Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?- Page 3
Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
#50re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 12:42pm
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.
#51re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 12:49pm
"Also, I use to love Witherspoon, but then I lost all respect for her when she won an Oscar for Walk the Line. She was good, but not Osacar worthy."
Why would you lose respect for someone becuase they won an Oscar? I agree with you that she didn't necessarily deserve the Oscar for that role, but she didn't give it to herself. She did her job, and then the Academy voters voted to award her. Losing respect for her because she won something that was outside her control? Odd.
And I'd LOVE to see Witherspoon in this role.
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#52re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 12:54pmFair 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.
#53re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:02pmHow can you not see her in the part? She is exactly the part as written. I can understand questioning whether she could sing the score live 8 shows a week, but there is no doubt that Witherspoon's look, southern background, and physical appearance are very much in line with what James Michener and Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote.
#54re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:11pm
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. :)
"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.
#55re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:11pm
I can understand questioning whether she could sing the score live 8 shows a week
But this is precisely what I mean. I can't see her singing the part live 8 times a week. Sure she looks the part, but anyone can LOOK the part thanks to costumes, makeup, and wigs. But, not everyone can sing the part. I don't think Reese could handle it.
#56re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:12pm
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...
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#57re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:43pm
"Sure she looks the part, but anyone can LOOK the part thanks to costumes, makeup, and wigs. "
hmmm. I don't think we'll be seeing harvery Fierstein playing Nellie anytime soon.
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
#58re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:47pmNo 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?
"When you're a gay man, you have to feel good about yourself when a urologist says, "Yeah. I pick you". - Happy Endings
#59re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:48pmThey might, if Johansson is the costar. That will look great on their resumes and could easily bump up their quotes.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#60re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:49pm
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.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#61re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:51pm
Oh, I definitely see her as Louise.
Agreed, Rath,
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#62re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:55pmI see her as Louise as well.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#63re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 1:59pmI'm still pulling for Anne Hathaway to get that one (they're reportedly looking for a star to do the show with LuPone). I just have a hard time picturing Johansson as Act I Louise, like I said she's a great actress, IMO so I wouldn't be surprised if she proved me wrong. She's a far more interesting choice than Boevers.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#64re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:03pm
"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.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#65re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:06pmI would love Scarlett or Reese. I can't picture Kelli as Nelie. I still am hoping for Reba McEntire.
#66re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:08pmHoney, Nellie is 23 years old.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#67re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:33pm
"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."
And the role should be sung by a bass. So what? They'll screw up the rest of the casting anyway. It won't matter.
dramaqueen2
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/23/05
#68re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:41pm
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! =)
hear my song; it was made for the time when you don't know where to go, listen to the song that i sing, you'll be fine..
#69re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:43pmI have a feeling that O'Hara will end up getting it, and it will earn her the Tony.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#70re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:47pmFor SOUTH PACIFIC? Unless there's no competition, I find that doubtful.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
SueleenGay
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
#71re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:52pm
I find it hard to believe that anyone was serious about casting Clark. She could be Nellie's mother.
Rath, why don't you post some photos of yourself as Nellie, over 40 and overweight. Then you might have room to talk about how ANYBODY (especially Clark) is not right for this role.
PEACE.
#72re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 3:58pm
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?
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#73re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 4:02pmUh...that seemed uncalled for.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#74re: Johansson to Star in South Pacific Revival?
Posted: 3/14/07 at 4:03pmI 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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