"Mame" coming to Broadway.......yes or no????- Page 2

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:10pm

I just caught onto something while reading this thread:

so, when a show is revived on Broadway, it can't be done regionally until it closes?

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:11pm

I don't know if it's a matter of me not being able to picture Bernadette in the role, or if it's me not personally wanting to see her in the role. I don't know.


I really wanna see Ann Reinking play this role.. ..

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:43pm

Ann Reinking couldn't sing it. Yeah, I know Carol Channing sang it originally, but Ann Reinking still couldn't sing it. And she's not a big enough name to headline the show in New York.

Typically regional rights are pulled within a certain radius of New York City. Sometimes, producers will restrict all regional rights if they plan to tour something. Because Papermill is probably the largest regional theatre in closest proximity to New York City, they are affected by the rule more often than most, and are particularly in tune with planning their season around shows with forseeable restricted availability.

Updated On: 6/25/06 at 11:43 PM

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:49pm

Not to diss Ann Reinking, but I also don't feel she has that sheer "star power" edge that really makes or breaks Dolly a lot of the time.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/26/06 at 12:04am

Did I ever say I wanted Ann Reinking to headline it on Broadway? I'd be perfectly fine with a regional production. Though I wouldn't complain if she played it on Broadway, but I know that won't happen.

These are some verysimple showtunes to sing. Ann Reinking was quite a good singer in her prime (Goodtime Charley, etc) Hell, I'd say Dolly the way Channing sings it, is on the same level as Roxie. Dolly just has more songs. You're making it sound like Dolly is on the same level as Momma Rose, singing wise.

But then again many on this board think Bernadette is God, and can simply play any role. I like Bernie, but why must some insist that she can play any role. Updated On: 6/26/06 at 12:04 AM

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 6/26/06 at 12:09am

lol cuz she CAN, duh.

no, im just kidding.

I know what you're saying ljay, but really, with her legendary comic timing, great belt, star presence, and her ablilty to connect very deeply with songs really make Bernadette, imo, the perfect choice for a modern Dolly.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/26/06 at 12:14am

I agree, Peters has great comedic timing, and is a wonderful stage personality. But her singing leaves a lot left to be desired for me.

I can actually see LuPone in this role.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/26/06 at 12:18am

Ann Reinking sounded like Carol Channing 30 years ago, I can't imagine what she would be like trying to sing Dolly's songs now. I saw her do BYE BYE BIRDIE and CHICAGO almost a decade ago and it was decidedly unpleasant hearing her sing those songs live. When she appeared in FOSSE she pretty much didn't sing at all. The voice is just gone.

And the point with Channing as Dolly wasn't the music because she compensated with such a warm, over the top vivacious personality. Reinking doesn't have that kind of stage persona at all. And without that personality, would we really want a "non singing" Dolly? Really?

I think Reinking is wonderful and she'd probably make a really interesting Martha in VIRGINIA WOOLF or some other straight play.