Is Melanie doing Sunday evenings?

[Ariel03]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 10:23am

Is Melanie doing Sunday evening shows? Just curious...my husband wants to see Chicago on our trip, and I wondered who usually plays Sunday evenings.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 10:30am

To the best of my knowledge, she is cursing the stage at the Ambassador for all eight shows while her husband is gracing the stage at the O'Niell for all eight as well. That is, uless the cast drops a sandbag on her head.

[NBC]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 11:35am

Yes, she is scheduled to do all eight shows, as of now, anyway. I know she was on last night.

[Deannaizme]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 12:28pm

Is she still awful? If so, is there any buzz about a replacement?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 12:36pm

I heard they wanted a replacement with more charisma and who is better cpcble of doing the Fosse-esque choreo..... I think the replacement they were looking for is a rock of some kind.. volcanic, sedementary..I can never remember.

[tess2]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 1:28pm

Yes she is on Sundays, and actually from those that I know who have seen say that she is a lot better than she expected. Sure the choreography isn't what it used to be, but apparently she isn't half bad. One guy I know has seen her twice. He saw her on her opening night and then this past Saturday and has said that she is remarkably better. I say give the gal a chance. Now I do know there are some of you here who are much better at critiquing broadway shows than I am and seem to enjoy pulvarizing Ms. Griffith, but I think that the typical tourist and everyday Joe is going to enjoy Melanie.........especially if they have not seen Chicago before or is an expert in musicals. Apparently there have been standing ovations every night and the show is sold out every night. From the look of last night's pictures, Ms. Griffith doesn't look like she's going anywhere..........and why should she? She is only on for what like 11 weeks? I say good for her.........it takes some guts to do what she is doing. Now, mind you I haven't seen the show with her in it, but I will be going next month. I haven't seen it for about 5 years, so to be honest I can't remember too much of the dancing. But anyways, when its all said and done I could come back here and say you were all right........but I hope not. I hope that Melanie is going to be great. Just thought the board need a something a little positive.

Now go ahead and bash me or whatever. I'm sure that you will have a lot of nasty things to say like how much longer will Antonio stick with her.........they are already eight years and counting.........and that she shouldn't be meeting him after his show.......I mean really the gull of a woman to meet her own husband after work.....how dare she? She should be shot? And how about that one that she won't let Antonio out of her site.......hmmmmmmmm well now that she is in her own show.....I imagine that she has very little time with him.

Well enough said. I look forward to all the pot shots that you are about to take at me and Ms. Griffith. But I can take it. I'm a grown up. And frankly, for all of those people who say what an awful person she is........need I remind you that she isn't trashing someone on an internet message board that she has never met before.

[ellie]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 3:26pm

I am an average theatre-goer who went to see Melanie in "Chicago" last weekend and I can assure you there were zero standing ovations and if there are standing ovations it must be because she takes her bows with Diedre Goodwin who happens to be phenomenal playing the part of Velma.

She's horrible on stage, plain horrible. I have nothing against the woman as an actress - hey - I loved "Working Girl", but personally I think it's a slap in the face to the theatre folks who put everything they have into a show (& are willing to make nothing for it) to have a Hollywood gal just pop in and pretend like she can match talents.

To me, the average Jane, I still say she needs the luxury of a few good "takes" on a Hollywood soundstage.

Broadway just aint for her, baby.

[Deannaizme]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 3:39pm

Tess,

I don't have any intention of slamming you, or Melanie. I simply think that she's the wrong person for the role. I liked some of her movies, and I think that she could do a play (not a musical) on Broadway and would be excellent. But this is a difficult role that I don't think she's suited for. That's my opinion. You're certainly entitled to yours.

~D

[PJ]

Posted: 7/21/03 at 4:41pm

The attendance % is extremely good. I'm sure she had something to do with it. Even though Chicago's attendance has been very good since the movie became a huge hit. And that was w/ out "big names" in the leads.