Count Fosco in the USA - Suggestions for Crawford's role ?

It has become increasingly obvious to people that Michael Crawford will not return to the Woman in White in London and so there would appear to be little chance he would go to the States now. There are rumours that his illness was a smokescreen to cover his unhappiness with his role. Michael Ball is now covering as Count Fosco until the April 30th making his term filling in a total of 11 weeks. Brian Conley revealed that he was offered the opportunity to take over then as Count Fosco but chose to go into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang instead.

Anyways I had a thought the other night, Harvey Fierstein would make a GREAT Count Fosco, it is not a massively vocally demanding role, just needs a big character to pull it off and he would be perfect.

Any other thoughts ?

Micahel Ball is going on tour right after finishing his stint here but you are right, perhaps this is the role to take him to Broadway stardom.

Sharon you know where I'm going with this. Michael Ball should return to Broadway in this role. The reviews have been outstanding and MB and Maria Friedman reportedly have great chemistry. Since she's rumored to be making the transfer it would be great to see MB come with her!

Seeing the show in London this weekend...can't wait!

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Yup, I'd think itll be Michael Ball's role if he wants it.

Yes you are correct. A different turn on the showstopper. Please forgive me. They just do it differently.

Updated On: 3/3/05 at 11:04 AM

I'm sorry but I think Harvey Fierstein would be absolutely wrong for this role. It does take some singing - not just raspy talk-singing, which worked in Hairspray!

I don't know who would be good for the role but I would love to see MB do it.

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I would hope Michael Ball would be offered the role and would do it. I know I'd be camped out at the stage door every night. Are there any pictures circulating of Michael in the part? Does he wear the heavy prosthetics like Crawford?

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MB wears the fat suit, facial prosthetics and wig and beard. Doesn't look like himself at all There are photos on the the Really Useful site & The Woman In White website. Also confirned that Michael Crawford has viral colitis. Sounds like serious stuff to me.

Updated On: 3/3/05 at 02:23 PM

<< Lee, so Crawford is unhappy with the role? I hadnt heard that rumor. But then again, im on the other side of the pond. Where did you hear this?>>

It was mentioned on a Whatsonbroadway forum, but I'm convinced that it is nothing but a RUMOR. Crawford is sick, first with the flu and now, apparently, with colitis. If he wanted out of the show, they could easily come up with a story that would let him out and would not have to keep indicating that he will return. Michael Ball is doing well in the role and can continue until near the time when MC's contracted appearance would be at an end. There is no need to keep Crawford's name connected with the show.

Aside from the two posts on WOS, there is no "evidence" that Crawford is unhappy with his role (or anything else concerning the show). Why should he be? He has gotten very good reviews, won a couple of awards, and was nominated for an Olivier, although he didn't win that.

If you go to www.womaninwhitethemusical.com the screen will open. After the opening go to news. That picture is of Michael Ball. Pretty unrecognizable

Updated On: 3/3/05 at 09:12 PM

When i hear that song, i imagine what it would be like with Anthony Warlow singing.

But this isn't a very likely casting choice.....

Brent Barrett would make a good Count Fosco

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To your statement Michael is returning as Count Fosco May 2, and there is still talk he will go to NY to play the count maria is going.

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