I want Kelli to do another role like Bridges next, in which I much preferred her to King and I (and I still think she should have won the Tony that year, and then Kristin could have won last year and everyone would be happy... but that's a different story).
Though the problem with that would be if Kelli had won for The Bridges of Madison County and Kristin won for On the Twentieth Century with Cynthia Erivo winning this year, Jessie Mueller would start to become overdue like Kelli.
And I personally prefer seeing Kelli take on classic roles because she really seems made for them.
Eliza is supposed to be in her twenties. Benanti and O'Hara are both too old. Besides, let's give someone else a chance. They'll have enough marquee value with Firth anyway.
I'm pretty sure the script for MY FAIR LADY actually says Eliza is barely 20 - if that. Julie Andrews, Christine Andreas and Mellisa Errico were all in their early 20s when they played the role in past Broadway productions. I adore Bennati and O'Hara, but I would be surprised if they cast somebody as seasoned as they are in the role.
Wasn't there a rumor about Emma Watson, or did I just read that on this board?
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
TotallyEffed said: "I'm excited to see what Annaleigh Ashford does with Sunday in the Park. She might be interesting in this if she can drop some of her usual shtick."
I've wanted Annaleigh to do another soprano role for awhile actually, and she'd be quite good for this. Plus, she's one of the few G(a)linda's who've hit the optional notes in the score. So she's vocally capable.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
If Colin Firth is in it, it would probably be a limited run because of his extremely busy film career. And as someone else noted above, he's a big enough name that they could go with a lesser-known Eliza.
If the rumor stated here that the production is going to LCT is true - well, that is a not-for-profit, so they aren't going to have the pressure to cast a name Eliza that a commercial production might.
But I also, think its worth noting that in EVERY Broadway production of MY FAIR LADY, it has been the actor playing Higgins that has been the name - playing opposite a young, unknown actress as Eliza. That, in truth, is as it should be.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
QueenAlice said: "I'm pretty sure the script for MY FAIR LADY actually says Eliza is barely 20 - if that. Julie Andrews, Christine Andreas and Mellisa Errico were all in their early 20s when they played the role in past Broadway productions. I adore Bennati and O'Hara, but I would be surprised if they cast somebody as seasoned as they are in the role.
Wasn't there a rumor about Emma Watson, or did I just read that on this board?"
That is highly unlikely. It's not widely known but Emma Watson has serious anxiety. She's battled with severe stage fright in the past and although it goes in and out, I doubt she'd be able to do a live musical theatre performance.
What about Laura Osnes or Sierra Boggess? Someone who is established and has a decent theatre following, but might be a little more age appropriate? I think both would be great for the role.
Emma Watson would be a dream, but I wonder if a spring 2017 bow would conflict too much with promotion for "Beauty and the Beast," which opens in theaters in March 2017. Who are some other young sopranos with some star power or a "name"?
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
She might be too old, but just close your eyes and imagine seeing Benanti on stage the first time she steps out when Eliza is "transformed". Then tell me she's not perfect for it.
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Jordan Catalano said: "She might be too old, but just close your eyes and imagine seeing Benanti on stage the first time she steps out when Eliza is "transformed". Then tell me she's not perfect for it. "
What if I close my eyes and imagine seeing Benanti on stage as the curtain rises, playing a backward and meek flower girl? This Benanti is a strong woman. In She Loves You, Benanti breaks out to the stage for the first time determined to get that sales job, and get it she does, due to her ability to put her life on the line and make one difficult sale.
Not that Benanti couldn't do it, just that I'd like to see it done. It would validate her as a very good actress in my eyes.
But maybe, just maybe, this is a better spot for a young actress like Julie Andrews to get her chance.
OlBlueEyes said: "What if I close my eyes and imagine seeing Benanti on stage as the curtain rises, playing a backward and meek flower girl? This Benanti is a strong woman. In She Loves You, Benanti breaks out to the stage for the first time determined to get that sales job, and get it she does, due to her ability to put her life on the line and make one difficult sale.
Not that Benanti couldn't do it, just that I'd like to see it done. It would validate her as a very good actress in my eyes.
But maybe, just maybe, this is a better spot for a young actress like Julie Andrews to get her chance."
I don't know if I would characterize beginning Eliza as meek. While obviously not refined, she still is strong willed and even defiant at times. I think Benanti would execute Eliza's arc masterfully. For my money, she's one of the best and most skilled actors in musical theatre today.
OlBlueEyes said: "What if I close my eyes and imagine seeing Benanti on stage as the curtain rises, playing a backward and meek flower girl? This Benanti is a strong woman. In She Loves You, Benanti breaks out to the stage for the first time determined to get that sales job, and get it she does, due to her ability to put her life on the line and make one difficult sale.
Not that Benanti couldn't do it, just that I'd like to see it done. It would validate her as a very good actress in my eyes.
Do we know if this will be a new LCT production (if it happens) or a transfer of the Julie Andrews-directed production (Opera Australia)?
Not that it really means anything, but Opera Australia took to the LCT South Pacific around Australia. I wonder if they'd import something from overseas.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
qolbinau said: "Do we know if this will be a new LCT production (if it happens) or a transfer of the Julie Andrews-directed production (Opera Australia)?
Not that it really means anything, but Opera Australia took to the LCT South Pacific around Australia. I wonder if they'd import something from overseas.
"
LCT transferred the London revival of Carousel back in 1993 and also the London production of Warhorse.. so, no. it's not an unprecedented move for them to join forces with an overseas production company / house.
In the case of Carousel and Warhorse, they were both National Theatre (UK) productions.. making it a collaboration between two prominent not-for-profit theatre companies