Mary Poppins - No Laura Michelle Kelly- Page 3

[kec]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 5:18pm

"I wouldn't consider Anne Hathaway, another rumored casting to fit in that label. "

Wouldn't Anne Hathaway be a little young for the role?

Shame about Gavin Lee though.

Doodle, that picture made me laugh so hard I started coughing!

I don't like the idea of "reworking" any of the numbers -- not even "Temper Temper." As has been said, the show was "practically perfect" and DOES. NOT. NEED. FIXING.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 5:48pm

It doesn't, but I betcha they will.

[Doogie]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 6:09pm

NOT Ashley Brown....I really enjoy her, but not as Mary. Too teeny bopper.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 6:39pm

I just don't think that Ashley is right for the part. I think she has a BEAUTIFUL voice but I just CANT see her as mary. You all know my choice...anyone, anyone? Yes that's right...Erin!

[xoxRogue]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 6:52pm

Wouldn't Anne Hathaway be a little young for the role?

Nope, she's in her twenties. She was born on Nov. '82, I believe, which makes her 23.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 7:08pm

well, unfortunitely I think they actually WANT someone that age!!! The people I think would be perfect for it might be older then they want...which frustrates me! I PERSONALLY think Mary should be in her 30's NOT early 20's. But whatever!

Updated On: 4/18/06 at 07:08 PM

[Doogie]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 7:10pm

right age or not...Ashley is not right for it!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 7:15pm

I can see it now.

Pure perfection.

Updated On: 4/18/06 at 07:15 PM

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 7:32pm

I agree that if this is the role of a nanny, then they should not be hesitant to cast someone older. Ruthie Henshall seems like an ideal choice for the show but obviously she is not in her 20s. If they are going for someone in her 20s, I hope they go for Laura Benanti whose beautiful voice and impeccable acting are always welcome on the Broadway stage.

[ThePinballWizard]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 7:41pm

You know I thought to myself Donna Murphy would be wonderful, if she was younger.

[wildcat]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 8:12pm

Scarlett Strallan, the current Mary in London, is only 22 but she is so charming, talented and beautiful that you simply fall in love with her. She'll be a hard act to follow in any country.

Apparently the Disney execs have gotten cold feet about the show being SO different to the film that they plan to make wholesale changes in the plot and staging for Broadway, which could mean some characters and songs being eliminated completely. In essence, dumbing the show down for New York which is a great shame.

[jo]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 8:22pm

I saw the show in London with Laura Michelle Kelly, but I think it is Gavin Lee who steals the show. It is a shame that he is not being considered for the Broadway transfer.

[VinnieTheIceman]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:12pm

Jo, although I completely agree with you about Gavin Lee, they are changing the show for Broadway. That means London stays in London. Word is it will be more "Americanized." After the Tarzan fiasco they are looking to belt it out of the park. This show is already essentially sold out for the first six months other than a few assorted seats for each performance and about 60-100 "premium tickets" in the first 10 rows center for each show. They hope this is the next Lion King. They always knew Tarzan was not.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:15pm

How can POPPINS be virtually sold out for the first six months if individual ticket sales haven't gone on sale yet?

[VinnieTheIceman]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:21pm

Groups.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:23pm

Yes, but I doubt they would allow groups to book the entire theatre for six months with exception to a few seats here and there.

Disney knows that would piss off individual ticket buyers.

[VinnieTheIceman]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:27pm

Groups have over half of the tickets for most of the shows. When you add in house seats and premium seats there isn't much left. Especially for the better dates in 2006. Many of the weekends in December will have less than 10 tickets available in the orchestra (other than 60-100 premium tickets) for the public sale. Sad but true.

[jo]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:34pm

Vinnie,

When is MP expected to open on Broadway? I suppose it will continue to be a collaboration between Cameron Mackintosh and Disney?

Are they going to make the show a little more like the movie?

What does "Americanizing" an essentially English tale ( very English characters in a very English setting) mean? I could understand why and how they did it for THE BOY FROM OZ - because Liza and Judy are/were Americans and greater emphasis on their character development was probably necessary to improve appeal to American audiences...but I do wonder how how they will do it for Mary Poppins. Although I was also a little surprised to know ( back then) that the music/lyrics for this very English tale was written by American composers ( the Sherman brothers) .


Jo
Updated On: 4/18/06 at 09:34 PM

[VinnieTheIceman]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:38pm

More upbeat, less dark. Previews begin October 14 I believe with opening night November 16. Something like that.

[jo]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:41pm

Okay, I see what you mean, having seen the show in London.

Thanks.

Jo

[mrkringas]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 9:46pm

If the Disney Execs change this show then shame on them.

Its a terrific show as it is

To hell with them though. I'll still have the original production on my doorstep to enjoy.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 10:00pm

Well, I wouldn't be surprised Kringas if they eventually change the West End production to match the Broadway incarnation. It's certainly been done before, and I take it that part of the reason the Disney execs are having "cold feet" is that despite the big opening in London, the show has only been a soft hit overall. Perhaps if they think a stage production that is "more like the movie" will ultimately draw bigger crowds on both sides of the pond.

[fashionista]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 10:32pm

i would really love to see Elena Shaddow take her first big lead in a broadway show- she's mid-twenties, sings like an angel, acts beautifully, and would be totally believable in the role. I think she deserves a star turn soon.

[ThePinballWizard]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 10:40pm

Why is it that we have to dumb down beautiful stories and musicals for the "Americans"?

Oh wait I forgot...

...we're talking about the same audiences who keep Mamma Mia running...

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 4/18/06 at 10:40pm

Ashley Brown is definitely "in the Running".
with a few other Broadway younger Singers.