ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD — Page 2

#26

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

In that clip, that chap does seem singularly bent.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#27

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#28

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

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

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"If we don't wake up and shake the nation, we'll eat the dust of the world, wondering why...why?"

#29

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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?

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". . . POP . . ."

#30

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#31

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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?

#32

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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?

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When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain. -Kad

#33

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

Alan Cumming in the George Rose role.

#34

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

#35

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

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....but the world goes 'round

#36

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#37

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

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"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."-Stephen Sondheim

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

#38

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

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

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I know you. I know you. I know you.

#39

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#40

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

Is Cumming even able to NOT be sinister anymore?

#41

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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?

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"Who are you, now?"

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

#42

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#43

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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?

#44

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

#45

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#46

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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

#47

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#48

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#49

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.

#50

ROUNDABOUT to revive MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

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.