I had just read (I'll find the source again and post it) the roles that were already cast in the film. Travolta, as we all knew, Crystal, Meryl Streep as Velma, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle and they are still looking for the others, I believe there is an open call in Canada. Still seems no Tracey, Penny, Seaweed or Lil Inez - I think they cast Link but I don't recall who. I'll check it again and post the link (no pun intended, LOL!)
Broadway Star Joined: 9/18/04
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
There are open calls in NY, Atlanta and Chicago
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
As far as I know, NO ONE has been officially cast.
Is Penny included in the open auditions?
I cannot seem to find the article I had read just now, But Penny was still being cast it said. I found this other bit here - however, the one I am still looking for sure sounded definative. You can check this one out and I'll keep looking for the other.
http://www.hollywood.com/movies/fulldetail/id/3464464
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
No, just Tracy, Little Inez and Seaweed.
I had the same initial reaction but it could be worse, Glenn Close you know?
Meryl Streep is a great singer and actress. Whats the problem?
It just seems unlike her to take that role. Don't get me wrong she can do anything, but it seemed an odd choice for a cream of the crop actress to take a role originated by Debbie Harry.
Updated On: 1/29/06 at 01:52 AM
Hopefully they are looking for a Link that's from Toronto where they are filming....
Akiva
Regarding Meryl, I simply didn't think she would desire that role - like perhaps a tad too small for her? I dunno, Just struck me awkward. She can sing! (And Act, maybe dance too - wouldn't doubt it!)
OK jimmirae, look for the other article you're referring to. The link you posted here lists Harvey Fierstein AND John Travolta (huh?), Marissa Jaret Winokur is listed also. Post a reliable source then we can speak further.
The only substantial names are the ones listed by Variety in the beginning, which are John Travolta (Edna,) Billy Crystal (Wlibur,) and Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle.) These same three names came up again with the announcement of the casting call, but even so, they still aren't confirmed.
Chorus Member Joined: 7/6/05
I DO NOT LIKE HOW JOHN TRAVOLTA IS BEING EDNA! UGH! IT DOESN'T WORK IN MY OPINION! HE'S NOT... EDNA! IT SHOULD BE HARVEY!! AHHHHHH I DONT' LIKE IT! RAHHHHH!!!!!
Calm Down, Charlie Brown.
Travolta (although not my favorite choice) is a very versatile and talented actor. Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! It probably won't be all bad. We can't do anything about it anyway.
Meryl Streep is actually a pretty inspired choice for Velma. She's really displayed a great comic sensibility of late (more than making up for Death Becomes Her). I think she'd be fantastic.
If you've got Queen Latifah and Billy Crystal, you DO NOT need John Travolta because you already have the star quality! Harvey won a tony for the role and has done movies and would be so great in this movie. John Travolta's last movie didn't even do that well, did it? Is anyone else having trouble picturing Billy and John together during Timeless to Me? It just seems so akward. John seems like such a weird choice. He can play corney or something, but please not Edna!!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/11/05
"Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! "
I can't tell you how much I laughed when I read that! Obviously, if he can do Streisand he's going to be a fabulous Edna.
On a more serious note, I am kind of excited about Travolta, as interesting as some of the parts he plays are, I think he is very talented and will be excited to see him do some of the things he did in his "younger" days again.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
so, that article IS official?
pretty cool!
but why are marissa and harvey still listed. are they having cameos?
You all seem to forget that even if the film's producers felt a need to even consider our opinions, Harvey will be in Vegas doing Hairspray for the next three months. Sorry folks, his dance card is full.
John Travolta's last movie didn't even do that well, did it?
He hasn't really had a well received movie in almost six years now. Be Cool wasn't a disaster but it wasn't a runaway success either.
Regardless of how successful his movies have been...people know and love him and are going to want to see him...especially in this.
I'll tell you what -- if Harvey Fierstein was cast I most likely wouldn't bother going to the movie. I don't understand the appeal of a man who simply CANNOT sing in musicals. Yes, he can write. Yes, he can be funny. No amount of argument is going to convince me that he can sing - or that his "unique" voice works in character. That's absurd. Not that American Idol is the height of singing quality, but can you IMAGINE what the judges would have said if he walked into the room and auditioned???
Travolta can sing. We know that. Travolta can dance. We know that. Travolta is a NAME which is going to be needed for that role, regardless of who else is in the movie. I think this is great casting.
Definitely beats Depp as Sweeney Todd (I still hope I was dreaming that one).
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