PHOTOS: Christine Baranski as MAME

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 6:34pm

I really really really don't know what to think of these photos.

I want to like them...but to be honest, she looks so Cruella DeVille in the first one.
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=9777

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 6:46pm

Let me preface this by saying that besides the basic plot, I am not too familiar with the show. Is it a period piece because if it is then I'd love to know which period. If they are moderizing it, then it looks beautiful.

[tophertilson]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 6:54pm

So miscast. It's been said many times before, but it bears repeating - Baranski would be the greatest possible Vera. But Mame? No way.

Still, I hope I'm wrong. I love the score and it's a show that deserves a new interpretation.

TT

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 6:55pm

Is it a period piece because if it is then I'd love to know which period.

The action of Mame takes place between 1928 and the late 1940s, which makes those 1950s fishtail dresses and the modified 60s bouffant wig seem strangely wrong.

Are they updating? It seems really impractical, they would have to rewrite the entire book. Maybe they just grabbed a random wig and a couple of dresses from somewhere for the photos.
Updated On: 5/18/06 at 06:55 PM

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 8:16pm

Yeah, those pictures dont seem like the same costumes designed by Gregg Barnes. From what I have seen, his sketches look very period correct, and those pictures look nothing like his work. I suggest you check out this:

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/theater/05-06/mame_costumes.html

I am guessing it may just have been a quick photo shoot so they would have something for the press...

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 8:27pm

Well, given how crucial a role the roaring 20s and then Great Depression plays in the show (it's the whole reason Mame is broke and has to go to work), the show really HAS to be done as a period piece.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 8:31pm

Yes, those clothes look a little too rack for a truly lavish production. I am hoping they were just throw togethers for the shoot.

I agree that Baranski would be a fabulous Vera, but after I learned she was playing Mame, I thought, "Good for her!" I would love to see it. I'll bet she will be great.

Updated On: 5/18/06 at 08:31 PM

[TonyaFanatic]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 8:31pm

how do u know she's miscast? have u seen her play mame? no so you can't say that.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 9:21pm

Can you not spell the word 'you?'

[morosco]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 9:40pm

I'm not sure I like the blonde hair. But the show should be great! Looking forward to it!!

[TonyaFanatic]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 10:13pm

lmao...whatever john. incredibly hilarious how U knew what i meant.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 10:42pm

It would be extremely hard to update seeing as the Great Depression is worked into the show and plays an integral role.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 10:46pm

Mabye she go broke after investing all of her money in ENRON.

[seabyrd]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 12:10am

Baranski is no Mame. Vera Charles, yes, but not Mame. Baranski is always the same - affected and mannered. Mame wasn't a phony..eccentric, free spirited and above all, CLASSY. Baranski just plays at it.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 12:23am

a) none of you have seen her.

b) i met with the president of the kennedy center and they auditioned many MANY broadway ladies for this role... baranski is their mame. and the mame for this production. maybe with cybil shepherd she would be vera. but let the lady have her chance.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 8:25am

I have to disagree with all of you. Baranski is an actress of great talent, both comedic and dramatic, and great warmth. Her role in the CYBIL series was indeed a Vera knock-off and she swatted it out of the park. But that doesn't mean there isn't more dimension to her.

As for the photos, they are not designs for the show. They were done for preliminary advertising for the show, giving the "flavor" of Mame. She could certainly wear either dress, though, in the final scene to be in period.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 8:48am

I have my tickets for June 30. Yay!!
But...I do agree with the hope that they put out some better pictures.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 8:55am

I don't like the blonde hair and bad wig.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 8:57am

She looks just like Loretta Swit

[Aaron27]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 9:58am

I had a chance to meet Christine Baranski once at Emerson when they presented her with an award and she talk with a question and answer talk back. She has to be the quietest, sweetest, humblest person. She was the exact opposite of the characters she plays...that's why it's called acting. And she's DAMN good at it.

Look at Robin Williams...90% of his stuff is schlock and then he has Awakenings and Good Will Hunting. That man can act too when he wants. It's all about transforming yourself to the character and I think she'd be perfect as either Mame or Vera

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 10:03am

Good one Michael Bennett!!!

[whatacharacter]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 10:10am

Does anyone know if the full cast has been anounced for this production yet?

[LuvUrBatBoy]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 10:26am

I want pictures of Harriet as Vera! NOW!!!

[ruprecht]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 11:42am

Those photos are horrifying.

[ahimsa]

Posted: 5/19/06 at 12:51pm

Acting doesn't mean acting like Rosalind Russell.