"Originating" a Broadway Role- Page 3
"Originating" a Broadway Role
Jon
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
#50re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/23/05 at 11:06pmYes - "Sarah Brown Eyes" was written for Audra (well, a duet for Audra and Stokes) after rehearsals had already started. It's not on the original "concept" recording. Otherwise, Sarah would never appear in Act II until the finale.
Sant
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
#51re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 5:58am
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
#52re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 2:51pm
"She (Alice Ripley) was a virtual unknown in the chorus of TOMMY"
Totally untrue. She was Marcia Mitzman's understudy and I couldn't be happier that Ms. M was out the day I saw the show and I got Alice. From the moment she set foot on that stage, I knew she was something special. Honestly, I can't believe she didn't land the part first.
Now why she didn't choose (or wasn't chosen to) continue with LITTLE SHOP is beyond me. She would've been much better than white toast - I mean - Kerry Butler.
#53re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 3:00pm
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?
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
broadwaystar2b
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/04
#54re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 4:06pm
Lorna Luft was supposed to be the first American Grizabella in Cats but was replaced by Betty Buckley
And ALL of the cast was fired and then Hunter was rehired for LSOH
#55re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 4:17pmLorna 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...
#56re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 5:08pmBrad Oscar replaced the actor who was Franz Liebkind originally. I forget his name however. But I believe we all na say it was a good choice.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#57re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 5:36pm
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…
#58re: 'Originating' a Broadway Role
Posted: 9/24/05 at 5:58pmOh wow. Does Faye *sing* in those clips? Does she wave a coat hanger around?
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