Piazza's Ideal Cast

i really would have loved to see Jennifer Hope Wills in Piazza, but i'm sure that Katie Clark will finish out the remainder of the run (July 2nd). If they do extend, I hope Patti Cohenour does take over for Vicki. When is Vicki scheduled for another vacation? I am definitely seeing Patti in the role during that week!

well...i agree with the OBC...but the last time i saw the show...i don't know Victoria seemed tired playing her role...maybe she really was. She was cracking jokes all the time...and the new Fabrizio was great...but still...it didn't have the same "magic" it had when it opened...it was what i thought. I saw Kelli's last week...she was amazing as usual though. I also heard Jennifer Hughes was great as Clara. But never saw her.

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It's a huge role. Wouldn't you be tired?

I have never seen any other Clara but Kelli...so i can't say that no other actress will have the same chemistry that Kelli and Victoria...all of you talking...did you see any other Clara but Kelli? i think just because they originated the role...it doesn't mean they are the best. Some replacements have been better than the originals.

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The OBC has been ideal.

As has every Fabrizio that's been in it so far.

And I disagree with Vicky being "tired." Five times (and counting) I've seen her play it, and she brings a different nuance every time.

Will be catching Katie in it soon and expect that she brings a different but equally excellent aspect to it.

Well, have certainly never seen Victoria "tired"...her monumental performance just keeps growing and growing with more and more nuances. Simply a phenomenal actress whose heart and soul shines through in her work.

Katie is a different Clara but totally valid and endearing in her portrayal...and I loved Jennifer Hughes. Victoria has been exceeding giving and loving to both on stage and off.

Yes, while people will always have a special place in their hearts for Kelli who originated the role and made it her own, the other Claras have each had their own strong points, and it is maybe a bit unfair to hold them up to someone else's standard when they are bringing their own individual "light" to the character.

Of course, then there is Burnham. Sorry - but as good as all the other Fabrizio's have been...for many of us, there is THIS one towering above all the others. But then, that too all comes down to personal opinion and individual preference.

All in all, Piazza has held up incredibly well...and every cast is in its own special way "Piazza's Ideal Cast" - because the show is an "ideal" show.

Bravo and brava to them ALL!

I loved Katie. I thought she was a fresh light in the show. Good advice to not go by the reviews on BWW, better to make up your own mind.
I didn't care for the the new Fabrizio either. He's handsome but not much of an actor. Very musical theatre (does that make sense?) But that being said I really didn't care much for Matthew Morrison. I would love to see a better actor in the role. Adam Brazier is a great actor amd a great choice. I think Hunter Foster is under-reated and I would love to see him tackle a role like that.
I have heard it will be closing with this company though. Is that true? Any word?

Myth ...i think hunter is very talented...he would probably be great in it. And as i said...i just listen to the opinions...it can be Brantley or Barnes or any of the BWW users. I want to see a show or a performer before i comment, something a lot of people on here should do as well. And your comment of "very musical theatre" makes sense i guess...you mean a great singer with limited acting skills, but it still works?
Issa: you have seen Katie, Kelli and Jennifer. Why do you think Jennifer Hughes wasn't good enough to replace Kelli? What happened?
and finally...Kyle...they really look great together...did Celia audition for the show in NYC? or she was just over it after doing it in Seattle or wherever she played Clara.

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Brazier is too old for Fabrizio.... TOO OLD. plus not the right kind of sexy.

I have also heard that Jennifer Hughes is terrific. Sadly, understudies are often overlooked when casting a replacement since it is more work to replace the understudy (they would have to teach the replacement the ensemble track and the understudy track). Also some directors/producers sadly can't see the person as anything else but an understudy once they have been cast as such. Hopefully Jennifer will hit upon something of her own one day. I think it shows great character of both Jennifer and David that they have stayed with show after being looked over. I suppose that happens all the time and what great troopers understudies are...look at Linda Muggleston. I think they have one of the hardest jobs on Broadway.

For the record...I LOVE Aaron Lazar! His voice is so beautiful and he is so connected to the role and looks much more Italian than either Matt or David. He may look a little older than he should but I certainly didn't care. I wondering how it is working now with Aaron and Katie since Katie looks much younger than 26. That was the thing that was so beautiful about Kelli...she was a woman first and that added to the confusion and mystery of her character. I wonder why they replaced her with someone so young...especially if it is true that they thought Celia was too young? Casting is always a mystery I guess. I'm looking forward to seeing it again soon and hopefully it will have a life beyond Lincoln Center. What a beautiful show.

I think the opening Broadway company had been perfectly cast. I would have liked to have seen David Burham bumped up to Fabrizio though. He was fabulous when I saw him. Saw Jennifer Hughes that same day, but she was very "pitchy" in the 1st act.

Muscle, I believe Patti is just filling in while Vicki is on vacation.

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Updated On: 12/29/05 at 01:21 PM