It really is a shame. I wish she could get her voice back to what it once was. In N2N, she had pitch issues every time she tried to hit the "legit notes." Hopefully she can rehabilitate her voice. I'd definitely be interested in her take on Sally.
Debra Byrne should be flown over pronto! she is the best musical performer Australia has ever had (sorry Nancye Hayes - u are runner up) I saw her perform the role of Sally in a Production Company production in Melbourne a few years back - she nailed the giddiness, frumpiness and frustration of the role. And she sang like an angel. She has previously nailed these roles in Oz in the past, so you may get the picture/talent she exudes. Grizabella - Cats Fantine - Les Miz Norma Desmond - Sunset Blvd Bird Lady - Mary Poppins The Carol Channing role in Thoroughly Modern Millie
and if you can track down an album she recored many years ago - you should hear here rendition of 'As long as he needs me' from "Oliver" it was heartbreaking and spine chilling.
Ann-Margret would be GREAT! She's still sexy as hell and could pass as younger. Haven't hear her sing in a long time, but she'd act the hell out of it.
When casting for DC, Ann-Marget was a twitter rumor. If she could sing it, she'd be an excellent choice. Though, I enjoy the more age appropriate Paige.
Alice Ripley would sound "Out of this world" in every negative way. Her voice was ragged when I saw her in NtN in L.A. and I don't want her butchering Sondheim's work. Her acting wasn't impressive either.
Ripley was thrilling the night I saw her in NEXT TO NORMAL on Broadway, as others have said, it's a shame that she has damaged her instrument but her acting choices in that show were quite spectacular and made me think she'd make one hell of a Sally. I can't imagine Elaine Paige as Sally at all, not only do I have zero interest in seeing her play that part, but when I think of her big roles (and obviously British audiences are probably more familiar with her range and roles she's played) I think of Eva Peron, Norma Desmond, Reeno Sweeney, Drowsy Chaperone (maybe not a big role since the show was such a bomb in London but it's a recent role at least), Mrs.Lovett, and now Carlotta...nothing in her resume suggests she could capture the fragility and complexity that makes for a great Sally.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
Auggie27, I think you are spot on! My top pick for Sally is Rebecca Luker. I feel like playing a character like Sally would be good for getting her some good roles again, too. The world needs more Rebecca Luker on Broadway :)
And I really like your idea of Vanessa Williams if Jan Maxwell doesn't go.
Also, to whoever said that Norbert Leo Butz can play Buddy in a few years, I thought it was kind of funny because I checked and he's only 2 and 1/2 yrs younger than Danny Burstein. I think if you're a good enough actor, you can sell it in theatre even if your age isn't quite right. For example, look how well Danny made as believe he's a contemporary of the other leads...
Kelli O'Hara would make a wonderful Sally, but is too young among the current cast. Goldie Hawn could do it for LA. And get Liza to sing I'm Still Here.
Ray in case you forget Paige is also the original grizabella in cats a role that demands fragility and vulnerability, and that Paige performed that role to great acclaim.
Alrighty....I know this suggestion might seem a little out of left field, but what about Marie Osmond as Sally. She's the right age, still looks great, can hit all the notes, and she's got this vibe about her that screams Sally to me.
Am I completely insane here or could this possibly be somewhat interesting?