So/When/Will (a thread regarding Idina Menzel)

[inception]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:07pm

I'm surprised that I have to start this thread, but I guess everyone who likes to wildly speculate on this sort of thing must already be in line somewhere for Black Friday and forgot their phone charger...

So with Idina Menzel announcing an extensive concert tour...

When will If/Then close?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:08pm

Her tour begins in July; she's contracted through March. The two things are entirely unrelated.

[haterobics]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:11pm

"When will If/Then close?"

Before July.

[gleek4114]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:47pm

Unless they get a star to replace her. Who would be a good replacement?

[haterobics]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:49pm

It's not an easy role to cast with a name, since you need someone who really has some serious pipes, which immediately limits the field.

[TheBoyFromNC]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:21pm

I'm dreamcasting Megan Hilty. I know it's not likely, but I think she'd be terrific. I can hear her singing it in my head, and it's glorious.

[TFMH18]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:28pm

^I'd never thought of Hilty in the role before. While I don't think she's very suitable as far as age/vibe of Elizabeth, I would KILL to hear her sing that score especially "Always Starting Over." That being said, she is nowhere near a big enough name, nor is pretty much any other actor on Broadway today. Unless they get a superstar who can actually sing that role, If/Then will close in March when Idina's contract is up, if not sooner (for what it's worth I do hope it runs through the actors' contracts).

[HorseTears]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:33pm

I don't give a toss about this show, but must say to the OP: bravo on the thread title, bravo.

[Renthead1980]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:34pm

Eden Espinosa ??

[inception]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:36pm

Could The Visit go into the Richard Rodgers in time for the Tony's if If/Then closes when Idina's contract is up?

[delongpre]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:50pm

You guys are assuming Idina will leave when the contract is over.

Too bad Jackie doesn't have the fame name. She does an incredible job in the role.

Lindsay Mendez?

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:56pm

I think Lindsay Mendez is way too young. It may just be me, but I think a role like Elizabeth would not be beneficial for Lindsay...it feels like it would age her. She has a few more years of doing youthful roles. I say let her.

It is of my opinion (and many others) that IF Idina leaves, THEN the show will soon close. It might run through spring, but if it got the January 4th axe, I wouldn't be shocked.

[bwayboy22]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 6:59pm

Well we could bring back that whole Celine Dion thread...imagine her in this!

[Lovinbroadway2]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:01pm

inception,

If If/Then closes in March, The Visit moves in and starts previews a week later, finishes previews before April, and opens before late April; Then yes, it would most likely be eligible for the Tony's.

Updated On: 11/24/14 at 07:01 PM

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:07pm

"Unless they get a star to replace her. Who would be a good replacement?"

Anne Hathaway?

[bwayboy22]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:13pm

Anne Hathaway couldn't possibly sing If/Then

[inception]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:17pm

Re: Lindsay Mendez - if she were to replace anyone on anything, I think she would be great in Beautiful

[wdwfreak]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:34pm

The Visit is probably going in to the Helen Hayes. My guesses are Allegiance or Amazinng Grace will take the Rodgers.

[steven22]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:39pm

They aren't big enough stars- but Julia Murney and Lisa Brescia would be incredible as Elizabeth.

[dreaming]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 7:39pm

Allegiance needs a smaller theater. I think Gigi or perhaps Can-Can will take the Rodgers-that's a dance theater. Also, The Visit is probably going into a Shubert House from what I've read (I thought they were connected somehow).

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 8:05pm

^The possibility of Can-Can coming to Broadway at this point is pretty much dead-in-the-water!

[haterobics]

Posted: 11/24/14 at 10:57pm

"You guys are assuming Idina will leave when the contract is over."

Idina just announced a tour starting in July, so whether she extends past March or not, she isn't doing it past July...

[WickedGinger]

Posted: 11/25/14 at 8:38am

Completely left field suggestion... Jennifer Hudson?

[JBC2]

Posted: 11/25/14 at 10:51am

I loved Jackie Burns as Elizabeth, but if they were not to give her the role, I'd see the show several more times if SJB were in it.

[inception]

Posted: 11/25/14 at 3:28pm

^
I misread that as SJP the first time I read that! Yikes imagine how that would be!

Isn't Block currently expecting her first child?

Hudson is too young, but the suggestion made me imagine doing something like when a new production of Hello Dolly launched with Pearl Bailey. They could bring in a whole new group of leads: Anthony Wayne could replace Anthony Rapp, maybe Orfeh could replace LaChanze, and can Blair Underwood sing?