Understudy Joined: 12/5/08
What role is this in the show? I saw it at Papermill, but I'm blanking on what she is.
Medda, the showgirl. Played by Ann-Margaret in the film and Helen Anker at Paper Mill.
Well, they certainly went in a different direction with the role for the transfer!
I wonder if one of the new songs Alan Menken is writing will be for her character. They might be going with something a little more belty.
Updated On: 1/25/12 at 11:54 AM
Ah, yes yes yes...thanks!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
For my money, Capathia Jenkins is the single best female singer working Broadway today.
Good move, as talented as Anker is, she disapeared in the role, Jenkins never disappears on stage.
I hope Menken writes her a new song in his quest for a TONY.
Updated On: 1/25/12 at 02:03 PM
Jenkins is an absolute star with a ferocious voice. A perfect choice to be playing a character who's supposed to be big in vaudeville.
bjh, I agree- they would be fools not to build a whole new number all around Jenkins. There's nothing she can't sing.
Given that Jenkins is a completely different type than Anker, I imagine Menken is doing just that. Probably some kind of big gospel number.
It should be anything but a Gospel number,
it takes place in a Burley-Que Theater,
more Fats Waller.
And the show needs more diversity than it had in Jersey.
I was just going to say, CPD- gospel is all wrong. Something more along the lines of the Nell Carter material in AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'.
I'm sure they'll come up with something. As Jenkins so hilariously sang about in MARTIN SHORT: FAME BECOMES ME, there's always room to let the big black lady stop the show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/09
I didn't think it was possible for me to get any more excited about this show, and I just did. Jenkins is so incredible, and I can't wait to see what they write for her.
I immediately thought of Ruth Brown's
IF I CAN'T SELL IT, I'M GONNA SIT ON IT,
but a PG DISNEY version, of course.
As long as nobody suggests bringing back either of Ann Margaret's dire songs from the film...
Videos