Y’all remember when Nicole Scherzinger played Viola in one of the first workshops? Maybe they get her to play it?
After the entire SUNSET BLVD explosion plus she’s now a Tony Award winner for Best ACTRESS in a Musical (not Best FEATURED Actress), she’s looking for originating leading roles at this stage. They know better than to offer her Viola and as a replacement.
Broadway Star Joined: 8/31/08
I would love to see Brandy do this.
BrodyFosse123 said: "Y’allremember when Nicole Scherzinger played Viola in one of the first workshops? Maybe they get her to play it?
After the entire SUNSET BLVD explosion plus she’s now a Tony Award winner for Best ACTRESS in a Musical (not Best FEATURED Actress), she’s looking for originating leading roles at this stage. They know better than to offer her Viola and as a replacement."
But coins are coins and Viola is essentially a prestige princess track. While vocally demanding, there isn’t much to demand in the dance or acting department. And Nicole has the clout now to negotiate a good deal. If the producers think she will bring in enough money to offset her cost and profit, they will make it work.
BrodyFosse123 said: "Y’allremember when Nicole Scherzinger played Viola in one of the first workshops? Maybe they get her to play it?
After the entire SUNSET BLVD explosion plus she’s now a Tony Award winner for Best ACTRESS in a Musical (not Best FEATURED Actress), she’s looking for originating leading roles at this stage. They know better than to offer her Viola and as a replacement."
I dunno…Viola is a princess track in a potentially long-running hit, and would pay a lot of money.
The tricky thing with the three ladies though is that they need to be old enough to play both middle aged and “forever young.” Jennifer Simard is 53 but looks at least a decade younger. Some of the other actresses suggested in this thread look great for their age, but are still very clearly in their fifties. The ideal playing age is about 40 I think - otherwise the conceit of the show doesn’t work.
BTW, Christopher Sieber is evidently 56! What?!? He not only plays a top plastic surgeon but seems to know one very well…
The Distinctive Baritone said: "BTW, Christopher Sieber is evidently 56! What?!? He not only plays a top plastic surgeon but seems to know one very well…"
Either that, or simply good aging comes to those who drink their water and mind their business.
I'd be interested in seeing someone with a more caustic sense of humor for Madeline; I find Hilty, as talented as she is, a bit too winky in the role and think someone with a more grounded, severe take could really send those one-liners into the next level.
Also, we've been hearing about this Helen alternative for months. What's going on there?
Broadway Star Joined: 10/14/21
Jessica Vosk as Helen Sharp, please.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
I'm sorry, but anyone who thinks that Nicole Scherzinger is going to make her SB follow- up as a replacement in a middling show in what is little more than a "glorified cameo role" is out of their mind.
Featured Actor Joined: 8/9/21
I saw Dee Roscioli as Madeline in mid-August and thoroughly enjoyed her performance. She brings a lot of nuance and emotional depth, seeming to let the comedy play itself while digging her teeth into the character. Her voice is also unbelievably powerful. Needless to say, I wouldn't mind if Roscioli were to replace for a while.
As Birdie Boy said, Lesli Margherita would be fantastic in either role. Hell yes to Sherie Rene Scott and Leslie Kritzer; I've been saying this for months lol. If this show becomes a long running hit, which it very well could, I'd like to see Jinkx Monsoon do Madeline in about 5-10 years.
Honestly, there are so many good options. This show could run forever, unironically.
JSquared2 said: "I'm sorry, but anyone who thinks that Nicole Scherzinger is going to makeher SB follow- up as a replacement in a middling show in what is little more than a "glorified cameo role"is out of their mind.
"
Joaquina Kalukango followed up her Tony Award win in PARADISE SQUARE as the third replacement/closing witch in INTO THE WOODS.
Anything is possible and, considering the show is extremely popular with the gays, it’s a Princess track (she may not want to be a lead again for a bit), and there are many who regret missing her in Sunset - it could be a boon.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/27/25
The money people would pay
to watch them pull a Little Foxes and switch
quizking101 said: "The Distinctive Baritone said: "BTW, Christopher Sieber is evidently 56! What?!? He not only plays a top plastic surgeon but seems to know one very well…"
Either that, or simply good aging comes to those who drink their water and mind their business."
I’m not judging if he has. I would too if I were in his position. I think he looks great.
Your moral posturing however, does not look great.
quizking101 said: "JSquared2 said: "I'm sorry, but anyone who thinks that Nicole Scherzinger is going to makeher SB follow- up as a replacement in a middling show in what is little more than a "glorified cameo role"is out of their mind.
"
Joaquina Kalukango followed up her Tony Award win in PARADISE SQUARE as the third replacement/closing witch in INTO THE WOODS.
Anything is possible and, considering the show is extremely popular with the gays, it’s a Princess track (she may not want to be a lead again for a bit),and there are many who regret missing her in Sunset - it could be a boon."
Joaquina Kalukango is a Broadway name only. Nicole is known Worldwide.
The Distinctive Baritone said: "Your moral posturing however, doesnot look great."
It's a song, girl.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/27/25
This is ripe for Kristen Chenoweth
How about Rachel York? (On Bway or tour.) Probably better for her former costar Megan Hilty's role, but she could do her former costar Simard's role too.
tomorrowBIGLITES said: "This is ripe for Kristen Chenoweth"
Please God No. Let her stay in the workshop she did so long ago and steer clear of this.
“But coins are coins and Viola is essentially a prestige princess track. While vocally demanding, there isn’t much to demand in the dance or acting department. And Nicole has the clout now to negotiate a good deal. If the producers think she will bring in enough money to offset her cost and profit, they will make it work.”
Please be for real for 5 seconds.
BroadwayNYC2 said: "“But coins are coins and Viola is essentially a prestige princess track. While vocally demanding, there isn’t much to demand in the dance or acting department. And Nicole has the clout now to negotiate a good deal. If the producers think she will bring in enough money to offset her cost and profit, they will make it work.”
Please be for real for 5 seconds."
Right? The ONLY way Nicole would be Viola at this point would be if they made a musical film based on the Broadway show. For Broadway Viola replacements we are more realistically looking at: Deborah Cox, Peppermint, Monet X Change, Kelly Rowland, Luxx Noir London, etc..
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
The ONLY correct choice for Madeline Ashton is Robyn Hurder.
Paul Tazewell probably already has Deborah Cox’s Viola costumes made.
Call_me_jorge said: "Paul Tazewell probably already has Deborah Cox’s Viola costumes made."
Someone said they’re already done and waiting in Schenectady which is…probably true.
Videos