OFFICIAL - Bernadette To Replace Bette!- Page 9
OFFICIAL - Bernadette To Replace Bette!
DAME
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/15/04
#200Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:00pm
David10086 said: "Whoopi may be a popular idea, but she just signed for another year on "The View" the end of July - so she's committed to ABC/Disney for the next full year. If Dolly is still running a year from now (and I'm sure it will be unless Peters closes the show with horrible reviews), then maybe Whoopi would be a choice if she doesn't renew once again. It will be interested to see how they handle this.
"
I do hope it's someone more exiting than Bernadette. She is fine. But what a let down.
HUSSY POWER!
------ HUSSY POWER!
GeorgeandDot
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/16
#201Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:23pm
I just want to say this, please don't take Broadway legends for granted. Many of them are getting up in years and may not be with us for much longer. When a legend comes back to Broadway, it is always a reason to celebrate because it might be their last time performing. From what I understand, Peters is partially retired and only does what she feels is really special, so enjoy her in this because she won't be doing much Broadway anymore. Also, I saw her live not too long ago and her voice was in lovely shape. She may sound like an older woman, but her belt is still very strong.
#202Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:31pm
Whoopi did do XANADU while on The View. She just didn't do the Wed. & Sat. matinees. Probably the same schedule would work if she were to do a 3-4 month run.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#203Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:33pm
Will Zaks be able to rein her in, if it's her? Anyone who saw her in the final months of Night Music can tell you how broad her performance became near the end (except for Clowns, which was always letter perfect).
Of course, given how broad Midler is in this show, they may not care.
#204Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:49pm
I doubt anyone will be able to rein her in. They couldn't in Follies (why didn't someone tell her to change her awful delivery of that line "I. Don't. Have. To. Fight. With You. Phyl." (and everyone knows I love her). And mmm no one stopped her in Night Music (I found her hilarious and her Clowns was STUNNING - but it was a bit much at times with the comedy). But yes, this show doesn't require much subtly. She literally needs to chew the scenery in the eating scene as much as possible to get the big laughs. She will scream through the lines saying get that idea out of your head Horace etc. - the only honest moments will be when she is praying to her dead husband and the beginning of "Before the Parade Passes By". But that's fine with me.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 8/27/17 at 09:49 PM
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#205Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 9:54pm
I'm somewhat appalled at the lack of enthusiasm for Bernadette's possible turn as Dolly. She is a LEGEND. She will be fantastic in this. True she's not an "out of the box" replacement, but she will NAIL this. I look forward to seeing her. Can't you just imagine the palpable heartbreak in her Before the Parade Passes By? I saw her in concert last year and her voice was in pretty good shape. I'm thrilled for her.
#206Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 10:01pm
She;s a legend but she has some very idiosyncratic singing mannerisms that kind of work against the type of music Dolly sings. All that swooping and cooing go agains the straighforward nature of Dolly.
#207Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 10:05pm
If she was able to sing Sally Durant Plummer AS written, revealing her lovely soprano register, I can't imagine she would have any issues maneuvering her voice around the very simple score of Dolly.
DAME
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/15/04
#208Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 10:06pm
GeorgeandDot said: "I just want to say this, please don't take Broadway legends for granted. Many of them are getting up in years and may not be with us for much longer. When a legend comes back to Broadway, it is always a reason to celebrate because it might be their last time performing. From what I understand, Peters is partially retired and only does what she feels is really special, so enjoy her in this because she won't be doing much Broadway anymore. Also, I saw her live not too long ago and her voice was in lovely shape. She may sound like an older woman, but her belt is still very strong.
"
Oh I appreciate her. I wish someone would give her something new. She has done too many revivals so the idea of her going into another one isn't that exiting. And also..loving this production of Dolly so much I would love for it to sell tickets and be around for a while. So in that sense it is not very inspired casting. And after all the possible names that have been hoped about; it is a let down.
HUSSY POWER!
------ HUSSY POWER!
Updated On: 8/27/17 at 10:06 PM
#209Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/27/17 at 11:01pm
Personal dreams for Dolly, in no order: Reba McEntire, Octavia Spencer, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Julianne Moore, Jenifer Lewis, Megan Mulally, Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Not saying they're all realistic or even that all of them sing, but gosh it would be fun!
