On the Twentieth Century

Roundabout is apparently in talks with Hugh Jackman to do a reading, which of course presumably could lead to a revival somewhere down the line.

This production requires a highly skilled director. The tone has to be perfect or it falls flat. Chernobyl would be wonderful but I'd be more concerned with who's directing a production of the show.

No to Cheno, yes to Kline. Yes to Andrea Martin.

Michael Blakemore would be perfect!

I'm on the Michael Blakemore bandwagon.

This would be the perfect vehicle for Rachel York, as Lily, to finally get the fame she deserves. And Andrea Martin would be great as Letitia, or I could see Georgia Engel in the role.

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OTTC was one of the fastest shows I have ever seen on Broadway. It fairly galloped across the stage and the train (in all of its many incarnations, from small model to thundering locomotive ) was amazing.

Here is a fantastic clip, albeit with Judy Kaye (I saw it with the divine Madeline Kahn), John Cullum and the then-sex-symbol Kevin Kline. Enjoy....

http://www.bluegobo.com/content/production.php?id=2881404

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Updated On: 11/14/10 at 12:07 AM

I'd love to see Carol Burnett return to the stage as Letitia.

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ROCK HUDSON WAS AWFUL.

He was so bad, they catually CUT his 11 o'clock number, "The Legacy". He simply didn't have the ability to put the number over in the proper style.

Thank goodness, there was Judy Kaye, Imogene Coca and the late Patrick Quinn to somewhat salvage the evening.

As for the set design issue, the Shaw Festival did a production in about 2003 or so that used minimal scenery on a small stage in a small theatre, and the show still worked. It may not have worked wonderfully, fabulously, brilliantly, but work it did. By the way, the production was unmiked.

A good show, one that is strongly written, can be done on a virtually bare stage with only the props absolutely called for in the script.

The original design was wonderful, but it isn't a deal breaker.

I do hope Roundabout stays clear of a new production. After Bye, Bye Birdie they ought to shut up the musical department.

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Goodspeed Opera House did a delightful and engaging production about ten or twelve years ago, and that is a tiny stage. The cast was excellent, especially Mark Jacobi as Oscar, and the train effects were first rate.

I adore this show ever since I got the original cast album, AS AN 8-TRACK CASSETTE! (I know I'm dating myself, but it's not as if anyone else is...)

I wish that there was a more complete recording of it. Did anyone out there see the British production with Julia MacKenzie? I read somewhere that they actually cut a couple of the songs. Anyone know which ones?

P.S. - Kevin Kline is still sexy.

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My hubby and I loved this show. It's one of the few that didn't find him fast asleep by the middle of the second act. Kevin Kline made a fabulously clueless "himbo" boy-toy, and John Cullum was the perfect faded impresario, his outward bluster hiding desperation in a very funny way. I saw Judy Kaye, as I recall Madelyn Kahn's leaving the production fairly early in the run. Kaye nailed all her big numbers: "Babette," "Veronique" and especially "Never." I also enjoyed the Actors Fund concert staging a few years ago. What a cast: Doug Sills, Marin Mazzie, Chris Seiber, JoAnne Worley and Cheyenne Jackson in the train crew chorus.

While I picture Hugh Jackman more the Granit type, he's sort of at that awkward age: too mature for the himbo, but not quite mature enough for Oscar Jaffe. Still, I think he could nail the latter with the right makeup and look. I hope it happens.

Updated On: 2/17/11 at 09:11 AM