Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival? — Page 3

I am almost positive that the Victoria Clark / Nellie Forbush rumours were invented on BWW and Talkin Broadway.com and have absolutely no validity.

I don't think any of us have heard enough of Johansson's singing to know whether she could handle Nellie's music or not. The few songs she has song on disc and elsewhere are jazz, but that doesn't necessarily mean she doesn't have an upper range.

The nice thing about Johansson doing the role is that at 22, she is actually the same age as the character.

Fair enough Priest. I guess I meant I lost respect for the Academy cause I thought her performance was overrated. I do love her though, I just can't see her in this part.

I love Scarlett.
I'd go see it.

I remember hearing her on E! News when all these celebrities recorded some kid's lullaby CD. She sounded amazing. :)

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You couldn't get more perfect than Johansson for this role. I read the news this morning, and it just completely clicked. I didn't question it...it just suddenly became obvious.

And for those of you that question her acting ability, are you CRAZY? She was a mess in THE BLACK DAHLIA, but there is no way on earth that you can attribute that to her talentes as an actress. That entire movie was a misfire, and even the usually brilliant Eckhart and Swank left the ring bruised and beaten.

As far as THE PRESTIGE goes, I thought she was completely fine in a film that lacked in almost every other area.

But you cannot tell me with a straight face that you saw her performances in LOST IN TRANSLATION and GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING and are still of the belief that she can't act. She's an extremely young actress that proved herself as being brilliant at the age of 19. Now, I have no interest in defending her at all, but I do believe (and I thought it was the general consensus) that Scarlett is one of the brightest young stars in recent memory.


Witherspoon is also a great choice, but there is no way in hell that she will do a Broadway show. She has already said that she's terrified of singing and almost said no to WALK THE LINE for that reason. Plus, there's the family in LA factor, and the millions upon millions she would be losing by starring in SOUTH PACIFIC. Not a chance.


But for O'Hara, I think she's a safe choice. We all know she can do it, we all know she's talented, but I agree that she's becoming a bit boring. I don't find her boring on stage, but I would rather see someone new and exciting as Nellie this time around. But I, for the record, thought she couldn't have been better in THE PAJAMA GAME.


And Mary Martin surely didn't have a high voice...

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No doubt, all three actresses, plus a few who haven't been mentioned would all be terrific. The more difficult casting comes with DeBecque. In the 1949 original - Pinza was 57 and at that point retired from the opera stage. In today's world, singers don't retire at such a relatively young age (Sam Ramey is still singing at 65, Paul Plishka is 66 as is Placido Domingo). I think they'll be hard pressed to find someone in the peak of their career (age 40-55) to take the time out of their schedules for this especially since the production is opening in February in the middle of the operatic season. There are quite a few gentlemen who would be great (if they want sexy - my money is on Nathan Gunn, Rod Gilfry, or Teddy Tahu Rhodes)but will they sit down for 6 mos and do 8 shows a week when they are used to doing 6-8 perfs and then moving on to another role?

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RE: Witherspoon.
MichaelBennett couldn't have said it better. She's the most obvious choice for the role. It'd be more obvious if it were a movie musical because then we wouldn't have to worry if she can sing the role 8 times a week or carry herself on stage (some people said Roberts and Moore both looked uncomfortable). However, she is the most natural choice for the role.

I think Johansson is indeed one of the most promising stars of her generation (along with Anne Hathaway) and would make a great Nellie. I do not see her as Louise in GYPSY though.

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I see her as Louise as well.

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"But you cannot tell me with a straight face that you saw her performances in LOST IN TRANSLATION and GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING and are still of the belief that she can't act."

While I do think Johansson has considerable acting ability, you proved my point in that her standout performances have been dramatic ones. I felt the one comedic role I saw her in ("Scoop") was one in which she fell completely flat. She'd need some considerable comedic ability to do Nellie, which is something I am not yet sure she has.

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Honey, Nellie is 23 years old.

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i really don't think scarlett is that great of an actress to be honest. and i know nellie is the most challenging part to play, but i just am not a fan of the idea. i mean, i like scarlett.. i am just really pulling for kelli on this one, especially since it is a dream role of hers!

i am quite partial to this show too, i am in it right now! =)

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For SOUTH PACIFIC? Unless there's no competition, I find that doubtful.

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Jesus Christ, Obsessueleen. We're not talking about a one-time community theater production here. Or a one-time concert as McEntire did.

But lucky you - you got a chance to fire one off at me anyway. I'm sure I did something to deserve it. What was it I did to you again that justifies your following me around and mocking me at every turn?

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I did not feel like reading everyone's post. but ALW wanted her to be Maria in SOM and I think she would be so great!!!!

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