Gypsy Tonight- Page 2

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 12:35pm

I agree with Max's great idea -- Lauper might be a revelation as Roxy.

As for a new Rose, I doubt the competing theatrical divas of the same generation -- LuPone, Buckley, etc -- would step in to this production. Maybe I'm wrong. Liza's moment has come and gone I fear. (And perhaps that happened as early as Bette's TV version. She could sing the hell out of it in a studio, to act it on TV with lip-synching, but will anyone do another so soon? And per post above, 8 X a week seems prohibitive.)

What about a less likely choice -- the way Tyne came out of the woodwork and shocked everyone.

Hey, about the people who NEVER get a shot at this? Leslie Uggams comes to mind. Anyone who saw her in her serious stage work (pre MILLIE) know she has major acting chops. It's a shame to think she never gets a shot at a role like that, and has to only play "black" parts.

O this T, and subj of another thread, but there are great roles that are too often unavailabe to African-American performers. The only part in mainstream musical theater that has consistently been open to black women has been Aldonza. By the ay: Joe Papp, who was so vocal about non-traditional casting downtown at the public ... never put a black Sheila or Cassie on Broadway, though he often allowed non-Latinas to play Morales. Maybe that was Bennett's edict, but I always found it hypocritcal that the cash cow had to be cast as stereotypically as possible.

Updated On: 11/23/03 at 12:35 PM

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 12:41pm

tkts, some of course would rather wait for a chance at a Tony. But, for a great many women in the entertainment industry, Mama Rose in Gypsy is the ultimate role to play. Many actresses have spoken of playing Rose throughout the years.

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 12:45pm

Auggie27? Max's idea?

Read back the thread, I'm the one who suggested Lauper as Rose:).............I want full credit when Ms. Lauper replaces Bernadette in Gypsy and then does the national tour when Bernadette goes to London:))))

A few years back I always thought of Liza in Gypsy or perhaps Michelle Lee. I would love to see

Michelle Lee back on Broadway in a musical. I loved her in Seesaw:)

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 12:51pm

Whoops, Teacher you're right. So sorry. I read too fast. It's smart casting. I've been watching her sing on TV to promote the new album, and it seems like B'way should be her next career move. She would've been a great Adelaide, too.

Michelle as Rose is terrific. Loved her in SEESAW.

What about Lucie Arnaz (who was real good in the road SEESAW, by the way).

And -- this will make some of us feel ancient -- guess who's about old enough for Rose? Andrea McCardle.

[tkts]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 8:01pm

Teacher, I totally agree with you about Rose being the ultimate role to play. But, I think Gypsy has a reputation as a Tony machine for the woman playing Rose. I also think this harms the casting possibilities, for instance, Betty Buckley would make a great Rose but she might want to wait 7 years or so for her chance for a Tony. As sad as it may be, you need a name to carry this shows box office, and that might not be the best choice for the role. The days of big stars following big stars, like Hello Dolly, are gone forever.

[alterego]

Posted: 11/23/03 at 8:50pm

Would there be any interest in Cyndi Lauper? I doubt that her aging fan base would have any interest in seeing her in a Broadway musical.

I would like to see Melissa Manchester, Lorna Luft or Lucie Arnaz.