Gaines, Benanti, Yazbek, Opel Confirmed for Encores Gypsy- Page 2

[folkyboy]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:18pm

Tammy played it like a porn star! she was dreadful!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:19pm

I didn't like Blanchard in the role, but that doesn't mean I'll like Benanti any better.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:46pm

Laura might be the single handed most OVER rated person on broadway. What a shame. Went for a name as opposed to talent.

Are you high?

Wow. Thanks for the laugh.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:50pm

Since when is Laura Benanti a name?
I think she's a bit too long in the tooth for the role (since she registers as older on stagge, IMO). With rumored names like Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johannson mentioned at one point or another, Benanti is a lackluster choice.
I assume they wanted to make this LuPone's show.
Boyd Gaines as Herbie = Perfection.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:54pm

I think that Benanti could pull off a great "The Strip", especially with Laurents as the director. I don't know about the rest of the show, but it should at least be interesting. Boyd Gaines though, is probably some of the best casting I've seen lately.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:55pm

Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johannson are rumored for everything.

Benanti is an incredible and versatile actress who has two well deserved TONY nominations and a win in her future. She has a breath taking voice and I'm so glad to see her get this role she can really sink her teeth into after seeing her Claudia in NINE. Although I've never seen a performance from her that was disappointing.

I cannot wait to see her and LuPone. It should be marvelous.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 3:57pm

Her voice is a bit legit for this score, and she reads older.

I also find her overrated as a singer, but I chalk it up to the lack of legit sopranos in her age range.

Updated On: 6/1/07 at 03:57 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:00pm

Her top has been deteriorating over the past few years, too.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:05pm

I guess we're hearing different things. She's only improved, IMO.

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:05pm

Even more excited now!

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:06pm

I'm assuming this is sold out by now?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:08pm

Benanti became a heavy smoker a few years ago. Her upper range definitely has felt the effect...

There is no way this production is/ will sell out. Its virtually impossible to sell out City Center and this production runs a month.

[AC126748]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:08pm

You're most definitely entitled to your opinion, FOA, but to me she has never matched her lovely performance in INTO THE WOODS. She sangs beautifully in NINE but didn't get the character at all. Her voice lately hasn't seemed to me to be in top shape.

I'll see the show with an open mind, of course, but as of now, I'm skeptical.

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:10pm

I don't think the run is sold out, no. I just got a discount flyer the other day in the mail.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:10pm

Benanti no longer smokes.

[bertandrew2]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:18pm

Two weeks ago I posted that Benati had this role...and all I heard was 'no way', 'shes long in the tooth' etc.

Well shes it.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:19pm

Laura is not too old for the role. Her class and poise on stage makes her appear a great deal older than she actually is (27), but I'm sure she'll be able to pass off for later Louise. Though, I must admit, I am going to get quite a kick out of her "Little Lamb".

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:19pm

Bert, months ago I posted this was being done with LuPone at City Center and I got a few "no ways" as well.

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:28pm

yeah, the show isnt sold out by any means. i found some great orchestra seats for the first performance on July 9th. too bad i couldnt buy them.

anyways, ive never seen GYPSY, so i guess i cant judge on how Laura will do as Louise. but im with FOAnatic in that i have yet to be disappointed with a performance of hers.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:33pm

It cracks me up to hear about discount codes, available seats now as it was quite difficult getting tickets the day they went on sale.

I think Tony Yazbek will be excellent.

I wish I could weigh in on Laura, but I've had tickets to all the Broadway shows she's been in and I always ended up seeing her understudy.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:42pm

"Benanti is an incredible and versatile actress who has two well deserved TONY nominations and a win in her future."

Finding a producer willing to cast Benanti in a Tony-worthy role (let alone getting investors willing to put up the money for it) would be much easier said than done.

As great as she is, this recent debacle with "The Wedding Singer" may very well have put the nail in the coffin for any type of extended theatrical career for her.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:49pm

Put it this way, Benanti's understudy is going to clock in more performances than she will be.

Laura Benanti has maintained a reputation of missing performances in EVERY show she's appeared in. I don't expect this one to be any different. Expect an unexpected ailment to keep her out of the show for a most of it's short-run.

[commasplice]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:50pm

Benanti? Bleh. I wish they could have brought Boevers back - she was fantastic (and this is coming from someone who was dreading seeing her, based on past experiences. She nailed it and made me a fan.).

VERY excited about Nany Opel, though. She'll be fab. Updated On: 6/1/07 at 04:50 PM

[Johnnytoc]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:52pm

Benanti plays much older than she is on stage as has been previosuly stated. Casting her as Louise just confuses me. I loved her in ITW but this just seems odd.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/1/07 at 4:53pm

Laura Benanti has maintained a reputation of missing performances in EVERY show she's appeared in. I don't expect this one to be any different. Expect an unexpected ailment to keep her out of the show for a most of it's short-run.

Perhaps you should be more informed. The was a recent interview released from Laura where she divulged the severity of her ailment and the inadequate treatment she recieved that was paid for by the producers of INTO THE WOODS. For God's sake, the woman was nearly paralyzed.

Cut her some slack.

She finally got the right therapy/treatment during her leave from THE WEDDING SINGER.

And, if you think she hasn't been approached with offers. You're mistaken.