If Hello Dolly could extend it's run?- Page 4

[candydog2]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 6:38am

Someone suggested Dame Edna earlier in this thread, which I think would actually be perfect in a different production, but not this one. An entirely separate production, perhaps a tour or a regional production would be an excellent vehicle, but I think putting a drag star like Edna in the current revival would make it less about Dolly Levi and more about Dame Edna. It's a character, in character, playing a character.

A real "Broadway star/legend" like Bernadette Peters would be incredible. Not as easy to sell as Midler perhaps, but she has carried many a show on her name before. 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 10:13am

Reba would be perfect. How I wish she would come back and do something. 

Chenoweth would be an inspired choice. She would kill this. 

I don't see Audra McDonald getting a crack at this, not after how everything went down at Shuffle Along.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 12:36pm

Would love to see someone in drag- any ideas?

Lee Roy Reams and Danny La Rue have performed it.  I always assumed Charles Busch would as well.  

As for Reba, just be ready for Dolly to have a Southern accent if she ever plays the role because Reba is incapable of dropping it.  I'd MUCH rather see her as Mona in Whorehouse.

I don't see Audra McDonald getting a crack at this, not after how everything went down at Shuffle Along.

Audra's reputation will survive.  I doubt she will encounter the same situation again.

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 12:40pm

10086sunset said: "I don't see Audra McDonald getting a crack at this, not after how everything went down at Shuffle Along.

 

"

Are you kidding me?

 

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 1:14pm

I think sunset is referring to Scott Rudin being the main producer on both this and Shuffle Along. Guessing their relationship isn't great.

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 1:26pm

At some point Christine Ebersole could be a fabulous Dolly

[MoveOnGypsy]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 2:26pm

opps. I posted in the wrong thread.

Updated On: 3/28/17 at 02:26 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 2:34pm

I don't think any of the women named here- stupendously talented though they may be- really could follow Midler, who's sort of a perfect storm of casting for this. She's a legend, she's right for the role, and there's immense good will and nostalgia for her returning to a musical. The show made millions in ticket sales based on the idea of her casting alone.

In a revival not built around a star like Midler, sure, these women could step in. But following Midler? Much tougher.

Updated On: 3/28/17 at 02:34 PM

[GhostXmasPast]

Posted: 3/28/17 at 2:57pm

Why not "swing for the fences" and go for Barbara Streisand.  That could "break Broadway."

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 10:25am

Kad said: "I don't think any of the women named here- stupendously talented though they may be- really could follow Midler, who's sort of a perfect storm of casting for this. She's a legend, she's right for the role, and there's immense good will and nostalgia for her returning to a musical. The show made millions in ticket sales based on the idea of her casting alone.

In a revival not built around a star like Midler, sure, these women could step in. But following Midler? Much tougher."

I agree with Kad that these are particularly big shoes to fill.  But some of the bigger shoes already mentioned - Streep, Hawn, Madonna, Parton, McEntire, Madonna - are certainly on the right track.

Who else has those kinds of shoes?

Cher?

Latifah?

Lauper?  

Glenn Close?

Diana Ross?

Personally, and leaving aside the legend-replacing-a-legend criterion, some of the women I'd most like to see as Dolly would be Lauper, Mullaley, Krakowski, Latifah, and Finneran.  

on a different note, if only Ann-Margret were younger... then again Channing played it until she was how old?  But that of course was a different matter (a star recreating a legendary success).

And Streep!  While I'm often not as excited as many others about Streep as a go-to casting choice (because of the "give someone another chance" factor), I actually think she could be a wonderful Dolly.

As far as Streisand, well, for me it's a far better idea than casting her in the 1969 Dolly movie or the current (if it's still happening) Gypsy one.

Updated On: 3/29/17 at 10:25 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 10:27am

Of the names tossed out, I think Streep would be the closest to approaching the star factor of Midler while also being right for the role. She even will get the perk of also being a long-away stage performer returning.

Updated On: 3/29/17 at 10:27 AM

[MoveOnGypsy]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 10:27am

I don't think any of the mentioned above would even consider a Broadway run. Having seen Lauper recently at the TDF Kinky Boots Celebration, she seemed less than enthusiastic to be there. I am convinced it will close when Bette leaves. Rudin is no Weissler (and for good reason).

[Kad]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 10:29am

I agree it will probably close up shop once Midler leaves. The production was conceived as a star vehicle for her.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 10:32am

^and nothing wrong with that!  although it's fun to think about it.

[10086sunset]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 4:17pm

LesWickedly said: "I think sunset is referring to Scott Rudin being the main producer on both this and Shuffle Along. Guessing their relationship isn't great."

Thanks LesWickedly. You completely got what I was referring.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 5:14pm

Diana Ross?

I'd probably snatch a pair of tickets to see that hot mess!  God, could you imagine?

on a different note, if only Ann-Margret were younger...

How much younger?  Sixteen years ago she was a disaster in Whorehouse.  How far do you want to go back?

then again Channing played it until she was how old?  But that of course was a different matter (a star recreating a legendary success).

And that 90s revival did her no favors.  It was certainly a "different matter".  An awful production that just shouldn't have happened.

At some point Christine Ebersole could be a fabulous Dolly

Only if she somehow works the Amero into the script and asks her late husband if 9/11 was really an inside job.  Otherwise...no.

Of all the names bandied about, Streep is probably the best choice, followed by Latifah (though her comedic chops have little bite, should definitely sell tickets).  I would also like to toss Toni Collette's name out there.  I think she's a terrific actress, quite funny, charismatic, great singer and she is a recognizable name.  

I think sunset is referring to Scott Rudin being the main producer on both this and Shuffle Along. Guessing their relationship isn't great.

If he thought she could sell tickets, I think he'd be okay with it.

[Valentina3]

Posted: 3/29/17 at 9:05pm

Oh another request... Bebe Neuwirth.

[Midnight Radio]

Posted: 3/30/17 at 11:42pm

Not sure if she can sing, but I would also toss Melissa McCarthy into the mix.

However, I think Latifah is the most realistic option.