#1
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?
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?
The Weisslers are out of control.
