"Originating" a Broadway Role — Page 3

re: SUNSET BOULEVARD

Glenn Close did NOT replace Dunaway in L.A. Close auditioned for the role in LONDON before the U.S. production was even in the works. She got the role and was hired to lead the L.A. cast. At this point Patti was still heading to Broadway.

Dunaway was not in the 'picture' at this point.

When SB opened in L.A. Close received such a great response and reviews that the producers wanted her to play the role on Broadway. Enter Dunaway. She was contracted to play Norma in the L.A. production AFTER Close. Close's final performance was scheduled for June 26 and Dunaway's first performance was scheduled for July 5. June 21 Dunaway got the notice that her deal was off and the show would close June 26, the day of Close's final performance and the cast would transfer to Broadway.

LuPone had received not-so-good reviews by a NY reporter who saw the show in London and because Close had had such a great reviews and response, the producers wanted to play it safe and have a big name leading the cast to make sure there'd be a huge advance sales on Broadway. So Patti was out and Close was in.

Updated On: 9/24/05 at 05:58 AM

You actually just mentioned another one... Alice Ripley was replaced by Kerry Butler, prior to NYC for "Little Shop."

Wasn't most of the cast replaced, except for Hunter Foster?

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Lorna Luft never actually had a contract for CATS. She claims that she was told the role was hers after auditioning, but obviously there is some room for interpretation there...

I've seen the rehearsal footage of Faye as Norma (Yes, there is footage) and she was horrible. Not just bad, but reeking.

Also, just another tidbit, Patti told me that she now knows that her first official announcement about playing the role of Norma was to me, while she was good and drunk, in the bathroom at the Queen Mary, with me in full drag.

Good times…

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