ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD- Page 2

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 1:50pm

In that clip, that chap does seem singularly bent.

[newintown]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 1:55pm

That original production was perfect in every way; the Roundabout could never match, much less surpass it.

But it might be heaven for those who weren't lucky enough to see the original.

[Jimbo2]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 1:55pm

I would love to hear the song "Perfect Strangers" back on Broadway again!

[Hanna from Hamburg]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 1:56pm

Unfortunately, I don't know Julia Murney's work (haven't seen her live), but Drood SEEMS like a character she would be a perfect fit for. Am I wrong?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 1:57pm

The original score is one of my favorites. So many sparkling gems. I hated the changes they later made, however.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:00pm

What a fun show, why hasn't it been revived before?
Great roles for character actor/singers, endless possibilties.
How 'bout Orfeh as Puffer?

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:18pm

I love the idea of Erin Davie or Jill Paice as Rosa Budd. If Laura Benanti is in this, I'd rather see her as Helena Landless than Rosa Budd.

As for Drood, I find Kelli O'Hara to be a terrible fit. What about someone like Heidi Blickenstaff?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:47pm

Alan Cumming in the George Rose role.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:48pm

Heidi would certainly be meta. From [titleofshow]'s "I Am Playing Me":

"I insist I could make 'em misty
Hiding inside Miss Anna Christie
And Lord knows I could raise the roof
Playing the maid that goofs in Tartouffe
And I could be awesome playing a dude
In the title role of the Mystery of Edwin Drood"
I Am Playing Me

[tazber]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:49pm

The show itself is one of my all time faves. It is flawlessly written.

The score is wonderful, unique, and absolutely lilting.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:54pm

Its really not a flawless show and I still think actors and show biz buffs like it more than the general public but it can be a hoot when done well. As Best12 and others have said though, it really does require an extraordinary cast of characters. Once you start actually casting stock ingenues and leading men in these roles the show is sunk.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 2:58pm

MB, did they mention when this would be happening?

ETA: I saw the bit in AM NY and I see that it doesn't specify. But I assume it would have to be fall.

Updated On: 12/16/11 at 02:58 PM

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:05pm

Awesome news. Hopefully now we can get a cast recording.

[Miranda3]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:12pm

Curtain: Great idea re Alan Cumming as the Chairman. I bet he could put a spin on the role that would differ from Rose's but be equally true to the oldtime British music hall tradition.

[newintown]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:19pm

Is Cumming even able to NOT be sinister anymore?

[24601]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:20pm

Hmmm, having seen Betty Buckley and then Paige O'Hara (I *think*) in the roles of Drood on Bway and then touring, I immediately think of Stephanie Block, Julia Murney and Leslie Kritzer as possibilities. And Patti as Puffer? Fabulous! And Jill Paice as Rosa sounded fun!

What about the guys? I saw Howard McGillin (didn't I?) as Ned...Matt Cavenaugh?

Updated On: 12/16/11 at 03:20 PM

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:27pm

"Is Cumming even able to NOT be sinister anymore?"

Cumming is a cartoon character (imo). I've never been able to understand what anyone sees in him. He's a one trick pony.

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:35pm

Givesmevoice, forgive me, but I wouldn't want to see Patti wrestle with a Cockney accent again. Though assuming she stole her "Candide" costume, they could save a few bucks . . .

How about Elaine Paige as Puffer?

[bryan2]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:37pm

Jim Dale -great choice- I saw the original and then the replacement cast with Donna Murphy was HORRIBLE I think she is decent but she was just flat out bad in this with some strange high pitched accent and Loretta AAAAAAAAAAAAAA Swift just horrible I had recomended this because I loved the orig and when I brough friends it was embarassing This is a good show but without a REALLY good cast not so much...so I hope they choose right..what about Alice Ripley as Drood...

Updated On: 12/16/11 at 03:37 PM

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:37pm

I know that is she probably too old now, but I would love to see Donna Murphy reprise her role.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:47pm

Murphy was originally the cover for Cleo Laine (Puffer) and Jana Schneider (Helena) when the show opened and people seem to have loved her when she went on in those roles. Nobody seems to have liked her performance much when she came back to replace Buckley as Drood.

I wouldn't mind seeing Judy Kuhn (the original Drood cover) come back and reprise that role; I actually don't think the age of the actress playing Drood/Alice Nutting is hugely important. She could be played by an actress in her 40s easily.

I like the suggestions of Julia Murney, Leslie Kritzer, Heidi Blickenstaff etc. Thats what this show really needs - colorful quirky personalities.







Updated On: 12/16/11 at 03:47 PM

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 3:52pm

The idea of Betty Buckley as Puffer is kind of fun.

Though I'm not sure she would be.

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 4:01pm

What about Tim Curry as the Chairman?

I saw his music-hall turn singing "The Zucchini Song" on the other site, and it immediately made me think of Drood.

[dreaming]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 4:09pm

I think Elaine Paige as Puffer would be amazing. Yes, please!!!

And I think that Julia Murney would be very strong as Drood.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 12/16/11 at 4:11pm

I would love this so much! This is (obviously) a favorite of mine. I think Alice Ripley would have been a great Drood a few years ago, but after Next to Normal, her voice isn't up to the role.