I was fortunate to see the London production twice,and I so wish the entire cast would transfer to Broadway.I have never seen a more perfect ensemble. Unfortunately it seems this is not going to happen , so let’s discuss. Joanne - Patti Bobbi- Anne Hathaway Larry- Rob Lowe Jaime- Gavin Creel
I was fortunate to see the London production twice,and I so wish the entire cast would transfer to Broadway.I have never seen a more perfect ensemble. Unfortunately it seems this is not going to happen , so let’s discuss. Joanne - Patti Bobbi- Anne Hathaway Larry- Rob Lowe Jaime- Gavin Creel
By any chance, did you mean to say Harry instead of Larry? Rob Lowe is too young to play Larry, and Larry is much too small of a role for someone as famous as Rob Lowe. That’s probably true of Harry as well, but it’s arguably the largest husband role, and Lowe would be excellent in that part.
CurtainPullDowner said: "TotallyEffed said: "Bonnie Hunt is almost 60."
Patti LuPone is 70 What's your point?"
Patti isn’t playing a small, forgettable supporting role, she’s playing an iconic, unforgettable role that won her an Olivier. She gets to sing one of the most famous songs ever written for the musical theatre. The character is also supposed to be the oldest woman and the role is tailored perfectly for Patti’s skills and theatrical persona
To suggest Bonnie Hunt for Sarah is just hilarious.
TotallyEffed said: "CurtainPullDowner said: "TotallyEffed said: "Bonnie Hunt is almost 60."
Patti LuPone is 70 What's your point?"
Patti isn’t playing a small, forgettable supporting role, she’s playing an iconic, unforgettablerole that won her an Olivier.She gets to sing one of the most famous songs ever written for the musical theatre. The character is also supposed to be the oldest woman and the role is tailored perfectly for Patti’s skills and theatrical persona
To suggest Bonnie Hunt for Sarah is just hilarious."
When i first read that, I thought there must be another, new Bonnie Hunt that I hadn't heard of. I just saw her in that Escape from Dannemora series, and I have nothing but respect for her, but I agree- that she would be cast in a minor role written for someone 25 years her junior, is pretty hilarious.
Don't know that you can call Sarah "minor." I'm not sure she has any fewer lines than Joanne, the whole show is really an ensemble where everyone but Bobby (Bobbie) carry equal weight, Sarah was originally who Bobby ended up with in earlier drafts, and "Getting Married Today" comes at the end of Act One, giving it something of the weight "The Ladies Who Lunch" will have as an eleven o'clock number.
And a young Bonnie Hunt would have been wonderful in the part. But, yeah, it won't work for someone in their 60's (could Hunt pull off Joanne?).
She is literally the one to tell him/her "Blow out the candles and make a wish. Want something. Want something." That is literally the show's message she's delivering. And she's the only friend, along with Joanne, highlighted throughout in her relationship to Bobbie rather than getting only a scene and then merging back into the chorus.
joevitus said: "She is literally the one to tell him/her "Blow out the candles and make a wish. Want something. Want something."That is literally the show's message she's delivering. And she's the only friend, along with Joanne, highlighted throughout in her relationship to Bobbierather than getting only a scene and then merging back into the chorus."
That’s Amy, not Sarah.
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.
joevitus said: "She is literally the one to tell him/her "Blow out the candles and make a wish. Want something. Want something."That is literally the show's message she's delivering. And she's the only friend, along with Joanne, highlighted throughout in her relationship to Bobbierather than getting only a scene and then merging back into the chorus."
As others have mentioned, that's Amy not Sarah.
And in this production, that's actually Jamie, because Amy-Paul are now a same sex couple, forwhom you've dreamcast Gavin Creel (which I completely agree would be perfect casting).
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Boyd Gaines for Larry! He's got the Patti connection, and he played Bobby in Roundabout's revival in the 90s."
You're not going to see an actor of Gaines' caliber (he has four Tonys!) in a role like Larry. He only gets featured in part of "Sorry/Grateful" and barely any featured time in scenes.
With the exception of a handful of roles (specifically Amy, Joanne, Marta, April), the featured roles in Company are pretty thankless and don't get a lot to shine with. You are not going to see big names in this ensemble.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Company is a pretty thankless job for every performer except Joanne. She's got the showstopper. Everyone else, including Bobby, no matter how good they are seem to sort of vaporize. The Sam Mendes production is the rare one in which Bobby didn't come off as a cipher in his own show (and I don't think that was a good production). Company is the star of Company, not really it's performers. But you need a Joanne who can pull off "The Ladies Who Lunch" or you're sunk.
Just don't recast the flight attendant (sorry, I can't remember or find the actor's name). Anyone who saw the production will know what I'm saying. Jonathan Bailey has charisma to burn, but Creel would be super. And has anyone already mentioned Annaleigh. Ashford for Bobbie?
How does that scene even work in this version? In the original, Bobby accidentally calls her June when it's April. What similar slip do they come up with?
SisterGeorge said: "And has anyone already mentioned Annaleigh. Ashford for Bobbie?"
If they are looking for a Hollywood star to take on the role of Bobbie that is most certainly NOT Annaleigh Ashford.
Not that I think she's even been considered, but I was actually wondering this morning how Elizabeth Banks would be in this. I personally find she has the sort of charisma and personality that would help explain why Bobbie is the center of this very wide circle of friends.
joevitus said: "How does that sceneeven work in this version? In the original, Bobby accidentally calls her June when it's April. What similar slip do they come up with?"
“Randy......Andy” if I recall. The slip is certainly still there. The scene is hilarious.
I agree the ensemble for the most part was very strong and I hope they can replicate the energy and closeness they seemed to have. Just thinking about all the cast changes is now making me a little nervous.
"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