Could Margaret White in 'Carrie: The Musical' be played by a man in drag?- Page 2

[SidebySidebyLogan]

Posted: 12/29/13 at 10:12pm

I've heard arguments made for an all black Gypsy and even though it's a show based on historical figures I think I'd be open to an African American Rose, Louise, etc.

I see both sides of the argument but I'm the type of audience member who will more than likely ignore historical inaccuracy for a performance that blows me away. That's just me.

*edit* And just because I'm thinking about it now I need Tonya Pinkins as Rose! Updated On: 12/29/13 at 10:12 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/29/13 at 11:01pm

If Margaret in The Light in the Piazza was played by a man, the show would become about a man in drag, as happens with most shows featuring a man in drag. Man in drag = comedy, at least to most audiences, unless you're doing M. Butterfly or something. Piazza is a beautiful show and would be ruined by such ridiculous casting.

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/29/13 at 11:31pm

I have been saying for years, but I would kill to see Nathan Lane as Mama Rose in Gypsy. The songs would fit his voice like a glove, and I think he could play Rose with an interesting mixture of comedy, drama, the grotesque and the real that fits what the character is, a self-mythologizing woman whose only "reality" is herself.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 3:40am

^ That is all kinds of "no." Rose played by Nathan Lane is not Rose. Rose played by Nathan Lane is Nathan Lane in a dress. No one's going to take that seriously, especially with his limited vocal range (unless he sings it in a male register, even on a good day, in the lower keys of Bette Midler or Angela Lansbury, he doesn't have Rose in those pipes -- maybe Roz Russell/Lisa Kirk, but if they want to hear the score done that way, they'll rent the movie). Some roles can be played as "pants" (in the case of women) or "blouse" (in the case of men where it's not drag) roles. Rose is not one. (Unless it's a parody.)

Updated On: 12/30/13 at 03:40 AM

[metropolis10111]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 10:17am

Could it be? yes
Should it be? no

ANY role can be played in drag if that's what you want to go for. I guess it depends on what sort of show you are going for.

[DEClarke]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 10:25am

Yes! I would love for someone to do a tale of two CARRIEs! One company would play the show straight. The other would play the show for camp and include a Margaret White in drag!

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 10:38am

Will this dead horse n'er be beaten?

[brldisteach2]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 1:08pm

In response to DramaMama:
Hairspray: The original movie was written as a vehicle for Divine, so that's why it was a man-when it went to Broadway they followed that tradition from the movie, and I'm sure the fact that Harvey Fierstein was involved was a big part of that.

Matilda: The producers have said they are open to a woman playing the role of Trunchbull-the character has to be large and imposing and so far they've gone with men, not that they couldn't find a large and imposing woman to play the role. They should look at casting someone who has played Madame Thenardier. On a side note, I think Christopher Sieber would be amazing in the role.

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 1:29pm

Trunchbull is a man not just for size or grotesquerie, but for athletic prowess. This character is an ex-Olympic actress who performs variations on shot-put, hammer throwing and gymnastics onstage. It's easier to find a male actor who can do the intense stunt work the character requires than it is to find a working female actor with such attributes.

[wheelsinmotion]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 4:37pm

I know a lot of people dislike the show, but Carrie is one of my favorite musicals/movies/books of all time. At its core, it is a VERY deep tragedy. I don't believe it has even been done the right way to get that across. That being said, casting a man in the role of Margaret would take away so much. It would present not just her, but her mental illness as well, as a parody. I wouldn't have any issue doing an all-black version of Carrie, however. I think Tonya Pinkins or Jennifer Holiday or even Anita Baker would be great in that role.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 5:09pm

The creators have worked diligently to make this musical heartfelt and profound. Whether they have succeeded is not for me to say, but I wouldn't want to sabotage their efforts with this kind of gimmick.

[wheelsinmotion]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 5:31pm

This busted mess. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FtqAIVVX5g

[SweeneyLovett]

Posted: 12/30/13 at 8:20pm

It'd depend on the performer. Personally, I think it's about time to make Margaret scary and monstrous again. The recent revival and film remake turned her into a well meaning, but mental disturbed figure. Sorry, but that's not as scary as the imposing fanaticism of Piper Laurie or Betty Buckley. Maybe a man in drag can play the monster. I dunno. It really is going to depend on what the director wants. I think it's possible, but usually men in drag are played for laughs. And P.S. I'm all for a male Rose in Gypsy, even if it is for selfish reasons.