How about Jennifer Hudson as Elphaba?

[Leadingplayer]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:10pm

She seems to be looking for a Broadway gig. I think her voice would be thrilling singing those songs. I wonder if she could act the role though.

[Ronlopez]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:18pm

Who is playing the role now?

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:18pm

Idina Menzel and Staphanie J Block

[Mattio98]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:18pm

I hope that was sarcastic.

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:24pm

jennifer does have an incredible voice, but as said above, her acting would question some.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:34pm

She does need an Effie warmup.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:38pm

I'm always up for a challenge and a laugh!
I'd like to see it!

[Broadway_freak]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:39pm

That's a great idea! Never thought of that before.

[zoran912]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:44pm

We could always put her in Fiddler on the Roof!

or Hairspray...as TRACY!

This is almost as ridiculous as casting Tamyra Gray as an Indian. I think it just might work.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:46pm

I understand what you're saying zoran but who says you have to be white to be green?

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:49pm

Well, Zoran, Vanessa Oliverez plays Tracy in Hairspray in Toronto and has received great reviews. So yeah, open your mind a bit.

[zoran912]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 10:58pm

Vanessa Olivarez is not black. The story would make no sense if Tracy is black. Race is such a huge part of that show. Vanessa looks white under stage lights. Jennifer Hudson never could. She could sing the hell out of Motormouth though, even if she is a bit young.

Yes, a black woman could be green, but Elphaba strikes me as white and a little Jewish. Maybe that's Idina. Whatever.

I'm all for hearing these women sing Elphie's songs, but I'd prefer to keep it kosher and not pull in talent from AI. Broadway is for Broadway. Tamyra has put distaste in my mouth for AI/Broadway crossovers.

Save Jen for Dreamgirls. She would kill in that.

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:01pm

zoran i agree 100% about elphie being jewish and white lol

and its not just idina...shoshana too! :)

[bronxboundexpress]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:03pm

Who is Idina Menzel?

[nztheatreluva]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:29pm

Come on, people!!
Jennifer Hudson as Elphaba?
She'd scream her way thru all those wonderful songs, especially defying gravity

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:30pm

Idina is Jewish?

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:30pm

zoran, obviously Vanessa isn't black. That wasn't my point. I wasn't saying that it would be a good idea to cast a black actress in the role of Tracy, simply that what some think as typical casting is sometimes challenged, and is successful. I don't believe in the role or Elphaba that there is any stipulation that the role must be played by a Caucasian actress. And some would take offense at your 'white and a little jewish' comment. How exactly is it 'kosher' not to cast anyone from AI in a Broadway show? Curious what you mean when you say 'broadway is for broadway'? Do you honestly think there are 'rules' as to whom can be, or should be, in a Broadway show?

[zoran912]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:36pm

I think that it takes a certain modicum of talent. Broadway is for the best in musical theatre. Seeing "celebrities" who want to try doing a show on Broadway frustrate me. These kids aren't nearly as talented as the kids who can barely pay their rent. New York is full of good performers. American Idol is not.

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:40pm

?

[Dulcinea]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:42pm

I'm so sick and tired of American Idol performers thinking that their Broadway stars. ALso, I think that there should be a ban on all boy groups trying to become broadway performers. It turns my stomach.
But of course it's all because the general populace won't take a chance on a show unless there's a Backstreet Boy, or whatever they are, in the show.

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:44pm

Is Idina Jewish?

[Thetruth]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:45pm

Should the girl be penalized because she was on the show? I say let her pay her dues (as with any performer) and see how she does.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:48pm

"I think that it takes a certain modicum of talent. Broadway is for the best in musical theatre. Seeing "celebrities" who want to try doing a show on Broadway frustrate me. These kids aren't nearly as talented as the kids who can barely pay their rent. New York is full of good performers. American Idol is not."

Wait a minute...WHEN did we ever see what Jennifer Hudson is capable of as far as acting goes? Who knows if she can act. Just because she's has some exposure on TV means she isn't able to?

Oh, and you better believe that she completely stole the show at Hair.

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:49pm

I think Jennifer Hudson is wonderful, but I don;t know if she is totally Elphaba. I like Shoshana Bean alot.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 11/27/04 at 11:55pm

Come on, people, colorblind casting!

If this Asian boy could be (and WAS) cast as Emile deBecque in "South Pacific," anything is possible!

But I'm not sure if Jennifer Hudson is right for Elphaba. I don't know if she fits. I'd have to think about it for a while to see if I like the idea or not...

~Steven