Casting of Helen Sinclair

I know this was discussed a while ago when the first casting was ann0unced for Bullets over Broadway. Here is the casting notice for Helen Sinclair:

Female, ages 45-50, All Ethnicities

Role Description

Helen Sinclair: (Lead) a world-renowned theater actress, though possibly past her prime and maybe a bit of a drinker. She hasn’t had a hit in a very long time. Showy, grand and flamboyant, she has been recruited by David Shayne for the lead role in his play. At first she resists, but soon sees this ambitious young playwright as the potential savior of her career. Strong low, solid mix, and healthy Soprano (low E – high F).

I think that someone mentioned that Catherine Zeta -Jones was too young, but actuially she's exactly the right age and she'd be prefect. On the other hand, I've heard that they are not interesrted in casting a "movie star." I assume it's because the economics just wouldn't work.

Marin Mazzie, as discussed, would be a great choice, but I think someone also said that she did the reading but is no longer involved, which is too bad. She's be great.

Christine Ebersole has been mentioned, and I love her, but she's a bit old, as is Bernadette, though both could easily pass for late 40's, so...

I wish I knew more about Rebecca Luker's comic chops. If she has them, she'd be a great choice.

Perhaps numner one on my personal wish list would be Audra. Perfect, but again, would she be affordable? Interestingly, all the actors in Woody's movies work for minimum scale, but I doubt that would be the case for Broadway show.

How about Sherie Rene Scott, Emily Skinner or Alice Ripley?

Who else (none movie star type)?

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Carolee Carmello

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best12bars, Carolee goes right into the mix, for sure.

By the way, does anyone here have any information about who might actually have auditioned for the role? I do realize that's a touchy subject, as I'd think that if one auditions and is not cast, they'd rather not have that information circulated very widely.

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Kristine Nielsen?

In 2002, Marvin Hamlisch talked openly about how he and Craig Carnelia were working on a musical adaptation of BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, with Woody Allen still attached to write the book. Back then, it was rumored to be thought of as a vehicle for Christine Ebersole to play Helen Sinclair. That version never got off the ground because of complications from a lawsuit between Allen and Jean Doumanian over profits from the film (and several other movies of Allen's that Doumanian produced). Though this is obviously a new incarnation, I still think Ebersole would be the perfect choice for Helen.

That being said, I also suggested Julie White and Kristine Nielsen in the other thread, both of whom would also be terrific.

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Updated On: 7/5/13 at 03:48 PM

Donna Murphy.

She's a little too young for it, but I would love to see what Audra McDonald would do with it. She never gets to be funny and grand but I think it would be an inspired change. I also like the idea of Sherie Rene Scott but I'm not sure she has a "healthy soprano". This is the kind of role with so many possibilities for great casting.

Updated On: 7/5/13 at 04:17 PM

Ruthie Henshall or Debbie Gravitte

Anyone else think Christine Baranski would be a hoot? I will admit, in one of the earlier threads when Ebersole's name came up, and I read it late at night for a fleeting moment I assumed Baranski had been mentioned instead and loved the idea.

Any of these women would be really interesting, and hopefully the part is as delightful onstage as it was in the film.

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^
Perfect

BwayTday, why do you think Audra's a little too young? She turned 43 yesterday, so she would be a bit short of 44 when the show opens. Seems just right, given the casting notice of 45-50. I mean, Christine Ebersole, many people's first choice, is 60. Martin Mazxie will be 53 in October.

So I really don't think age would be the issue for Audra.

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Megan Mullally would kill in this role.

Sarah Gettlefinger?

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