Herman Discuss "Dolly" Revival, possible Dollys- Page 4

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 12:42am

Could someone explain to my why Reba or Dolly's accents would be a problem? I get that Dolly is from Yonkers, but would it be terrible to assume she was from Tennessee/Texas and married a wealthy man from Yonkers and moved there years ago?? I dont know the book well enough to know of a "I was born in Yonkers" line. Even if there is you could always change that ONE line without killing the show/character.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 12:49am

To me, Dolly is a new yorker. Plain and simple.
I do wonder if they will try to get Patti for this, considering she has Herman's approval now. I would love for her to do some Herman. Updated On: 7/15/08 at 12:49 AM

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:11am

While I don't de-value you're opinion at all, I have to ask WHY she cant be southern. Believe me, the character has many traits of the southern town busy-body. Almost like Nattie Fae in August. I think Patti and Bernadette would also be great as well as Vicky Clark, but I think a Dolly or Reba would shatter the Carol mold.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:16am

For me- her wit, charm, and humor is of a New York woman. Not a Southerner. Updated On: 7/15/08 at 01:16 AM

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:20am

Beth Leveal please.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:22am

You've obviously never met or seen Dolly or Reba and get their wit, charm, and humor. Southern women can be witty and charming too. I think with such an iconic actress attached to the character you need to go against the mold.

Again, I respect your opinion, and I would appreciate some specific examples of wit that keep her from being Southern. Not saying you're "wrong" I'm just curious for my own benefit, ya know? lol

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:26am

There a BIG difference between New York charm and Southern charm.

[Not Barker, Todd.]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:30am

I don't see Patti LuPone as someone who "doesn't know she's hillarious". Beth Level PLEASE.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:31am

I find southern woman to be far more charming and charismatic.

and if Herman himself brought Reba up, I think it shows he finds her instinctually right for the role.

(thought I'd rather see Reba do a revival of "Anything Goes" first)

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:32am

I never said Southern women aren't charming. Dolly just isn't a Georgia Peach.

[etoile]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:59am

I like the idea of Beth Level, but feels she's a tad too young.

Would love to see Michele Lee in the role. She possess the poise, the cunning, the ability to emote, and that "joie de vive" that's required.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:23am

I get what you're saying, but I'm just saying she COULD be. It's a fresh approach on a role.

And while I find her talented, I don't find Patti charming in the least. She's a bulldozer.

[etoile]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:48am

Patti may be a bulldozer, but so is Dolly Gallagher Levi at times.

[alterego]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:25am

Lots of good suggestions here but, truth be told they aren't great box office. Unless you have someone who is box office gold I feel a big Broadway revival is unlikely to happen.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 7:06am

Oh let Christine Ebersole have her day in the sun! I'd love for Beth Leavel to play her but I still want her for Mame. Patti would be fine but I just feel Christine will fill the role better. She has less of a edge that Patti has developed over the years.

Dolly Parton would be nice too. If she would commit to the role. Not sure she would do it. I just can't see Reba or Cher sing this?

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 9:47am

"like the idea of Beth Level, but feels she's a tad too young"

Too young?

Channing was only 43 in 1964 when the original production opened. Leavel is def. older than 43.

[sundayinthepark]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 9:55am

instead of discussing the possibilities of Dolly being from the South, could we not discuss the possibility that Reba or Dolly, oh, i don't know...ACT...and lose the southen accent/gain a different accent for the character?

[pants2]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:43am

Helloooooooo? Tovah Feldshuh.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 12:03pm

"could we not discuss the possibility that Reba or Dolly ... and lose the southen accent/gain a different accent for the character"

would audiences that flocked to see Reba or Dolly (both of whom I think could be wonderful) be disappointed if they radically changed up what "they" do in the role? i.e. totally playing as a New Yorker, losing their accents etc.?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 12:07pm

I saw Tovah play the role at the Papermill. She was not only dreadful, she was horrendously dreadful. Incidentally, Jerry Herman agrees with me on that!

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:01pm

As far as accents and "acting" go, they both definitely can act. Dolly never refers to herself as an actor, just "a personality you hired for your film." Dolly and Reba would have to let their natural personalities shine through.

If you dont think Reba could sing it, listen to her singing the score to "South Pacific." There's mega-watt power there.

Logistically, I dont see either of these women actually taking the role, even in an Encores! version. Plus, my dream returning Reba roles again are Miss Mona and Reno Sweeney. It's just fun to dream. lol

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:07pm

Blythe Danner?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:10pm

I ADORE Danner, but poor girl can't sing. I wouldn't wanna see her straining through "So Long, Dearie" or trying to get through "Before the Parade Passes By." She can only do musicals that were written for singing actresses, for example, she would make a fantastic Desiree in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:35pm

My favorites so far are Andrea Martin and Beth Leavel. They have the right wit.

[kooky]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 5:55pm

JUDY KAYE