Bianca is more suited for this revival, IMHO.
Karen Olivo ?@Karenolivo
I am not replacing Elena Rogers in Evita! I respect her efforts greatly. Enough rumors! @broadwayworld
I had a feeling the OP was trolling.
Thank you for clarifying that, Karen Olivos.
While I'm sure Karen would sing the hell outta this show, I'd kill to see Hannah Waddingham return to Bway as Eva
Just the other day I was thinking about Bianca (since I follow her on Twitter), and was wondering about her being in Evita. Then I was wondering if she could break out her "Roxie" mold (yes, I know that she has played other roles, but she's mostly been "Roxie" in the US) and replace Elena. Then I started wishing that she opened the show instead of Elena.
Next fall Bianca Marroquin is playing Mary Poppins in the Mexican production, so definitely she is not going to replace Elena Roger.
Well, with Karen counting herself out, and Bianca in another show, who else can be cast? Would they go with a "semi" name and try to go for another big name Che?
"I respect her efforts greatly."
What an odd thing to say.
I'd rather see Mandy Gonzalez.
Leading Actor Joined: 1/3/07
Is there much point in recasting if this happens after Ricky Martin leaves? Do they think the show will sell when he does? I hope so, as I love it, but part of me wonders whether this show will fare like Sunset did once Glenn Close left. It'll be interesting to see how the box office does during Martin's vacation next week.
"I respect her 'efforts'"
How condesending of her.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/12
^ My thoughts exactly.
For all the times it's been suggested on this board, I still can't see Karen Olivo as Eva. The role requires a dynamic poise and sophistication that she's never exhibited before, considering she's made a career of playing tough, street-wise characters (IN THE HEIGHTS, WEST SIDE STORY, VERA STARK, BROOKLYN, RENT, and even her recent television stint.) Though she's got a great voice, I also seriously doubt she could sing this kind of score even six times a week. That type of crazily high sustained belting is not what she does.
All that not withstanding, this would seem like the last production of the show where she'd ever wind up, given the fact that it's so dance-heavy and her dance skills are so notoriously subpar, even by her own admission.
Is it really all Ricky Martin fueling the box office?
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/12
Love Karen but she couldn't even get Elena's name right.
And yes, the wonderful Kiki at the Marquis Theater is what is fueling the box office. Lock the doors tight!
Elena's vocals are fine. Not everyone on Broadway needs to sound like a "Glee" reject.
"What would Patti do?"
File a restraining order against and then maybe hire a hit out on Elena and all others who dared play Eva Peron after she retired. :-P
I don't know where this notion that Patti is anti-Elena came from.
Probably from the notion that she is anti-everyone.
Chorus Member Joined: 9/21/06
When is Ricky contracted until?
Bianca would be awesome, but it might clash with her scheduled run as Mary Poppins in Mexico at the end of the year... :-/
Swing Joined: 11/8/11
What about Christina Decicco? Doesn't it seem fitting that she be the next woman to take over the role? She was fantastic when I saw her.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/29/12
Wow, this really got people on their toes. With the stuntcasting of Ricky I thought anything was possible with this production. I adore Elena and respect that she didn't even acknowledge this rumor at all and is still singing her heart out every night at the Marquis.
I doubt Elena is going anywhere soon. She's here for as the long as the show.
It's the new thing to say when you go backstage afetr hating a friend's show:
"Darling, I just can't tell you how much I RESPECT your EFFORTS!"
When I saw "Chicago" for the first time on March 17, 2011, Bianca Marroquin was scheduled to be "Roxie" on that day. As it turned out, she was absent. I recall hearing that she took that day off, in order to audition for "Evita". Who knows...maybe she is still under consideration. from RC in Austin, Texas
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