Miss USA Tara Conner - to be fired from "Chicago"

[2373]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:24pm

By MICHAEL RIEDEL

February 23, 2007 -- SHE'S not exactly giving them the old razzle dazzle.

Tara Conner, who, after a couple of drinks, used to wear her Miss USA crown lopsided, is having a rough time mastering the role of Roxie Hart in "Chicago," theater sources told The Post yesterday.

After putting her through her paces all this week at a rehearsal studio in Chelsea, the producers and creators of the long-running hit musical have pretty much concluded that Conner doesn't have what it takes to be a Broadway star, the sources said.

"She's like a cheerleader trying out for the high-school play," one person said. "She's a total amateur."

The creators will continue drilling her this weekend - a musical director is being flown in from Utah to help out - but come Monday, Conner is expected to get the hook.

"Chicago" producer Barry Weissler yesterday refused to comment on her future with the show.

But last week, after The Post broke the story about the possibility of her joining "Chicago," he said, "Assuming both sides are comfortable, then this will be a win-win for both sides. We look forward to making a positive announcement soon."

But sources say Weissler is now worried that if he puts Conner in the production and she gets terrible reviews, the damage to "Chicago" could be significant.

"It's too valuable to play around with as a publicity stunt," a production source says.

Now in its 10th year, "Chicago" has grossed several hundred million dollars on Broadway. Weissler and his wife, Fran, have been masters at recasting the show with performers, many from outside the Broadway loop, who've gotten good reviews and boosted the box office - Melanie Griffith, Usher, Huey Lewis, Kevin Richardson and, in London, Ashlee Simpson.

"Stunt casting has worked for them - they're great at it," notes a veteran Broadway producer. "But this isn't stunt casting. This is trailer-trash casting."

Conner nearly lost her crown last year because of excessive drinking and drug use. She was released from rehab a few weeks ago and was hoping to get her career, such as it is, back on track with a stint in "Chicago."

But perhaps it's best if she start with something not quite as demanding as Broadway.

Mall appearances, anyone?

[2373]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:26pm

Please dear God...If this girl gets fired because she is not good enough then my trust in casting directors will be renewed.

I am tired of stunt casting.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:27pm

According to the article it's not "stunt casting", it's "trailer trash casting"!!

[BreakingTheCircle07]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:27pm

I'd be one happy theatre boy if this is all true. The Weisslers are out of control.

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:28pm

Well, Broadway doesn't go for booze and dope.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:29pm

Outta my way! I gotta MAN waitin' for me.

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:30pm

That's a switch from the fags you're usually stuck with!

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:35pm

Hey, now that's not nice!!

[2373]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:40pm

sorry..I am slow...who is the man you are waiting for, Rathnait?

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 2:50pm

Valley of the Doll's, people....

Posted: 2/28/07 at 3:09pm

We're trading lines from the seminal film "The Valley of the Dolls." If you don't have the lines memorized, you need to watch it again real soon!

[folkyboy]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 3:15pm

haha this thread cracked me up! Sparkle, Neely, sparkle!

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 5:44pm

"Stunt casting has worked for them - they're great at it," notes a veteran Broadway producer. "But this isn't stunt casting. This is trailer-trash casting."

That made my day.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 6:00pm

What I'm wondering is why the **** was she cast in the first place?

[morosco]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 6:03pm

How long before they stunt-cast Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers?

[tellybox]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:13pm

That would be fun. Couldn't you just imagine the tension between Roxie and Velma...

[ILUVTOMG]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:23pm

i'd rather see joyce and suzanne in deuce once lansbury and seldes leave. hey, wait a minute... suzanne wouldn't be half bad as roxie.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:25pm

If Melanie Griffiths can do it, she can.

[singinsilly]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:25pm

Hey now guys! I think everyone is being rather harsh, sure she isn't ready for Chicago, but that doesn't mean her broadway career should be determined on that! I personally think she'd be perfect for a stint as an extra on "Jerry Springer the Musical"...you know, she'd be one of the toothless paternity testers.

=P lets cross our fingers that she gets booted out of this thing

[suzycat]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:30pm

Wait, Melanie Griffiths got good reviews?

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:33pm

^ Yes, suprisingly. Griffith got a rave from Brantley. The others were also positive.

[jsand25]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:43pm

Updated On: 2/28/07 at 08:43 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 8:45pm

NY Post. Riedel's weekly column.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 9:00pm

I actually kinda liked Melanie Griffith....

I would LOVE it if Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Sommers did it.

[WayWicked]

Posted: 2/28/07 at 9:02pm

This whole thing looked like a train wreck from the moment they announced her.

Updated On: 2/28/07 at 09:02 PM