Featured Actor Joined: 5/18/16
They have an Eliza. It's Higgins that's holding it up.
If I open this thread up one more time only to find yet another person saying "I know who it is but can't say," I'm going to scream.
JIMG3 said: "They have an Eliza. It's Higgins that's holding it up. "
Do you know when they'll likely be making an announcement?
Can you at least hint who it is?? Anne? Lauren? Phillipa? Denee? A newcomer altogether? Would you mind PM'ing me if it isn't a problem? I'm honestly just exhausted at the thought of more rumors and no conclusions.
Stand-by Joined: 6/24/17
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
The Distinctive Baritone said: "If I open this thread up one more time only to find yet another person saying "I know who it is but can't say," I'm going to scream.
"
How else can people show how cool they are?
Understudy Joined: 7/18/17
Not that I have any idea when the actual announcement is coming, but I thought it'd be funny to compile a list of names—realistic dreamcasting and far-off dreamcasting—that have popped up in this thread. Figured it'll be funny to see once we actually have our Eliza. We're truly going mad!
Christy Altomare
Kerstin Anderson
Lauren Ambrose
Annaleigh Ashford
Sara Bareilles
Samantha Barks
Kelli Barrett
Laura Benanti
Mikaela Bennett
Denée Benton
Sierra Boggess
Carmen Cusack
Nikki Renee Daniels
Lea DeLaria
Cynthia Erivo
Beanie Feldstein
Harvey Fierstein
Jessica Fontana
Anne Hathaway
Hologram Audrey Hepburn
Anna Kendrick
Alexis Michelle
Laura Michelle Kelly
Kara Lindsay
Audra McDonald
Manna Nichols
Eva Noblezada
Kelli O'Hara
Lisa O'Hare
Laura Osnes
Emily Padgett
Ashley Park
Lara Pulver
Emmy Rossum
Alexandra Silber
Scarlett Strallen
Phillipa Soo
Adrienne Warren
Betsy Wolfe
Lauren Worsham
BroadwayConcierge said: "Not that I have any idea when the actual announcement is coming, but I thought it'd be funny to compile a list of names—realistic dreamcasting and far-off dreamcasting—that have popped up in this thread. Figured it'll be funny to see once we actually have our Eliza. We're truly going mad!
Christy Altomare
Kerstin Anderson
Lauren Ambrose
Annaleigh Ashford
Sara Bareilles
Samantha Barks
Kelli Barrett
Laura Benanti
Mikaela Bennett
Denée Benton
Sierra Boggess
Carmen Cusack
Nikki Renee Daniels
Lea DeLaria
Cynthia Erivo
Beanie Feldstein
Harvey Fierstein
Jessica Fontana
Anne Hathaway
Hologram Audrey Hepburn
Anna Kendrick
Alexis Michelle
Laura Michelle Kelly
Kara Lindsay
Audra McDonald
Manna Nichols
Eva Noblezada
Kelli O'Hara
Lisa O'Hare
Laura Osnes
Emily Padgett
Ashley Park
Lara Pulver
Emmy Rossum
Alexandra Silber
Scarlett Strallen
Phillipa Soo
Adrienne Warren
Betsy Wolfe
Lauren Worsham
Thanks for reminding me how good Betsy Wolfe would be as Eliza
Itonlytakesajourney said: "Thanks for reminding me how good Betsy Wolfe would be as Eliza"
Compiling that list did the same thing for me... but for Phillipa Soo
Swing Joined: 2/15/17
JIMG3 said: "They have an Eliza. It's Higgins that's holding it up. "
Paulo Szot (2008 Tony winner for South Pacific) magnificently played Higgins on the Brazilian production of My Fair last year, he would be a good one imo
Featured Actor Joined: 5/18/16
I think he'd be impressive in the role, but they're focusing on broader recognition. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for Colin Firth.
Updated On: 8/17/17 at 05:55 PM
So am I. I hate to get my hopes up, since we heard he's not interested anymore -- but he would be SO good if by some miracle he decided to do it!
This is purely guesswork, but what about Benedict Cumberbatch? He's recognizable and extremely talented with tons of theatre experience. Only question is- can he sing?
Bah....Higgins doesn't SING all that much. Rex Harrison. Of course, perhaps I know the film far better than the stage version, so correct away.
At first, it looked like Kelli's Met obligations might not keep her from the role, but previews for MFL and performances for Cosi Fan Tutte start on the same day. Anything's possible, but she's probably out.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
I'm guessing its not Kelli, but IMO if Sher wanted her to do MFL and she wanted to as well she'd probably find a way out of her Met obligations. Just a thought. Im still devastated that its not Laura and probably not Kelli.
When Kelli was interviewed by Jim Zirel on CUNY TV way back in February he threw the name Eliza Doolittle right in her face. Her first reaction was that that ship had sailed, immediately followed by a reference to Mary Martin and the roles she had played although seemingly a bit young for her. Kelli loved the score and the part and, if she never played the role again at least she had gotten to play it once with the Philharmonic in concert.
The name Paulo Szot really hit me. Bartlett Sher was being interviewed and was asked if he could remember any auditions that far exceeded his expectations. He brought up Szot immediately. An unknown Brazilian opera singer who just came in and wowed everyone. But could he play a proper British gentleman?
Why are they focusing on names? They obviously don't need a name. They could the whole show with unknowns and it would still do well.
I think they are thinking they want to do better than just "well", more like "Hello Dolly well"
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
I watched On Stage this morning on NY1 and Frank D. stated it would be Lauren Ambrose. Does he always get these things right?
Not sure where this would play into the schedule of rehearsing in/performing for a Broadway musical, but Ambrose was in the news recently, confirmed to return to The X-Files.
http://tvline.com/2017/08/14/the-x-files-season-11-robbie-amell-lauren-ambrose-returning/
KathyNYC2 said: "I watched On Stage this morning on NY1 and Frank D. stated it would be Lauren Ambrose. Does he always get these things right?
"Oh god, not again.
I certainly hope not. I wasn't excited for Benanti. I'm less excited for Lauren Ambrose.
Leading Actor Joined: 2/1/14
All of these Benanti/OHara messages are hilarious. They are TOO OLD and not doing it. They have cast an *unknown* as Eliza and are about to sign a name as Higgins. The show will be a huge sell out with whoever is doing it anyway given this teams pedigree.
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