Susan Egan as Miss Honey?

Just got back from seeing Matilda for the first time, was completely blown away by Jill's performance but was wondering what others would think if Susan Egan playing the role of Miss Honey?

She's only four months older than Lauren Ward, I think she can still do it.

^^Double Post

Updated On: 12/19/13 at 08:16 AM

Personally I think Lauren Ward was a bit too old for the part when we saw her... but I understand why she positively should have been there because of her originating the role.

But a younger Ms. Honey works better for me - because at a certain point, it's less appealing when an older adult does not get their act together, no matter what their childhood was. Jill is just perfect...and 10 years younger.

Miss Honey has the best songs in the show, and, in my opinion, the best songs written for any character since Caroline Thibodeaux. Lauren didn't come off as too old to me, mostly because I was just bowled over by her voice.

The thing about Miss Honey (at least the way Lauren played her) is that yes, she is mostly shimmery high notes, but her speaking voice can drop way into the lower register. The duality is the most important part of her character. She's not a delicate creature, though she appears that way, and that's the point. She's a small but stubborn fire and her voice needs to bolster that.

My pick would be Christiane Noll.

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Only if they want the show to close.