Cher in T.V. MAME- Page 2

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 10:45am

When I look at Judy Davis, I for one can only see her as Judy Garland in her amazing performance in ME AND MY SHADOWS. However, I'm sure she would give an amazing performance as Mame.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 10:46am

If Baranski doesn't have the warmth to play Mame, Judy Davis is the North Pole.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 10:50am

Funny, I've definitely seen genuine warmth and vulnerability in several of Davis' performances -- something I can't say about Baranski (though I love her).

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 10:53am

I have noticed geniune vulnerability in many of her performances, but rarely warmth. For the record, I think Judy Davis is one of the best actresses alive, but I just can't wrap myself around her as Mame. I have a feeling I'm in the minority on this, though.

[yipper]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:37am

I've never claimed to be good at casting .. but my pick - oddball as it may seem - is:

Bebe Neuwirth as Mame
Baranski as Vera

Thoughts?

[MackieManiac]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:46am

Jean Smart as Vera??? Mame?

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 11:46am

I have to say, Bening is a GREAT choice. I have loved her since I first saw her in The Grifters, and my favorite performance of hers is in An American President. It is the most realistic portrayal of a human being that I have ever seen on a screen. I am never aware of technique with her - only emotional honesty. She would make a lovely Mame Dennis.

[sipos]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 12:04pm

I thought this thread died after the first reply ...

[sipos]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 12:22pm

... I love the thought of Annette Benning as Mame. For her Vera, I see Cher doing THAT role. It won't happen, she would never do it. But I see her physicalities making it a scene stealing performance just as Bea did it.

Baranski seems a quintessential Vera to me.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 12:52pm

I'll just throw my beloved Lesley Ann Warren into the mix.

Catherine O'Hara would probably be a lot of fun, too.

Updated On: 9/2/05 at 12:52 PM

[sipos]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 12:57pm

Would Bette Midler be considered or interested?

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 1:24pm

I adore Jean Smart. I've said for years that if AUNTI MAME were to come back to Broadway she should play Mame. I don't think she sings but if she did she would be stellar in that part. I also like the idea of Leslie Ann Warren too. Although, I still see her as a sex pot. I can see Bebe as Vera but not Mame.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:10pm

Sipos-
Bette Midler was supposed to do the film version of "Mame" to follow up her success with "Gyspy". Bette held a reading with James Lapine, Chirstine Baranski, and Ellen Greene without telling anyone. Jerry Herman got very angry because he felt she was trying to take over the production. Bette said she held the reading to see if she was really right for the role. Anyway, Jerry Herman refuses to work with Bette Midler for that reason. I found this out in the book "But Darling I'm Your Auntie Mame!".

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:12pm

That is interesting. I love Bette and think she would make a great Mame. By the way, who was Greene reading for, Gooch? God, I'd love to get her back to Broadway!

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:19pm

I think Midler's Gypsy was one of the worst things I've ever seen (SO much over-acting on her part)...so I, for one, would not care to see her take on Mame. Lesley Ann Warren is an interesting choice, but I still prefer the idea of Annette Bening of the choices so far. With Kristin Huffman as Gooch.

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:20pm

What about Michelle Lee as Mame and Lainie Kazan as Vera? Brilliant or what?

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:23pm

It's just that they are both really too old. In their prime years, they would have been great choices, I agree. Ms. Lee was wonderful in The Tale of The Allergist's Wife.

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:26pm

Good point but I still think they would be killer in those roles. The bad thing is that I cannot think of anyone age appropriate that could fulfill the 'star' aspect that the show needs really.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 5:29pm

It didn't say who was reading for Gooch, Vera etc. It just said who was there. I think Bette would have made a great Mame or Dolly, but I guess that's not happening any time soon.

I think Annette Benning is one of the few people who could pull off Mame. Christine Baranski is a perfect Vera. I also think Donna Murphy would be a fabulous Mame, but she is not a big enough name to draw in tourists.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:16pm

Michele Lee did MAME at the Hollywood Bowl a couple of summers ago, and apparently was not very impressive.

[noahrp3]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:31pm

What about Megan Mulally?

[sipos]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:42pm

*Thanks, Ruth* I remember hearing about Bette doing doing it too. LOVE the story ...

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:42pm

Don't say that Donna Murphy is not big enough of a name, it hurts my feelings, I think after Bernadette Peters and Chita Rivera she is my favorite Broadway actress! However, I see her more as Vera rather than Mame. Megan Mullally would be fascinating and hilarous as Mame though!

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:46pm

ray- I'm sorry if I offended you. Donna Murphy is one of my favorite performers as well, but the fact is she isn't as big a name as Megan Mullally for example. Donna is not very well known outside of New York.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 9/2/05 at 7:47pm

Even though a lot of these actresses probably won't end up doing the role, it makes your realize that there are a lot of older actresses who really deserve more good roles.