Dee Hoty is Mame in Seattle

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 3:28pm

Coming this Feb, Ms. Hoty, one of the funniest people I have met, and talented to boot, will play the title role in 5th Avenue's upcoming production.

[tourboi]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:21am

I'd sell my soul to be able to see it. LOVE me some Dee Hoty. I had the pleasure of touring with her a few years ago. The woman is a gem.

[justme2]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 2:22am

One of the nicest people I've met, and a real treasure trove of acting and voice talent! This should be a production to see, and I may even trek up north to check it out.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 12:44pm

How old is she? She seems awfully young for the role. I think she's really talented, but seems young to be Mame.

[Pippin]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:27pm

She is actually 14 years older than Angela Landsbury when she played the part. Angela was 41, Dee is 55.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:28pm

She's the right age.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:32pm

I hope they get a good Gooch. Vera is a local actress named Carol Swarbick (Sondheads may know her name as an understudy in the Broadway company of Side by Side by Sondheim). I'm thrilled she isn't playing Mame, as she is best is featured roles.

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:34pm

Wow- what awesome casting! I have loved her since she played Ziegfield's Favorite in Will Rogers Follies.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:36pm

Damn, I'm leaving Seattle at the end of January.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 2:02pm

One of the only times I've gone to the Stage Door was when I saw Hoty's divine Reno in Seattle. She was the nicest lady possible. She has this old-time dame persona which is charming and hilarious. I adore this woman and cannot wait to see what she does with Mame.

Sadly, the 5th Avenue is known for some lackluster shows. It is part tour house/part regional theatre, and they can't seem to find the right balance. They really need a new artistic director.

[Calvin]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 2:05pm

Bobby, is the 5th Avenue the one that's somehow associated with TUTS in Houston? I remember there was some sort of Houston/Seattle connection, and Dee Hoty and Carol Swarbick were always TUTS regulars.

(side note: TUTS announced that Leslie Uggams is going to star in their production of "Hello Dolly" early next year)

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 2:26pm

Calvin-I think they get their sets from them AND Goodspeed.

I'm pretty sure there is a TUTS connection. Though, not the same quality, of course.

Uggams as Dolly?!? Melt...

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 3:20pm

Pittsburgh CLO is doing "Mame" in July. Could Ms. Hoty do it there, too?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 3:27pm

I wouldn't be surprised...

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 3:40pm

Speaking of Leslie Uggams.......she would make a fantastic Mame.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 3:46pm

Wow! SHe looks good.
I'd have never known it.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 3:58pm

Hasn't she done Mame. She sings "If He Walked Into My Life" on the Herman DVD. She's stunning on it.

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 4:00pm

I'm not sure if she's done "Mame," or not. I was there at the Hollywood Bowl Celebration Concert in June of 1993 when that tv special was taped. She blew the roof off the place when she sang!!

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 4:07pm

Leslie's voice is incredible on that song. I remember when she sang it on Broadway in Jerry's Girls. She DID blow the roof off.

[Flaunt It]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 4:56pm

Do NOT get me started on Mame's age! All I will say is that when hurling the isult "somewhere between 40... and death!" one better not be in that age range!

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 4:59pm

Leslie could still pull off playing "Mame." I don't know how old she is, but she'd be a great choice.

And, the line that Mame says to Vera.........somewhere between 40 and death.........is a sarcastic compliment. As, only 2 bosum buddies can say to one another.

[Flaunt It]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 9:21pm

Where do peoe get the notion that Mame is some old bag? Is it the endless numbers of money hungry producers who insist on casting aging d list actresses in the role?

Mame is young when she gets Patrick.. she is in the prime of her life ... early to mid 30's. A vibrant woman who is the hit of the NYC social set. In the 1920's/30's any single woman over 40 was a damaged spinster or a lesbian.

Sorry if you can't see that Uggams is far too old for Mame. Maybe I can interest you in Tommy Tune as the Music Man.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 9:28pm

Uggams is 64 -- WAY too old to play Mame at this point, though I'd love to see her cme back to Broadway in something else.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 9:55pm

was she in Footloose when it 1st opened in New York?

[justme2]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 10:03pm

Hoty: Yes...Uggams, No.