with a name, I think Rosalie will be the one. She literally developed the role/production with the creators from the beginning, from the filmed workshop that got Sondheim on board. Also, Patti fiercely adores her, and Brantley’s love letter certainly doesn’t hurt.
ljay889 said: "At the end of the day, if they don’t go with a name, I think Rosalie will be the one. She literally developed the role/production with the creators from the beginning, from the filmed workshop that got Sondheim on board. Also, Patti fiercely adores her, and Brantley’s love letter certainly doesn’t hurt."
I agree. I think Patti is the big name for American audiences and I'm almost certain she won't transfer without Rosie. Plus, Rosie is awesome – she was critically acclaimed for the role in London and rightfully so. Fleeshman is quite know across the pond also, so will be interesting to see if he transfers, especially after the Olivier nomination.
I agree, the waiting sucks, but a spring transfer is the BEST option for a Sondheim revival. It won’t have to worry about surviving the winter, and it can ride on the excitement, buzz, and strong reviews through the Tonys and summer.
I think there are a dozen American actors who would be better in the role than Rosalie Craig was, but I agree it seems likely that unless they get a major name she will likely come over with it.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
Patti’s name doesn’t sell a show. It didn’t with War Paint, The Anarchist, Women on the Verge and even her Gypsy closed early.
Also, Sondheim shows don’t always do well financially as it is, unless they’re produced by Roundabout. My point is they’d be smart to try to get some major names in this because as it is, I just can’t see it succeeding (financially).
Jordan, with all due respect, the revivals of Sweeney, Night Music, and Sunday all recouped commercially, and had no involvement with Roundabout. Granted, two of those revivals had major stars, but they were financially successful Sondheim revivals nonetheless.
I agree, the smartest decision would be to pair a bankable name with Patti in Company, but at the end of the day, I just can’t see them pushing aside Rosalie who has helped develop this particular production from the beginning. Maybe Rosalie can open it and do a limited run of a few months, and then they can find a name to replace her who wouldn’t mind missing out on the chance of a Tony. We’ve seen some surprising replacements in the past.
As much as I adore Laura Benanti, vocally alone, she is all wrong for Bobbie, as is evidenced by Rosalie Craig’s performance, Bobbi needs to have belting capabilities of which, as Laura herself has stated many times, she does not have. Count me among those who truly hopes Rosalie transfers or someone like SJB is cast.
Stephanie J Block could not possibly be more wrong for the role of Bobbi. She is a decade too old to play the part. A part where the character's age is important to the story. I bet anyone suggesting her for the role hasn't seen the show, since you're suggesting a woman in her late 40's to play a character who is celebrating her 35th birthday. It's kind of what the whole musical is about....
Patti does sell tickets, and if the show is received well and gets great reviews, it will do well. However, if they want a smash hit you can pair Lupone (a Broadway legend) with someone like Anne Hathaway (a movie star and Oscar winner). The show would struggle with Patti alone. Even if they paired her with Benanti, who would be great and can belt/mix enough to sing the role just fine. I also think most of the smaller supporting roles can be stunt cast quite easily.
As for the Cort, that thing is a pile of bricks. I hope this doesn't go anywhere close to that dump.