Featured Actor Joined: 7/24/06
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
Sarah -Bonnie Hunt
Featured Actor Joined: 7/24/06
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
Sarah-Bonnie Hunt
Any other thoughts?
Londonskyguy said: "
Larry- Rob Lowe”
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.
Bonnie Hunt is almost 60.
TotallyEffed said: "Bonnie Hunt is almost 60."
Patti LuPone is 70 What's your point?
I'm gearing up for the press stories about LuPone and a younger "movie Star".
Boyd Gaines for Larry! He's got the Patti connection, and he played Bobby in Roundabout's revival in the 90s.
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.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/27/19
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?).
Compared to Joanne, Sarah makes a much smaller impact.
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.
You’re referring to Amy, not Sarah.
Joanne has a 15 minute scene that is centered around her. It’s a juicy role.
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, for whom you've dreamcast Gavin Creel (which I completely agree would be perfect casting).
Jonathan Bailey was excellent in London. Would really like him to come over with the production...
ljay889 said: "You’re referring to Amy, not Sarah.
Joanne has a 15 minute scene that is centered around her. It’s a juicy role."
OMG, I'm embarrassed. You're right. Sorry. Egg on my face. Never mind. *sigh*
Jonathan Bailey was excellent in London. Would really like him to come over with the production.
Ditto that. I knew he was winning the Olivier when I walked out of the theatre.
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.
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.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/8/19
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?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
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.
Did I hear...Limited Engagement - Michelle Williams + Patti Lupone
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