DramaTeach said: "Assumed Gracie Lawrence was sticking with this for her Broadway debut, but I just got an email saying that her band has a concert the second night of previews. Guess she’s out. I posted on the Chess thread that I think Lea Michele might be doing this one bc their Instagram page follows her, but who knows?!"
As said in the Chess thread, coming off the success of FG why on earth would Lea give up a vocally challenging LEAD role like Florence to pay 2nd or 3rd fiddle to Jonathan in a jukebox musical where she wouldn't get that much to do in comparison to a lead role in a musically that would challenge her vocally? if Jon wasn't her bestie nobody would even be suggesting this.
Character breakdown for Sandra and Connie. If Lea was 5 to 10 years younger and not coming off the success of FG maybe she'd play Connie but again, just how much does Connie get to do in the show? I just don't see it happening and it would, in my opinion be a very dumb career move, especially by someone who has suggested in the past she's not a big fan of jukebox style musicals. This is not the sort of role you take coming of a huge success in a lead role, especially when the producers of Chess have been holding the show for a year for her while she had her daughter.
Also, with previews less than 3 months away wouldn't you be promoting the fact that Lea was in your show to, you know, sell tickets!!!!
SANDRA DEE/AS CAST – (Female, 20s-Early 30s, White, 5’7 and under)
Married to Bobby. All-American Sweetheart. Attractive, charming, innocent, blonde, bubble gum, but can eventually take us to a darker place. Specifically seeking performers 5’7 and under.
CONNIE FRANCIS/AS CAST – (Female, 20s-Early 30s, White, 5’7 and under)
An actress and singer. Bobby started by writing her music, but they become romantically involved. Very direct. A bit of grit and sass. New Jersey Girl. Brunette. Specifically seeking performers 5’7 and under.
