Mary Poppins Cast- Page 2

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 10:32am

I wouldn't be surprised if Gavin Lee was already signed to be Bert and I would imagine that's why (if what Thesbijan said is true) that they were negotiating so hard with LMK, to get the original 2 stars to open the show.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 10:42am

If they are bringing over Gavin Lee AND Laura Michelle Kelly - the hard negotiations aren't going to be with the actors but with Actors Equity to allow them to come over.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 10:48am

AEA allowed the full 17 strpng cast of History Boys over for a limited run. So 2 cast members in a cast of 30, if they only do a limited run too?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 11:18am

Its not without precedence for the entire large cast of a British production to open on Broadway - Peter Brook's production of MARAT/SADE being an example in the late 60s. But I think the rules are that the show has to be a limited engagement and has to qualify as some unique-theatrical-experience.

Same rules apply to British Equity. Perhaps the American transfer of VIRGINIA WOOLF is part of a fair trade for HISTORY BOYS - I don't know.

MARY POPPINS is clearly a commercial proposition. And Gavin and Laura don't really fall under the "Uniquely Qualified" or "Star Status" rules - but the producers could still orchestrate them coming over as some kind of trade with British Equity.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 11:21am

My guess would be they'll probably try and argue "uniquely qualified" for them both but I really don't know.

[musicalkid]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 12:17pm

I ordered the Mary Poppins CD together with Spelling Bee's CD (and a few others)

and upon hearing them both I Prayed to god that Spelling Bee's Lisa Howard (spelling bee's Rona Peretti) might get a chance as Mary. I'm not at all sure about her physique, but vocally she's practically perfect in every way!

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 12:58pm

Laura Michelle Kelly is AEA by the way...right?

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 1:04pm

No. Not unless her appearing in Fiddler for a few months two years ago somehow made her so.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 2:52pm

I don't think they'd really be able to make much of an arguement for being "uniquely qualified" for either - as others have pointed out there are lots of Americans who could play those roles equally well.

They will probably have to argue for a British/American Equity trade.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 2:56pm

Right now I'm taking what Thes says with a grain of salt.

Because, as you may or may not remember, he's also the one who said "I know for a fact THE LION KING isn't going anywhere" about a day before the announcement came out that it was moving to the Minskoff.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:04pm

Well that explains a lot.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:41pm

A little prediction on my part...
Ashley Brown as Mary and Gavin Creel as Bert.

[Popular]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:48pm

Gretch? Poppins thread calling Gretch...

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 4:03pm

How did you know that I would be here? Can you guess who I'm gonna say should be Mary?? Take a stab!

[Popular]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 4:05pm

I already know who you'll say, can I still play the game?

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 4:15pm

Of Course you can!:P
I don't think anyone else has paid attention to my other posts enough to know:p hehe!

Updated On: 2/14/06 at 04:15 PM

[Popular]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 4:51pm

I'll take Erin Dilly for $200, Bob!

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 5:22pm

You know me too well:)

Well she is the best choice! I mean come on people! Can you not see her as Mary? She's already done shows with Cameron Macintosh AND with Disney! It's a perfect match:)

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 6:02am

I heard from a very reliable source that the ink was all but dry on Dilly's contract to play Mary Poppins. But I also heard from an even more reliable source that Disney and CML want to open the show with a British actress as Mary. So who knows?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 7:19am

It's hard to cast someone is four months pregnant as the starring role in a Broadway musical. She won't even be having the baby for months - too many iffy variables.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 7:39am

She's only 4 months pregnant? I was under the impression she'd left CCBB 3 weeks early because she was much further along than that.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 8:27am

Very reasonably certain Erin's going to have her baby this Spring, so she's further along than 4 months.
Also keep hearing from a LOT of reliable sources that Erin was already negotiating for Mary and that neither Mackintosh NOR LMK want LMK on Broadway doing Mary. Everything I heard (again, it was fairly reliable info; this is the same person who told me well in advance of the Lion King transferring for Mary) said LMK herself was over the role and didn't want to do it in London OR New York anymore.

[bdwybug55]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 11:47am

I would love to see some "up and coming" Broadway actors in the roles of Mary and Bert. When I say "up and coming" I do not mean kids right out of college...I mean those people that have been working hard for years and just have not yet made it big. "Mary Poppins" will sell to families because of the name of the show. I think the thrill and excitement of this show being a "big break" for actors would only add to the quality of the show. That being said, I do like Erin Dilly a lot but she has already had her big break and a Tony nomination. I really can think of a lot of potential Marys, but I really can't think of any perfect Berts...I'll have to give that some thought. Not to say that my thoughts really matter...but it is always fun.

Updated On: 2/16/06 at 11:47 AM

[Popular]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 11:54am

I believe Erin Dilly is about 8 months along at this point. I could be wrong. She'd definitely be back in shape in time for this.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 1:34pm

She IS about 8 months along so she will have about 5 months off before they start rehearsals! I DO think they need a name to OPEN the show. I think once it gets going they can hire an unknown but I think that to open it they need someone who is known in the broadway community. I'm praying for Erin...the fingers are crossed. I really just can't see anyone else in the role!