From "Maggie" to "Janet": How Will Mara Davi Do It?

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 12:30pm

Hello. As Mara Davi is slated to begin as "Janet Van De Graff" on July 31st, what is involved in the whole transitioning process? I am in awe of her, going from one show to another, with barely time to catch her breath. Since the time between the ending of her role in "A Chorus Line" and the beginning of her run with "Drowsy" is fairly short, what does she do in the interim to prepare for her new role? Inquiring minds want to know. from Roman in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 12:36pm

Off-topic but, is it necessary to sign your posts: "from Roman in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic" all the time? I think we know who you are by now. And, unless there was a ceremony, nothing makes you the "official" Patti LuPone FANatic.

Not to be rude.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 12:48pm

Two words: my choice. Now, on to the topic at hand. from Roman in Austin, Texas... "THE OFFICIAL PATTI LUPONE FANATIC"...
: )

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 12:57pm

I once asked Miss Patti LuPone if I could use the nickname Patti LuPone FANatic and sought her "blessing". In a July 23, 2003 email, she replied: "You do have my blessing." I don't fancy myself the #1 Patti LuPone fan.... There are many others who have followed her career over the years and who know so much about her than I do. Now, having said that... I'm famished and need to go to lunch. Have a nice day. from Roman in Austin, Texas.. t.o.p.l.f. : )

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 2:16pm

I find this annoying.

In response to your question, Mara is an amazing actress and the role of Janet is lead, but like a featured-lead if that makes sense since I kinda view this as an ensemble show. Actresses have had less time to rehearse much harder leads, such as Julia Murney for Wicked being an example (I believe).

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 2:39pm

thanks for your response. I was curious about the process. I wasn't questioning Mara Davi's abilities. She'll be great. from Roman in Austin, Texas.. t.o. Patti LuPone FANatic

[mustard]

Posted: 6/24/07 at 8:31am

Well.

She likely has the script and the music in her hands already and has already memorized them.

Search Google, she has an interview in a Colorado newspaper where she says she is hoping to get at least a week or two of rehearsal.

It's not TOO hard to drop into a show within a week, although it is a little disconcerting. She'll be fine.
Updated On: 7/31/07 at 08:31 AM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 10:51pm

Bump! Anyone go see her tonight?


EDIT: My bad, today's Monday. Anyone going tomorrow?

Updated On: 7/30/07 at 10:51 PM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:03am

I'm planning on going Wednesday. I'll post a review here then if nobody else goes tomorrow.

[TapTapTapioca]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:08am

Merle Dandridge was in Tarzan on June 8th and Rent on June 9th. Performers do it all the time. from Roman in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:09am

While it is harder for actors to transition from show to show, there is set way replacements are put into the show.

I heard that Mara's had 4 weeks of put in rehearsal, which is around standard, especially since she was in another show. She basically had to schedule (with the stage managers I would imagine of both shows) ways for her to make any required Chorus Line Rehearsals while having her out in rehearsals for Drowsy. I would imagine she had 3 weekdays a week of put in for Drowsy plus possibly one on the weekends (sometime before her ACL matinees).
Updated On: 7/31/07 at 12:09 AM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:18am

I'm sorry. Am I the only person who didn't notice that it is actually Mara sitting atop the record in the new Drowsy ad campaign. I just thought it was some random girl made to look like an old-fashioned model. But if you look closely, it's Mara's face. I feel like such a failure as a supposed Mara fan.

[mattonstage]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 1:26am

I really had no idea that was her on the new posters, I think it's the hair. Anyway, I was working the bar at A Chorus Line in the mezzanine, so I saw all the dancers warming-up before the show, and Mara was doing a rope trick, which I'm assuming will be in Drowsy. So she's been rehearsing for a while, I'm, again, assuming.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 7:01am

Woah, I didn't realize it was her on the posters either.

[Steve2]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:22am

Thesbijean, thanks for your detailed information on the transition process.

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:12pm

People do this all the time she'll be fine.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:16pm

Thank you Thesbijean. I was curious about the process and you gave us the information that I was seeking when I posted this thread. from RC in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:24pm

is anyone going tonight? if so, please review!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:26pm

"I'm sorry. Am I the only person who didn't notice that it is actually Mara sitting atop the record in the new Drowsy ad campaign. I just thought it was some random girl made to look like an old-fashioned model. But if you look closely, it's Mara's face. I feel like such a failure as a supposed Mara fan."

Whoa! Didn't realize that was her!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:43pm

bump again

[dancnqn5]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:48pm

Wow, I feel special since I actually noticed that it was Mara on the new adds :) But, she's been rehearsing for awhile now. That being said, she's probably exhausted, but I'm a firm believer that the girl can do anything. I can't wait to read the reviews.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:52pm

I figured it was her... until I got a closer look at the ad and said it couldn't possibly be her. Oops.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 11:28pm

"I once asked Miss Patti LuPone if I could use the nickname Patti LuPone FANatic and sought her "blessing". In a July 23, 2003 email, she replied: "You do have my blessing."

Correct, did you add that she was calling the cops while replying the email?

Just kidding!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 12:09am

THWAP!!

[TapTapTapioca]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 12:19am

I looked at the picture up close and I still don't think it looks like her. from Roman in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic