Eliza? - My Fair Lady Revival 2018 — Page 6

Not that this means anything, but for what it's worth...

Lincoln Center announced 2015's The King and I revival in early April 2014.

Lincoln Center confirmed O'Hara and Watanabe as the leads in very late June 2014.

Lincoln Center released additional casting in mid-November 2014.

I'm hoping by the end of the month, but it's a crapshoot.

RippedMan said: "I don't think age really plays much point into the show, so I don't see what all the fuss is about. I'd love to see all the ladies mentioned. It just depends on what kind of comment they want the casting to reflect. They're currently doing a My Fair Lady in Maryland with a black Eliza and a very young, handsome Higgins. It's def sexier than most productions I've seen.



"

I just got home from a cabaret evening of Lerner and Loewe songs, sung (very, very well) by Leslie Tinaro. She mentioned she first played Eliza when she was 19 and then played the roll off and on for the next 28 years.

That means she played Eliza at 19 and at 47. Myself, I find it unlikely a middle-aged Eliza would be quite so malleable, but that's just my opinion.

Not looking to start another drawn-out discussion about diversity in the theater, but having a non-white Eliza completely changes the play. It is about social class, not race.

That said, I think the diverse Carousel casting is great, because it is inclusive without changing the story. Some dusty old white people shows roll with modern times better than others, unfortunately (although the misogyny in Carousel is a whole other issue).

You do realize that there is no such thing as "the best person for the role" or the person who gave "the best audition," right? It's just a matter of who the director (or producers) wants for whatever reason. And trust me, in New York City there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of actresses who could sing and act the role wonderfully. This is not a community theatre production in a small town where the pickin's are slim.

Regarding Carousel, "misogyny" is perhaps not the right word, but I love the show and still find that the handling of the domestic violence issue has not aged well.

^They look like they're roughly the same age. There isn't enough of an age difference between them to write Benanti off as "too old," and then give the role to Boggess.

Baritone, I was a casting director in NYC for many years before I retired. I know what I'm talking about. Let's say that Denee Benton came into the audition room and blew everyone else out of the water. We would have to really think about the pros and cons of casting a black women in this role. Also, there is a such thing as the best person. For this production I would be looking for someone experienced with maybe a recognizable face, a classical voice, and some powerful acting chops. I would probably also hold an open call and see if we get any new rising stars there. From there we would wither down the choices to who gave the best audition. It's really as simple as that. Although if I were Sher, I would be courting Mrs. Benanti.

Not all productions are like this. Many involve just a phone call to a major star, but Eliza is a role that requires something special that you may have to go in search for.

Also, about Carousel, the themes about domestic violence have aged well since many women are in the same situation as Julie today. Domestic violence is a subject that isn't as simple as "he hit you? Leave him then." Many women have a very hard time falling out of love with their abuser and very few shows portray domestic abuse in such a three dimensional way.

Updated On: 7/16/17 at 04:17 AM

^Yeah, no. Sorry.

"Really? Because there were so many black cockneys in Edwardian England?"

And there were so many black members of the aristocracy in 19th century Russia.

Your Denee Benton reference in this thread is particularly bewildering considering the role for which she was Tony nominated.

Updated On: 7/21/17 at 11:16 AM

But what if she gives "the best audition"?

The best casting choice will always be subjective. How many people who got approved by the director, casting director, and producers in a Broadway show have gotten totally trashed by a critic (or many critics)? A lot. It's subjective. And yes, you could probably walk through the theater district and pass 100 actresses who could do Eliza more or less equally well.

That said, what's NOT subjective is her age. There is literally a line in the script that refers to her age as 21. I like Sierra Boggess, but if she is cast simply because she is a recognizable name to Broadway fans, that's just silly.

Updated On: 7/21/17 at 01:22 PM

Wait, has this actually been confirmed anywhere? I think she's charming in her vlogs and in interviews but no, I've never thought of her as good enough of an actress to meet the demands of playing Eliza. I do think Sher could likely get a stronger performance than normal out of her but other actresses like Lauren Worsham or Laura Michelle Kelly could bring so much more with that same coaching and direction. Also, I'm not sure if physically she looks any more like Eliza than anyone else.

BeNice said: "Total left turn here: Eva Noblezada would actually be an interesting and good choice. She's lived in London, is actually age appropriate, beautiful, very witty, and is now a Tony nominee. She is poised, has star power, and can carry a show with a large journey and I believe her Miss Saigon contract is up in February."

I adore Eva, but am unsure her vocals match Eliza Doolittle's range. I think she'd be a stunningly perfect Eliza Hamilton, though.

Also, for what it's worth, Saigon closes in mid-January.

I'm not saying it is the most reputable source, but I heard something very interesting today (ALWAYS keep your ears open when walking in the theater district) as I walked behind a person starring in a show this season. The name I heard has been mentioned, but it isn't Sierra, nor Philippa (my personal choice).

Not going to say the name, because I could have misunderstood the conversation, the person could have not known what she was talking about, or any number of other things. But if she was correct, they are likely waiting for this person's current project to "finish" before announcing anything.