Sunday in the Park looking likely — Page 3

I was hoping that since History Boys' cast (mostly unknown names here) came over intact and did so well, perhaps the London cast of SITPWG would have a chance. Plus the fact that if Roundabout mounts this transfer (already one of the producers for the London production) there's even a greater chance since they are not-for-profit. Daniel, Jenna and Gay should not be replaced. They are the reason that this production shines like it does.

But if that doesn't happen, NPH would be great as George. He's got the chops to tackle this production (very different from the original.) JK as Dot would be interesting. She definitely has the voice but not sure she has what Jenna has. Can't really describe it. I was not impressed with Jenna on the first viewing but on the second and third she really won me over. Her performance is subtle but powerful at the same time. Her voice and accent adds another dimension to Dot that the original didn't have.

I would love to see this revival cross over but without the cast, it would be lacking.

---

Tom, the orchestrations Work though. Yes I missed some of the brass parts in the score, but this production in London was Fantastic!

Oh God. Harris and Mano are absolutely AWFUL choices for George. And I think they would look TOO young for this role. Even though George isn't old. And I really don't want another round of trampling fan girls at the stage door for this, a la Sweeney. Keep Mano away.

The fact that someone has fans is a reason to keep a very talented, capable actor away from a part. What a brilliant idea.

I agree that he looks a *little* bit young, but not TOO young.

---

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 11:04 AM

If Roundabout is behind the transfer, will it play the American Airlines Theatre, or Studio 54 (which would be more intimate for the production)?

*prays for this*

I think Mano is great, but do I want to see him in Sunday? No. This show is my baby. My absolute favorite show ever. I think Mano is very talented, but THIS is big big big. And Raul just stands out so much in my mind. *sighs* I'm not sure how likely he would be to revive his role, especially after doing Company. I'm not even sure if he would be right for the Chocolate Factory transfer. But...but...but... I just can't imagine anyone else ever playing this part.

---

There might be a chance that you guys can see Daniel Evans or Jenna Russell if one of them (or even two) wins an Olivier! I mean... Gavin Lee went over so I guess, if we got Chris Sieber and Tim CUrry and Ann Harada and Idina Menzel, then its not too bad that if you get ONE of them, but I'd say Daniel... he was SO gd! Or actually Gay Soper! Her George's Mom brought me to tears the most! And she was totally unrecognisably beautiful and young in Act 2!

---

Krakowski has also sung on several Sondheim compilation records and benefits. He likes her a lot. I'm sure her name will at least come up if they recast for New York.

I mentioned this on another thread, but maybe its worth mentioning here, that in the last few seasons, both Equity here and in the UK have become much more lax about the British/American exchange. Menzel, Gavin Lee, Gavin Creel, etc don't fit into the normal rules about being uniquely qualified or international stars.

So, I think its enitrely possible the producers could successfully petition for Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell to come over (Daniel Evans is already an Olivier award winner) - but I could see producers WANTING to do the show with bigger names regardless.

Both Daniel and Jenna were amazing in the London production. They greatly deserve to come to the US with the production.

---

I know I'll get killed for this but I think Jane will not suit as Dot in this production. I think Jane's too... she demands attention when she's onstage... but I think Dot in this production demands a more subtle beauty and desperately waiting and hoping for George's attention.
Look at Jenna Russell and Anna Jane Casey, they're not exceptionally beautiful but its their performance which captures, but still doesnt takes away the attention from George. Im sure people will all focus on Jane if she's Dot... at least I will!

---

I wasn't very fond of Jenna's voice or her accent. But Daniel I adored. By only listening to the recording, I can't really pick up on the chemistry between the two. But people are loving the London cast, so I'm so so curious to see what happens with the transfer.

---

I've been addicted to the OBC of this show for several months now, so the idea of seeing this show live is extremely exciting. I really hope it transfers. The DVD is great, but I'm sure doesn't do it justice like seeing it live would have done.

The way everyone is talking about the London cast sent me right over to Amazon to listen to the snippets of the recording they have available. It's definitely different, but I'm curious to most likely make the purchase. Daniel Evans sounds amazing, but like Chrysanthemum62001 said, I'm not sure about Jenna Russel's accent. Keeping an open mind though.

I'm one of the people who have constantly suggested Jane Krakowski to play Dot if this production does transfer to Broadway. I'm sure she could sing the role just fine, she used to have a very small range when she did Grand Hotel but since then she has been very dedicated in her voice lessons and from her more recent work it is clear that she could sing Dot. I disagree that she commands too much attention on stage; as a matter of fact, her two most famous roles on Broadway have been featured roles (Flaemmchen and Carla), and when I saw her in Guys & Dolls she did a great job working in such a company-driven piece. Also, as Michael Bennett already said, her connection to Sondheim goes beyond the Company revival. I particularly find her rendition of "Anyone Can Whistle" very touching, displaying a lot of vulnerability.
Neil Patrick Harris would be a great George opposite Krakowski's Dot.