Cast of Mary Poppins- Page 4

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:28am

Laura Michelle Kelly's contract stipulates that she will play the role on Broadway. It is my understanding, however, that the producers are planning to buy her out- they want to completely re-tool (brighten up) the show for American audiences.

I personally think Susan Egan will be perfect for the role but I don't think she will take a full year to do a show on Broadway. Her boyfriend is in CA and she has not taken some great jobs on Broadway in order to be with him.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 9:45am

I understand and agree that for American audiences they'll need to brighten-up the show. When I saw it in London, I adored it but my family commented on how dark it was and they are average theater going people, not fanatical like myself.

This next part could sound alittle crazy....

This might just be my opinion but you all are suggesting people without thinking how they will look. Mary Poppins needs to have strong facial bone structure. All the Mary Poppins that they have had in London make an impression on you. By suggesting Sutton or Susan, you are missing the point. Mary Poppins can't just be a singer but someone who makes an impression on you.

In any case, Laura Michelle Kelly needs to be brought over here! She is a very capable actress who will be able to tweak her performance to make it 'brighter'. She is trully Mary Poppins in every possible way!

[Doogie]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:16pm

Haviland Stillwell actually strikes me as the best person I can think of physically and vocally for this role. Yes, she understudied Hodel (Laura Michelle Kelly) in Fiddler, and she was WONDERFUL in the role. If they give it to someone who has been around longer, I hope Stillwell at least gets the chance to standby.

again, Janine LaManna, Laura Benanti, Melissa Errico, maybe Celia Keenan Bolger. I agree with Flaemmchen, Sarah U. Berry is a bit too heavy and covered vocally for Poppins.

and, I will repeat this over and over again....
LINDA MUGLESTON FOR MRS. BANKS!!!!!!!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:17pm

This is the time when I pray Linzi Hateley will venture across the pond and reprise her role in MP.

I can dream.

[bdwybug55]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 3:15pm

I have a feeling that if Laura Michelle doesn't come over, Disney could very well go with an unknown talent. Remember Susan Eagen in "Beauty" and "Tarzan" really doesn't have a "BIG NAMES". I think that if they cast older....Marla Shaffel would definitely be my pick. If they pick very young...perhaps Ashley Brown or a complete unknown. If they try to lighten it up a bit for American audiences, perhaps Kate Baldwin, Erin Dilly or Jennifer Hope Wills.

[Doogie]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 5:53pm

Jennifer Hope Wills??? no thanks.

[bdwybug55]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 6:04pm

Sorry...I happen to like her a lot. I still really only see Marla Shaffel in this role but I only thought of the last three suggestions if they decide they want to lighten it up a bit...I think they have a Julie Andrews type appeal and spunk. Still....Marla Shaffel all the way!!!!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 6:07pm

There is no IF with Laura Michelle. She is NOT doing the show on Broadway.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 6:25pm

are you guys judging Sarah Berry on her performance in Piazza? her voice is extremely heavy and dark...but has anyone seen her as Eponine or Belle? she has a brighter soprano than what she is doing as Franca..she is incredibly versatile...plus she is pretty on stage!

[bdwybug55]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 6:26pm

Ooohh...I just thought of a new idea. How about Kerry O'Malley? I think she provides a perfect combination of lighter and brighter but with just the right undertone of quirkiness and edge. Just another iead to throw into the mix.

[divaboy]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 4:46pm

How do we know that LMK is definitely NOT doing Poppins? This is just a curiosity question. Do you think they try to bring Scarlett Strallen who is doing it now in the West End?

Please not Laura Benanti!!!

Sutton Foster would be great in anything.

Marla Shaffel, yes. Depends on the age, I guess.

Kate Winslet definitely!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 4:53pm

I used to work on the show. That's how I know LMK won't be coming to Broadway.

[Flahooley]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 9:36pm

Years ago Emma Thompson's name was floating around to play Mary Poppins. I would love to see how she approaches the role.

Also, Bea Lillie, in her day, desperately wan't to play the role. She looked exactly like the Mary of the original book illustrations. We can only imagine.

[Me2]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 11:39pm

Jennifer Laura Thompson! I think she'd be amazing as Mary!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 6:34am

That's right about Emma Thompson. I think it was around the time that she won hearts and awards in Me & My Girl. I think she's a great choice and given that Mary's age is never referenced in the show there's nothing to stop her playing it still.

[divaboy]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 3:38pm

EMMA THOMPSON would be PERFECT!!!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 6:14pm

Call me strange, but I think Susan Egan would make a fantastic Mary.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 11:27pm

I also didn't notice that I'm not the only one who thinks so.

[actormcfamous]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 12:54am

My vote for Mary:

Kelli O'Hara.

Second choice: Laura Griffith, the understudy for Franca in Piazza. I saw her in Piazza in November, and she was beyond brilliant. She has a gorgeous, gorgeous voice, and created a beautiful, full character as Franca, who I think under the wrong actress could become rather one-dimensional.

Also, maybe Megan Hilty?

My vote for Bert:

Joe Connelly, who is currently understudying for Norbert in DRS (he's been getting a lot of stage time recently, so I hear). He was hilarious and had a great voice... I never saw Norbert in the role, but from what I've heard on the OBR, I liked Joe's portrayal more (at least vocally).