I must say, this is a damned intelligent thread. All of these ideas are wonderful. It's a question of chemistry, isn't it? Who would be good in what combo? My own feeling about Fonda is, she's almost too old -- not that she looks it. I think Violet reading in her early 60s works best (script says 65).
I'd vote for Sissy. (Does anyone remember her extraordinary if overlooked performance in THE STRAIGHT STORY?) I think she'd be stunning. And she'd absolutely capture the humanity in the rage, and the humor. Meryl can do anything, sure, but this seems less likely to be her metier.
Lily Tomlin is such a good idea, I wish they'd consider putting her in to the Broadway production with Deanna leaves. She has the stage legs and would absolutely work.
Makes me wish Robert Altman was around to direct the film.
How about the men? John C. Reilly? Beau Bridges? Jeff Bridges? Rip Torn? Even Steve Carell (the Kerwin part)? They could all have roles.
And for Little Charles? The guy who plays Randy on EARL?
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling