Maybe Bernie comes in during the winter for 3 months before taking it on the road? Bette returns for 6 more months then Latifah takes over?
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/1/08
They could always cast both leads with new names. You dont necessarily need an a-list lead if you have two smaller but still appealing names (e.g. Bernadette and Kelsey Grammer). The shows grosses this week are still respectable for a musical
I know she's probably very busy these days, but I think Julia Louis-Dreyfus would be lovely as Dolly. She can definitely sing, and has comedic chops:
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
DAME said: "The only person there has been a conversation with is Queen Latifah. She mentioned it at one of the FYI Emmy events going on in Hollywood. The Dolly Parton, Bernadette, Reba, and etc gossip is just that. My sense is the there will be a Bette extension with another name coming in for a extended period as Bette has mentioned she does not want to play the winter months. Some of the choices you all have been mentioning sound wonderful. But they don't sell tickets.
It's some great gossip though. I haven't really ever thought about a country music voice singing this score. It's not as natural a fit as say Reba in Annie Get Your Gun. But if they could make it work and they'd sell tickets, why not? She's too young (at least to replace Bette) but Jennifer Nettles could be interesting down the line.
Stand-by Joined: 4/20/16
ACL2006 said: "Maybe Bernie comes in during the winter for 3 months before taking it on the road? Bette returns for 6 more months then Latifah takes over?
"
And what was that I read a few posts ago about Hillary taking over the role?! A Bernie superceding Hillary, where have I heard that before...
Stand-by Joined: 2/19/17
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Also, Bernadette was at Dolly when my Mom and I saw it a few weeks ago, and we got to meet her, so it would be really funny if this rumor became a reality!!
Broadway Star Joined: 11/10/14
I love Bernadette- but she is simply not a big enough name to carry this show for months or years. The need a BIG name- and without one, this who will close in 6 months. Donna Murphy is a great talent- but look at the grosses- Bernadette would do better- but far behind Bette. There will be some very big name that will be open to doing this role- after Channing- so many unpredictable stars played the role- possible someone unexpected will take over- not Bernadette.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/1/08
dont forget though that anyother name will likely cost a lot less so will bring running costs way down
Callum_brown1 said: "ACL2006 said: "Maybe Bernie comes in during the winter for 3 months before taking it on the road? Bette returns for 6 more months then Latifah takes over?
"
And what was that I read a few posts ago about Hillary taking over the role?! A Bernie superceding Hillary, where have I heard that before...
Seeing those two names together gave me an idea. Hillary Clinton as Dolly, with Bernie Sanders as Horace. How's that for stunt casting?
^ "It Takes A Woman" would cut deep with that production. Serious trigger warning, y'all.
In terms of Bernadette not beign able to keep the show running for a long period of time, one important piece to note: Bette is earning an enormous salary, with an additional % of box office and merch. Once Bette is gone, there are very few performers who could command such a large sum (reportedly $150,000 a week). And I doubt a broadway name like Bernadette would get the box office/merch percentage as part of her deal. So would she bring in the same kind of dough that Bette does? Nope. But the show will also cost less without Miss M.
Jordan Catalano said: "I'm hearing it's official now. "
Really? Any idea how long she might be with the production if this does happen?
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
Oh my god this would be amazing...i hope we get an official announcement soon!
I'm also hearing DHP's replacement will be the "name" to help sell the show.
Really exciting news! Any word on whether or not Donna will continue doing one show a week when the new Dolly starts? I hope so!
I'd be STOKED if Bernadette took over! I've yet to see her live and I love her as an actress and person. I'd imagine Donna would keep playing as the alternate, since she's a crowd-pleaser and an excellent Dolly. Any guesses for DHP's replacement? We also need to think about Barnaby.
Jordan Catalano said: "I'm also hearing DHP's replacement will be the "name" to help sell the show.
"
Josh Groban!
(don't kill me)
Tom Hanks for a limited run? Now that would be a name!
Patti LuPone as Vandegelder?
Seeing "name" in quotes makes me a little nervous, Jordan... a GOODBYE GIRL reunion with Bernadette and Martin Short would be fun, though I don't think that would mean much at the box office.
Personally, I think Michael Crawford would be a great selling point.
Would buy those tix the second they go on sale. Bring Bernadette on!
(We need a new Barnaby, but it's not going to be any sort of name, and it shouldn't be.)
Wasn't it deterimined that Bette was the only one who's contract ended in January (and before any one points to Taylor, people get out of contracts all the time)...that everyone else had a year...so we'd have Bernadette with DHP for at least a little while?
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
Jordan Catalano said: "Personally, I think Michael Crawford would be a great selling point."
He would be the absolute perfect choice.
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