THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Extends Through 7/3; THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE to Play Studio 54

[Rob]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:01am

Click Here to Read THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Extends Through 7/3; THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE to Play Studio 54

[whyohwhyoh]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:13am

What is the Roundabout NOT telling us about this extension? How can Bedford direct The Misanthrope at the Stratford Festival which has a July 31st beginning of previews while working in NYC till July 3rd? How can the woman playing Gwendolyn open in 12th Night in Stratford in June? