Roles for LaChanze...

[Justice]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 6:32pm

As we all know, La Chanze is one of the most talented people on Broadway. Going through the LNM thread, I posted that she would be great as Petra, because, well, we all know she would...
What other roles do you think she would be great in?

Florence in Chess
Elphaba in Wicked

Updated On: 3/25/05 at 06:32 PM

[Justice]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 6:49pm

Am I the only one who Loves La Chanze?

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 6:58pm

Hmm, has it got to be in current shows. Otherwise what about Sarah in "Ragtime". Hmm, or perhaps Fosca in Passion?

[Justice]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 7:03pm

She already played Sarah in Ragtime, when it opened in LA, and when she replaced Audra...

I could see her more as Clara. Fosca is too dark a role for her sunny disposition.

The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods would be perfect.

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 7:07pm

True, the Baker's Wife would give her something to shine. Actually what about her saving the cancelled Sweet Charity run?

[Justice]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 7:08pm

YES!!!!!!!!! PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!

But, is she a dancer? I mean, I know she did stuff in OOTI, but, can she Cilento it?

[Yorkie1276]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 7:16pm

I love LaChanze. I saw DESSA ROSE the other night: wasn't too keen on the show itself but she was incredible.

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 7:18pm

Hmm, or picture her as Annie Oakley that would be something. Or as Dolly. Yes, there are a few roles she could still make something new of.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 10:18pm

Regarding PASSION, Clara really should be played by a white woman, as the name means "light" just as Fosca means "dark." I know Audra McDonald recently played Clara, but, you know...

And I'm NOT being racist, so please don't harp on me about that. It's called being "appropriate for the role." I like LaChanze a lot--I think she's absolutely beautiful and she sounds great on the "Company" recording (although I wasn't a fan of her Sarah in "Ragtime").

[Yorkie1276]

Posted: 3/25/05 at 10:22pm

Clara is an Italian woman. I could see her played by a light skinned African-American woman, such as Audra. I can't wait to see her interpretation.

[Justice]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 12:09am

Funny, Marin doesn't strike me as a typical Italian woman...

And, honestly, Passion is not a true story. It is possible to have a black Clara, just as it is to have a black Fosca and Georgio...

Updated On: 3/26/05 at 12:09 AM

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 12:17am

Passion is "almost" a true story, however. :)

I don't think it really matters what race the actors who play the characters are as long as they play them well. But keep in mind, if there's a black Fosca, then we need a black Colonel, and black parents, etc...

[Justice]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 8:27am

Not true...

Color Blind casting has existed in the past, with Les Miserables (Black Fantine, white Cosette; Black Eponine, White Thenardiers, etc.) Carousel, and other shows. And so what if the parents have to be black. More work for them in this business.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 8:31am

I believe that Audra is absolutely going to kill as Clara. I see no reason why anyone who try to discredit her because she is black and because the role has only ever been played by white women. I didn't agree with her casting in "Sunday", because that was factually inaccurate, but not here.

Regarding LaChanze, I'll take her in anything! I'm patiently waiting for "The Color Purple".

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 8:38am

Actually I don't care too much about the color. I think she would be fine in either role, whether Clara or Fosca. Sure, it is a little more authentic otherwise, but she would make it up as for talent. Hmm, or perhaps her as the Witch in Into the Woods?

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 8:39am

Well, Phylicia Rashad was the Witch in the original touring company.

[zoran912]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 11:18am

We can't forget Vanessa Williams in the revival. I could see LaChanze being amazing as The Witch. That would be amazing, but it wouldn't happen for at least another 10 years or so.

How about a revival of Side Show with LaChanze as Daisy and Audra McDonald as Violet? Of course, it's factually inaccurate, but I'd love to hear black women sing that score.

[Justice]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 6:31pm

La Chanze as Velma Kelly or how about a revival of the Rink with LaChanze and Leslie Uggams (or Sheryl Lee Ralph)

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 6:39pm

The Rink revival would be nice, but is not going to happen, the book somewhat didn't really fit. Hmm, and for Chicago I don't know whether she'd have the satirical acid.

[Justice]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 6:50pm

Pearl in Starligth Express
They're Playing Our Song???
Eve in Children of Eden
Mary Magdelene in JCS (Yet, that wouldn't show off much of her talent)
Narrator in Joseph

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 6:56pm

*lol* even though that is really daring: what about her as Evita?
She could easily be Paula in "The Goodbye Girl" as well (well as far as she can dance).