Encores: Into the Woods to Transfer to the St. James for limited run this summer? — Page 11

JBroadway said: "Kad said: "Yes, I’ve heard Borle is out- but the actor I’ve heard as his replacement worked with Borle in a show that won Borle a Tony. He also hasn’t been in a musical for a little while, on stage at least.


"

I can think of several actors to whom this would apply, who would also make a great Baker. But can't think of any who are box office draws..."

 

Never said he was a box office draw, though. 

 

JBroadway said: "I mean, John Cariani would fit the role like a glove..."

Yes, but alas he doesn't match the description (Caroline or Change).

Unless Kad is talking Brooks Ashmanskas? Which idk on paper if that would work.

InTheBathroom1 said: "My guess is Rob McClure. They were in Something Rotten together for a few months and Rob has already played the role (and he’s newly available)"

But he, too, has been on stage recently - or still is, at least until the 29. Kad described someone who hadn't been in a musical lately "at least on stage." Since BDJ played Officer Krupke in the WSS movie, he's my guess.

I'm getting kinda frustrated with all the rumors and teases...

Will Chase

GlindatheGood22 said: "I'm getting kinda frustrated with all the rumors and teases..."

It's probably more frustrating for the people working on the transfer who thought it would be an easy switch over!

Things have been in flux but there is a serious commitment to ensuring this happens over the summer. The original casting of the Encores presentation didn't have any other major box office draws other than Bareilles, either. That same sort of sensibility is going into the replacement casting: stock the show with prominent theater performers who may have a little bit of draw to the general public and let that work.

 

Updated On: 5/24/22 at 04:39 PM

Kad said: "Bareilles is onboard and has been this whole time. The problems have been recasting the Witch, Cinderella, and the Baker. The names I’d previously heard attached to those roles are all out, but the new ones are pretty exciting if they come to pass.
But it seems like they’re finally close to having everything nailed down. An announcement is imminent."

Lots of speculation on the Baker, but any clues for who the new Witch and Cinderella might be?

Would love to see Patina Miller reprise her role as the witch from the Hollywood Bowl and if they could get Ashley back as Cinderella that would be a dream (although seems unlikely with her busy schedule.

I’ve actually wanted to see Brian d’Arcy James as The Baker for so long now. There’s something about him that I truly have always thought would make him exceptional in the role. 
 

And he’s only 5 years older than NPH. 

Fun fact! Brian D’arcy James played the Baker in a regional production over 20 years ago! 

Updated On: 5/24/22 at 08:03 PM

Yeah I feel what Denee needed most was more comedy. I think she could’ve grown into that though with more time, so I’ll be upset to see her go.

I also will be upset to see Heather not continue, because what I saw needed a bit of work but was mostly dynamite, so I wish that I could see her tackle it again, cause I know she could’ve perfected the take.

As of now, the Witch is a Tony-winner who has played it before, more recently than Heather had. Cinderella is currently wrapping up an off-Broadway show, which will make her available just in time to begin rehearsals.

Patina Miller and Phillipa Soo?

I'd plunk down money for them.    JUST ANNOUNCE ALREADY!