That character is more in her wheelhouse than Carlotta or Sally, at least the icy part. There's an undercurrent of heat in Phyllis that I don't think Baransksi can or will portray.
I like Christine Baranski, but she's not right for this. At the most, she's a Hattie.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Actually Ruthie Henshall could be a fabulous Phyllis as well as Sally. Christine... I adore her a lot, and I'm fully aware she's a huge Sondheim fan, but seriously, I cannot imagine she does any part in this show.
Jennifer Coolidge may be unorthodox casting but I have a feeling she's going to be absolutely inspired.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
I hope they cast someone big as Carlotta. There's nothing more exciting than having "I'm Still Here" knocked out of the park.
I agree that this is quite a hodgepodge of actors. I think Guru put it best with the "names out of a hat" thing...do you guys think the concert will be filmed, a la Phantom?
The Royal Albert hall email gave an expanded and updated cast listing - some great performers but still an odd mix of proven musical performers and some decidely less so.The ticket prices are a bit higher than normal for a one day concert and the site was showing a fair number of unsold arena and stalls seats so presume some of these names pulled in help sales - Not seen any special offers on seats yet.
Featuring an all-star cast including: Christine Baranski (Into The Woods, The Good Wife, Mamma Mia) Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, Legally Blonde) Alexander Hanson (Stephen Ward the Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar) Alistair Brammer (Miss Saigon, War Horse) Stefanie Powers (Hart to Hart, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.) Ruthie Henshall (Chicago - original Roxy, Les Misérables) Laura Pitt-Pulford (The Sound of Music, The Light Princess) Anita Dobson (Eastenders, Chicago) Anita Harris (Carry On films, CATS) Roy Hudd (Oliver! - Fagin, Coronation Street, Good Old Days) Russell Watson (the UK’s best-selling classical artist; winner of four Classical BRIT awards),
I get that this is just a concert, but Baranksi is in her sixties and Henshall her 40s and they are supposed to be contemporaries, and is Coolidge is 53 and playing a character that's supposed to be in her 70s at the youngest. What a strange evening it's going to be.
