Grey Gardens - why was Sara replaced?

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:06pm

Why was Sara Gettlefinger replaced when "Grey Gardens" moved to Bway? Granted she doesnt bear as striking a resemblance to Christine Ebersole that this new girl does, but I thoroughly enjoyed Sara as Little Edie in Act 1 on the CD. Her "Better Fall out of Love" is divine.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:22pm

I just read an article on this. I think they wanted someone better to show in the first act where Little Edie would end up, emotionally so to speak, in the 2nd act. I will look for the article.

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:26pm

Erin Davie was terrible when i saw it. I wanted to gouge out my eyes with soup spoons.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:28pm

What held you back?

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:28pm

I didn't think she was terrible, but Sara was certainly more enjoyable acting & singing-wise. But Erin does more accurately hint at the woman Edie will become.

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:29pm

that's what i've heard from friends in NYC who saw the show both off-Bway and on Bway. i adore Sara.

[toomeytwopiece]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:42pm

Erin is an INCREDIBLE actress AND singer. I find it hard to believe that ANYONE would want to "gouge their eyes out"

that is a hurtful, disrespectful and CHILDISH comment. everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but that kind of comment rings of extreme bias.

It is generally thought among those in the business that Erin is a better choice; she is, let us say, a stronger actress in THIS role than Sara was. Sara is brilliant too, but for this project, Erin is a more appropriate choice.

I like BWW because, usually, people are respectful. This thread is an extreme exception. Please, bear in mind that performers READ these and post here, whether they admit it or not, and criticism like that is hurtful. You should certainly voice your displeasure, if you find that necessary, but there are mature and respectful ways of doing so.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:46pm

Performers shouldn't read what is posted here, since they should know that we're often disrespectful.
Also, don't pass judgement on the entire thread just because one person said something unreasonably cruel, an opinion to which they're entitled.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:51pm

"Performers shouldn't read what is posted here"

Who are you to tell them what to do?

And I did not see Gettelfinger in this role, but I have seen Davie in this as well as other roles, and she is not only versatile but a wonderful actress with a unique and beautiful singing voice.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:52pm

I'm no one. But they should know that a good half of what is written on this board is cruel, and should be prepared for that.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:54pm

That is much better phrasing.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:57pm

just want to echo those who have spoken out against such a tacky, nasty comment.

criticism that is respectful and constructive is vital. nastiness and cattiness just speaks of how sad the speaker is.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:58pm

shesamarshmallow---Why should it be cruel?

What can anyone gain from being cruel on a thread?


(waits for a sh*tload of completely lame answers...)

Oh, and Sara and Erin are both extremely talented. Erin is a better fit for the role, and I'm glad I got to see her do it. I'm sure it was a big blow for Sara, but she won't be hurting for work. Not with her talent.

Updated On: 1/28/07 at 12:58 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 12:59pm

Sara was wayyyyyyyyyyyy too old. No one would believe that she's 21.

[x_FedUp]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 1:00pm

Jeeze, there are so many topics about this.

I think Sara is amazing, but I've never seen her in the role or Erin so I really can't say anything comparing them besides this:

As much as I love Sara as a performer I don't think she looked the part as much as Erin does. On the CD I think she sounds amazing, but I can see why the producers didn't think she led up to Act 2 as well as she could have.

PS. This topic is getting even more mean...
Updated On: 1/28/07 at 01:00 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 1:01pm

Sara is certainly talented. I adored her in Nine and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She just happened to be miscast as Edie. It happens. I'm sure she'll have further triumphs.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 1:03pm

I also have to ask why anyone would want to be so cruel as to chase away the very same performers they stalk and hound for autographs or photos at the stage doors?

It makes NO SENSE.

Why don't you try welcoming them, and see what they have to say about their lives in theatre instead?

You might actually learn something.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 1:14pm

I have no answer to that - it was an observation, not a justification of my own words. I don't know why people are cruel.

[Jon]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 1:56pm

I heard it was because she was too tall.

[x_FedUp]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 3:15pm

She is tall (5'11) but how tall is Christine Ebersole?

[alliez92092]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 3:28pm

Sarah? Too old? You have got to be kidding me.

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 5:06pm

Did you see her in GREY GARDENS? She looked 45.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 5:25pm

I think one of the problems was looking at Matt and Sara together. She towered over him and made him look weak. I think the physical fit of Erin and Matt together looks more pleasant onstage.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 5:43pm

if i had not seen Sara first, i would think Erin was the bees knees.
but having seen both Sara & Erin, i preferred her more sexual & S-T-A-U-N-C-H take on the role of Little Edie.

I agree that Erin may be able to play the fragility of the role better, but keep in mind the part as well as the storyarch totally changed between off-& on-broadway. We'll never know how Sara wouldve played the role as written now.

but that is all water under the bridge & I love & support the entire cast & crew of GREY GARDENS! i want them all to be happy & healthy & play their roles for as long as they want to!

& lets get lovely Sara Gettelfiger back on broadway!

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 1/28/07 at 6:03pm

n69n, you're the bees knees for posting that!