Well,
I think Audra McDonald opposite Brian Stokes Mitchell is brilliant casting. As for saying Mr. Mitchell is "too stiff" I am not so sure that I agree with that comment, and furthermore, Professor Higgins isn't exactly the "life of the party". That's part of his whole characterization and dynamic with Eliza...
Eliza is the one who is innocent and non-conventional according to the standards of British society during the setting of the musical, and Higgins is closer to those standards, so he thinks, and in fact, is a "stiff" gentleman. He doesn't start to show the other sides of him until Eliza enters his life. I think this is a role that Brian Stokes Mitchell could really do well.
Audra is just brilliant casting - Eliza is a hard role to sing, and act well. Not only does the actress have to make a dramatic change in character and make it believeable, endearing, and fun, but she also has to vocally reflect that, going from earthy, gutsy mezzo/belty singing in "Loverly" and "Just You Wait" to soaring, beautiful legit soprano in "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Show Me". Audra would be able to do this well. Brilliant casting. And by no means neccessary is Audra "too old" to play this part. She just barely in her early 30's right? And I am sure that she can play younger on stage. And Eliza is really not an ingenue role either. Audra would be perfect.
Sutton Foster, I must agree, would be excellent casting as well. She has the look, has excellent comedic timing, and she's an incredible singer. I would be interested in seeing her tackle this role, as well. And for her, this role would not be a strain for her voice at all.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers,
The Balladeer
"Someone tell the story...Someone sing the song...."
Updated On: 4/14/04 at 10:36 AM
!!! she is fantastic, and i bet she could pull of a lovery cockney accent. anne hathaway could probably bring a lot of little girls to the theater, but they'll probably be there anyway so give it to sutton
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