Well, you couldn't really have a show called PATTI LUPONE GYPSY with someone else in the lead, now could you?
They revived the show specifically for LuPone, and a lot of shows don't work unless they have a huge high profile star, case in point being The Boy From Oz. Grey Gardens as good as people say it was a bit of an esoteric show and like others said was suffering from declining ticket sales.
Most shows now, sadly are set up for tourists, hence they need a name to draw them in, and when there is no longer a name, what is the point of keeping the show open?
acrocksyo, the second half of your post is basically the sad thing that I'm pointing out here.
As I said, I agree that this revival is being mounted for LuPone, but am using it (and GG) as examples of recent "above the title names" leaving a show causing its closing.
I holding out hope that Kathy Halenda (Rose on Tour) can take over for Patti.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Don't get your hopes up.
I heard a rumor they want to seek a replacement after LuPone's contract is up in Feb. of 09 But only a rumor.
Updated On: 2/13/08 at 01:59 PM
I think the show may not be huge (financially, of course) and therefore the show would close with LuPone because she IS the whole reason of this revival. The show was revived on Broadway as recently as 2003 and ran for a year. We should not have a revival so soon, but Patti was so good that they revived the show for a limited run BECAUSE it is Patti!
That's my insight.
So does that mean it will be open until Feb 09?
Edit: From Kathy's site it says she is a former equity member and can work both equity and non-equity shows there is a chance.
Updated On: 2/13/08 at 02:20 PM
no.
Does that mean she doesn't have an understudy?
she has to have an understudy. but the chances that this revival will be doing good enough business by October that the St. James won't boot them out for a return of the Grinch? slim to none.
I emailed Kathy and she said she doesn't plan on auditioning for her replacement but said they will probablly stunt cast after Patti's departure, she asked if "Rosie O'Donell was Free?" lol
Great thread
Thats all lol
Actually I think they could get some good stunt casting in their that wouldn't piss anyone off. Meryle Streep, Glenn Close, Debbie Reynolds. Updated On: 2/13/08 at 09:38 PM
Goodness gracious..... let the show start and see how it does. I hope that "Gypsy" has a healthy run with Miss Patti. That's all I have to say about that. from RC in Austin, Texas
The absolutely stunning, amazing, and fantastic Lenora Nemetz is Patti's understudy. So she has one. Though I highly doubt there will be a replacement. And Patti's signed until February, the chances of the show running past then are extremely slim.
The big question is, why? Why in the world would there be a replacement?
Well if either Meryl or Debbie Reynolds came in I would have to make another revisit, however it seems that a star of that name would come in as a replacement... It will most likely close with Patti's departure.
Debbie Reynolds is in her mid 70's, lol. People think LuPone is too old for the role and she's only 59.
defying- what a great avatar..you should have design the Artwork for LuPONE GYPSY.
Well.. Cant wait to see LuPONE GYPSY this March - that's what I am going to call the show now! not GYPSY...but LuPONE GYPSY..lol!
J*
Thanks and I don't care if Debbie is "TOO OLD" if she can do it let her do it. She is that good.
It started out to see if I could recreate teh poster and turned into that.
Updated On: 2/13/08 at 10:32 PM
Defying... I agree with Jaystarr... Your artwork is much better than the one being used for "Gypsy". from RC in Austin, Texas
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