Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 6:38am

Scarlett Johansson is the front runner to star in Lincoln Center's upcoming revival of South Pacific. Also on the list for Nellie are Reese Witherspoon and Kelli O'Hara.

Russian opera star Dimitri Hvorovstovsky is being auditioned for de Becque.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03142007/news/columnists/scarlett_fever_on_bway_columnists_michael_riedel.htm

[MusicAndPassion]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 6:48am

I think Kelli O'Hara would be amazing as Nellie. I've thought of this for a while now.

Scarlett Johansson would make a good Nellie. Can she sing? She'll sell tickets for sure!

[Fan2]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 6:53am

Here's info on Scarlett singing:

http://www.egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/scarlett-johansson/scarlett-johansson-sings-001775

There was a recent interview with Hugh Jackman where he said he had dinner with Scarlett and Harvey Weinstein, and all he and Scarlett did over dinner was sing show tunes, and he she knew the words to more of the songs than he did.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:24am

I love this idea.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:25am

I hope not, I was really pulling for O'Hara.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:27am

Kelli O'Hara doesn't sell tix. If you were Lincoln Center, you'd be pulling for Johansson. It will bring people in who aren't usually interested in musical theater, and they'll be educated and perhaps gain an appreciation.

Plus, LCT will make a fortune which they can then use to produce new works with your favorite performers.

[D2]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:29am

Both Johansson AND Witherspoon are intriguing ideas - I never would have thought of either one of them for Nellie Forbush, but I can see either one of them working in the role. And either one of them would certainly sell tickets. Hvorovstovsky is an inspired choice for Emile - his voice is stunning, and he's gorgeous.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:33am

Yes, I like the idea of Witherspoon as well, for the same reasons I listed for Johansson. Witherspoon might be a more natural fit, in fact.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:46am

I don't see Witherspoon doing this.

I like how he said he "other stars...Keli O'Hara" as if someone outside of the musical theater relm would know her. I guess he knows his audience.

I wonder what the "sexy" new revival will look like.

[mallardo]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:50am

Never mind can Scarlett sing - the question is can she act? After seeing her in The Black Dahlia and The Prestige, I think the issue is in doubt.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 8:53am

Let's hope she's more exciting on stage than in Dahilia. That movie was a big ol' bore.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:05am

Rath-
So does that mean I can't pull for her?

Isn't she on one of the day time soaps now? (O'Hara)

Johanasson has the potential to be good, I just can't see it...

[Barihunk]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:06am

Hvorostovsky would be a nice idea but it will never happen. Opera singers (especially him) are booked with gigs at least 2-3 years in advance. He would never be able to clear his schedule for this. Also, Reidel should do his homework. Mr. Hvorostovsky is a baritone, not a tenor.

Updated On: 3/14/07 at 09:06 AM

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:15am

I'd expect better from Lincoln Center. If this were to be a commercial production of SOUTH PACIFIC, I'd understand casting a movie star, but Lincoln Center is a quality, non-profit theatre.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:21am

I think Johansson and Witherspoon are both interesting choices, but I was definetly pulling for O'Hara as well. I guess it would be good if they cast a movie star for their whole "sexy" revival concept, because this show is usually boring and dry as hell. Making it appealing to a wider audience doesn't sound like a bad idea to me.

Can they sing is the question?

[Testing1232]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:24am

I think I would be there every night !

[ccpdramaking]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:25am

Scarlett will definitely sell the tickets. I'm excited about it..

[jerseygurl]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:27am

Of all the producers in this town, Andre Bishop would be the very last to use stunt casting. None of the ladies mentioned will be cast unless he completely believes that she would be a credible actress and singer.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:29am

Anyone got a pic of Hvorovstovsky?

[kasim]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:30am

I'd rather see Kelli O'hare.

if its reeese or scarlet ... all those bloody scalpers are gonnna buy up tickets and its going to be hard to even go see it. Besides i like kelli

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:40am

"Anyone got a pic of Hvorovstovsky?"

google does.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:42am

You know 1 thing....if Scarlett signs on to do it, it's not for the money.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:44am

So I have to spell it again????
Thanks for nothing.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:48am

I think the major question is can they stage act. I haven't heard of one of these movie stars ever doing live theater and even if they are natural movie actors and singers it is a totally different craft when acting in live theater. But, I am very intrigued!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/14/07 at 9:50am

all those bloody scalpers are gonnna buy up tickets and its going to be hard to even go see it.

This is true. Lincoln Center, aside from not selling premium tickets because it is a non-profit, still charges a top price of only $100 for Orchestra seats to their Broadway shows. So the scalpers really will make a fortune on these tickets.