Little Miss Sunshine: The Musical... casting thoughts?

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 9/29/10 at 8:47pm

I did a search, and did not find anything.

What are people's casting thoughts for the new upcoming musical version of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. They are opening at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in Feb, and eyeing a broadway bow for October, 2011.

Casting thoughts? Anyone know who performed in the readings?

[dragonlp86]

Posted: 9/29/10 at 10:53pm

I know that Brian d'Arcy James and Idina Menzel were part of the latest reading. I don't know who else was in it, unfortunately. Personally, I hope Brian is somehow able to stick with it, despite being in 'Times Stands Still'. I could definitely deal with someone other than Idina for the mother, however.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/30/10 at 5:35pm

I know Marty Moran, Sherie Rene Scott, Craig Bierko, and Dick Latessa all participated in a workshop. I hope they all stay connected.

[TheKandyLife]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 8:04am

I think Sherie Rene Scott is a great casting choice, hope they stick with her, and she sticks with them! She's also a "name" now, so tickets would sell, i still won't be suprised if they go for someone else, if the musical ever does come to a head! haha

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 8:43am

I think Idina is not a great choice at all. Nothing about her is motherly in any way. She reads too cold for me. Sorry, just my opinion.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 9:05am

Oddly enough I feel the same way about Sheri Rene Scott. I find that she either comes across as very emotionally frigid, or bored, or sometimes both.

[romgitsean]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 9:11am

In some ways Idina reminds me of Toni Collette, as does Sherie Renee (which is weird, because they both look/act/sing completely differently) but as stated, neither of them seem particularly motherly to me.

I think Carolee Carmello would be a good fit. Perhaps even Stephanie J. Block?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 9:27am

Carolee is a great idea. Very warm.

[backwoodsbarbie]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 9:35am

I too love the idea of Carolee Carmello. I think she is a less obvious choice than a big power belter like Idina and Sherie and frankly I think she is a better actress and more suited for the part. I hope Dick Latessa stays on as the grandfather.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 10:49am

@kandylife- if the musical ever does come to a head! haha
It is.... opening at the La Jolla Playhouse in Feb 11'

I think Carolee Carmello is a brilliant idea. As is Craig Bierko, and Dick Latessa.

Idina would be terrible for the role. I dont think she fits the part at ALL.

I think this show can definitely be successful, as long as the casting choices are well made. The entire show is basically just the family, with minor other roles here and there (Larry Sugarman, The 7-11 Guy, Miss California, etc) There is also a "church choir" type of thing with ensemble members in long robes... not sure how I feel about that yet, but we'll have to wait to see how its directed.

The script is cute, the design is turning out to be very simple (ala Leap of Faith) and the music is fun. Could do well.
Updated On: 10/1/10 at 10:49 AM

[TheKandyLife]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 11:07am

thanks lightguy! I knew it was in workshops but wasn't aware if it would ever be brought to a stage.

now that i think about it another choice, what about Sara Ramirez? We all know she's great at acting and her singing is top-notch, and I think she would really suit the "motherly" look so much more that Idina or even Sherie (as discussed above).

Just my thought, remember! haha

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 11:59am

I would HARDLY call Sherie Rene Scott a "name." You'd be lucky if one person out of fifty knew who she was. I really don't think she would be a major selling point for this show...

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 12:30pm

@kandylife- I LOOOOVE Sara Ramirez, and I really hope she returns to the theatre world soon.

That being said, I think she would not be right for the role. The family is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I dont buy Sara Ramirez as a mid-westerner.

Sherie Rene Scott would be great for the role, but like wicked says, she is NOT a name... who knows though, the show may sell itself, and someone like SRS might just be known enough to lead the cast. Plus, the La Jolla has such a large subscriber base, that the show is going to sell well anyways, no matter who is in it.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 12:31pm

Please, can we never allow Stephanie J. Block near a William Finn show?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 12:35pm

"The family is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I dont buy Sara Ramirez as a mid-westerner."

Well that's ok if you don't buy her as a mid-westerner, since New Mexico is generally considered part of the south-west.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 12:36pm

AEA SM: win.

I dont buy Ramirez as a south-westerner either.

[TheKandyLife]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 12:49pm

i wasn't even thinking about ethnicity when i thought about Sara, and the roots of the family. apologies! haha

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 1:01pm

I believe in colorblind casting for the most part. An African-American Billy Flynn? Sure! Its a non-literal interpretation of the production anyways. Toni Braxton as Belle? Sure! Its the fantasy world of BATB. And Belle is supposed to be the outcast anyways, right? (is that terrible?)

But for this, the family should be Wonder Bread.

[TheKandyLife]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 1:56pm

well, i just wasn't thinking about ethnicity, i suppose some shows should use the colour blind casting, but i 100% agree with you now i think about it haha

[n2nforever<3]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 2:24pm

My friend has an audition on monday for one of the pagent girls. I live in san diego and I would DIE if sherri was in it. I would see the show 5 times, and i think she would be a big selling point for the show.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 2:40pm

Idina did the most recent workshop. I doubt Sherie will do this. I would think she rather stay committed to her lead role in VERGE. If VERGE extended, she would have to leave temporarily to do the premiere production of Sunshine.

[dragonlp86]

Posted: 10/1/10 at 2:54pm

Late, but I think Carolee Carmello would be GREAT for the mother role. Personally, I do just hope they find someone other than Idina for it.