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
#210Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:27am
David10086 said: "Whoopi may be a popular idea, but she just signed for another year on "The View" the end of July - so she's committed to ABC/Disney for the next full year. If Dolly is still running a year from now (and I'm sure it will be unless Peters closes the show with horrible reviews), then maybe Whoopi would be a choice if she doesn't renew once again. It will be interested to see how they handle this.
I don't think anyone is actually saying it's a practical idea, just an intriguing one. I think she'd be a scream and a half in the role, and I'm not really a huge fan.
"
saxpower
Featured Actor Joined: 9/14/16
#211Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 12:53pm
When the original "Dolly" was playing, the "big theater/muscal leading leady names" were better known to the public in general than they are now- so Channing's successors were are household names. That's not true today. You need a woman "of a certain age" who is able to act (and do comedy) AND sing the score. She also has to be believable as someone who "puts her hand in" everywhere. There are fewer well-known women in that category today. Bernadette would fit the role, and may have some name recognition, but she's not as known outside the theater world as Bette. Someone mentioned Reba MacIntire- she's probably work, and is known, though she'd need to work on the accent (not ripping on her, just saying her normal accent doesn't fit the character).
Two other thoughts, though again not "well known" to the general public are Christine Ebersole and Kristin Chenoweth (she's 49 so age-wise that could work). Forgive me if one of those has the wrong vocal range for the part- I'm not up on vocal ranges of parts vs those of potential performers.
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#212Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:04pm
Christine Ebersole would be a FABULOUS Dolly.
Auggie27
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
#213Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:05pm
I love her dearly. Have since I saw her in "W. C. and Me" with Mickey Rooney on the straw hat circuit. Saw her in "Mack and Mabel" "Woods" "S&D" and loved her Dot and Rose. Loved her Desiree and even her Sally, though I preferred it at the Kennedy Center.
She isn't a perfect fit for Dolly. As funny as she can be, she's also just ... what? ... an Irene to me. Always will be. Not at all the kind of larger than life widow. Dolly needs a strong character actor, and even at this age, the still gorgeous -- luminous (just saw her at the Barks thing in the alley) -- Peters just exudes an old school glamour. It's one reason other Dollys didn't quite land. If Andrea Martin could sell tickets, she'd be spot on. Ditto Wanda Sykes. Or countless other funny women. Peters is sexy and should steel Cornelius out from under Irene. I can't shake that idea.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
Updated On: 8/28/17 at 01:05 PM
#214Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:28pm
saxpower said: "When the original "Dolly" was playing, the "big theater/muscal leading leady names" were better known to the public in general than they are now- so Channing's successors were are household names. That's not true today. You need a woman "of a certain age" who is able to act (and do comedy) AND sing the score. She also has to be believable as someone who "puts her hand in" everywhere. There are fewer well-known women in that category today. Bernadette would fit the role, and may have some name recognition, but she's not as known outside the theater world as Bette. Someone mentioned Reba MacIntire- she's probably work, and is known, though she'd need to work on the accent (not ripping on her, just saying her normal accent doesn't fit the character).
Two other thoughts, though again not "well known" to the general public are Christine Ebersole and Kristin Chenoweth (she's 49 so age-wise that could work). Forgive me if one of those has the wrong vocal range for the part- I'm not up on vocal ranges of parts vs those of potential performers.
Kirsten would be absolutely fabulous. She is a soprano though, and Dolly doesn't really go very high in her songs (forgive me if I'm wrong, I'm not much of a singer). I think she's more suited to Irene, after Kate leaves I think her or Jane Krakowski would be wonderful in the role.
#215Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:51pm
Auggie27 said: "I love her dearly. Have since I saw her in "W. C. and Me" with Mickey Rooney on the straw hat circuit. Saw her in "Mack and Mabel" "Woods" "S&D" and loved her Dot and Rose. Loved her Desiree and even her Sally, though I preferred it at the Kennedy Center.
