LuPone GYPSY & other shows created without the possibility of a repl. cast

I know that GYPSY is to be a "limited run" and is a star vehicle for Patti, but why are shows being mounted without the possibility of ever running without the opening cast intact?

Why couldn't this revival of GYPSY run after Patti is done with a replacement? Judy Kaye, Christine Ebersole, anyone?

There have been plenty of productions that were derived from the star power of the lead, but stayed open. What prompted me to ask this is hearing how Anne Baxter was a replacement in Applause! after Bacall had left.

Are these shows being too heavily marketed for one star? Why are shows being created to simply be doomed after their lead leaves?

I remember the talk of Grey Gardens' stability if it had run after Christine would have left, and I ask, why the hell not?

Updated On: 2/12/08 at 07:19 PM

They did.

But in that instance, popular opinion was that Hugh's talent hugely overshadowed the quality of the actual material.

With GG and Gypsy, the shows can stand on their own with a miriad of other actors (well actresses in those 2 cases) so you'd think they would be able to survive.

Who would've wanted to see The Boy from Oz WITHOUT Hugh Jackman?

As for Gypsy, Patti LuPone is the reason the show is happening. Who out there has enough of a name to keep the show open AND would be willing to be a replacement?

I want Donna Murphy to be Rose!

This is true.

But before sales were threatening it's staying open, people were discussing replacements and many felt it should just close with Ebersole's departure.

I just feel like if you were to ask a user on this board who would replace LuPone, the majority would raise an eyebrow and say "wouldn't it just close when she leaves?"

It just feels assumed.

Updated On: 2/12/08 at 07:44 PM

Again, I totally agree.

But, for instance (thanks to your avatar) what if they could have gotten Candace Bergen to take over for Kathleen as Mrs. Robinson?

This one may not run its intended 'Limited Season' even with Patti still in it.
'Limited Season' is always a good excuse to take a show off when the producers see fit!

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LuPone, Laurents, and the rave reviews from every paper except the Times are the reasons why this is transfering.

logan---I totally agree with you.

I understand the opposite example/train of thought: that shows like Mame ran without the title character. However, LUPONE GYPSY seems to be a little different of the case. It would be awkward for another major powerhouse such as Ebersole or Murphy joined the cast, and the marquis had to be all changed EBERSOLE GYPSY or so forth. That's a little strange.

I mentioned Applause! earlier.

It opened with Bacall because she was a huge celebrity doing this piece. On all accounts we can agree that she was the draw for the show.

The role of Margo was then played by 2 other actresses and the show ran for 2 years and nearly 900 performances.

How is "Lauren Bacall - Applause!" (note the name above the title status of the production) changing to Anne Baxter then Arlene Dahl - Applause! not strange but "LuPone Gypsy" having someone else take over the lead role "strange"

After seeing her in Sweeney Todd, I would absolutely be ecstatic to see Judy Kaye in this!

After Patti leaves, they shoul have 1 month replacement Roses, so that the time committment isn't huge and we can see all sorts of wonderful stars try their hand at the role.

It'd never happen, but it'd be a nice trick.

I saw Linda Lavin take over for Tyne Daily (in GYPSY on Bwy). The show closed within weeks.