Lisa Brescia is joining Mama Mia on Broadway as Donna, really wish she was u/s Diana instead in next to normal.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143272-Broadways-Mamma-Mia-to-Welcome-Lisa-Brescia-Liana-Hunt-and-Clarke-Thorell
She was smart for choosing the lead in a long running hit over an understudy in a show that is now struggling to survive.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/07
I thought she always preferred to be the understudy in musicals because she was taking classes. That was part of the reason why she played Elphaba from June to August 2008 in Chicago because it was summer. I guess she finished with classes now so she can play this role. I think she's going to be terrific.
Very happy for Lisa. She is extremely talnted and deserves much success!
I'm sure she would've "kicked butt" in Next to Normal, but she was smart to choose the leading role in a successful Broadway musical versus an understudy role in a show closing in January (not sure if this is confirmed, but saw people post about getting a mailing saying it must close in January). Not to mention, who's to say she would've even gotten a chance to go on as Diana? If she did, I doubt it would have been much.
Does anyone have any idea how long she'll be in the role? I would LOVE to get to see her in it, but I probably wont get back to NY until March.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/12/09
I saw Liana Hunt on tour last year. Quite good.
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