She isn't a perfect fit for Dolly. As funny as she can be, she's also just ... what? ... an Irene to me. Always will be. Not at all the kind of larger than life widow. Dolly needs a strong character actor, and even at this age, the still gorgeous -- luminous (just saw her at the Barks thing in the alley) -- Peters just exudes an old school glamour. It's one reason other Dollys didn't quite land. If Andrea Martin could sell tickets, she'd be spot on. Ditto Wanda Sykes. Or countless other funny women. Peters is sexy and should steel Cornelius out from under Irene. I can't shake that idea. "
I think Peters is a fantastic character actor - as evidenced by her star turns in Sunday In The Park With George and Into The Woods. I for one cannot wait to see her Dolly. And I agree that Chenoweth's Irene Malloy would be delicious, but I doubt she'd go for a featured replacement.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
#216Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:26pm
Debra Messing could be a good Dolly, as well as a box office name.
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#217Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:44pm
Valentina3 said: "Auggie27 said: "I love her dearly. Have since I saw her in "W. C. and Me" with Mickey Rooney on the straw hat circuit. Saw her in "Mack and Mabel" "Woods" "S&D" and loved her Dot and Rose. Loved her Desiree and even her Sally, though I preferred it at the Kennedy Center.
She isn't a perfect fit for Dolly. As funny as she can be, she's also just ... what? ... an Irene to me. Always will be. Not at all the kind of larger than life widow. Dolly needs a strong character actor, and even at this age, the still gorgeous -- luminous (just saw her at the Barks thing in the alley) -- Peters just exudes an old school glamour. It's one reason other Dollys didn't quite land. If Andrea Martin could sell tickets, she'd be spot on. Ditto Wanda Sykes. Or countless other funny women. Peters is sexy and should steel Cornelius out from under Irene. I can't shake that idea. "
I think Peters is a fantastic character actor - as evidenced by her star turns in Sunday In The Park With George and Into The Woods. I for one cannot wait to see her Dolly. And I agree that Chenoweth's Irene Malloy would be delicious, but I doubt she'd go for a featured replacement.
"
Really? She was not that good in Into The Woods. And while very good in Sunday nothing there would lead one to believe she is right for Dolly.
#218Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:50pm
At one point, after Patti's revival of Dolly fell through, a Dolly with Chenoweth WAS developing. Obviously, Bette was the better choice in the long run.
http://www.playbill.com/article/kristin-chenoweth-in-talks-for-hello-dolly-broadway-revival-com-208292
#219Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:52pm
I think Jane Krakowski could be wonderful. She reminds me a lot of Ginger Rogers, a famous Dolly replacement in the original production. I thought she absolutely stole the show whenever she was onstage as Ilona in She Loves Me.
#220Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:53pm
Bernadette's work in Sunday, Into the Woods, and Song and Dance is paralleled only by LuPone in the mastery of material, clarity of vocal tone, and comedic impeccability. If she had stayed with the show longer than 4 months, I have no doubt she would have been nominated and won the featured actress Tony for Into the Woods.
She'll be a thrilling Dolly, and i can't wait to see her. She is simply perfect.
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
BroadwayConcierge
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/24/15
#221Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 4:14pm
Auggie27 said: "If Andrea Martin could sell tickets, she'd be spot on."
God, she would be a brilliant Dolly.
BroadwayConcierge
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/24/15
#222Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 4:15pm
poisonivy2 said: "I think Jane Krakowski could be wonderful."
She would also be beyond brilliant. I'd pay just to watch her walk from one end of the stage to the other.
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#223Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 4:50pm
Sally Durant Plummer said: "Bernadette's work in Sunday, Into the Woods, and Song and Dance is paralleled only by LuPone in the mastery of material, clarity of vocal tone, and comedic impeccability. If she had stayed with the show longer than 4 months, I have no doubt she would have been nominated and won the featured actress Tony for Into the Woods.
She'll be a thrilling Dolly, and i can't wait to see her. She is simply perfect.
"
So is this all official.? Did I miss some kind of announcement? Or is everyone just talking out of their ass? And if I did; when does the "What is next at the Shubert" thread go up?
#224Bernadette To Replace Bette?
Posted: 8/28/17 at 4:51pm
The amount of people they can swap out into the role is so immense there will be no reason to close.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
Videos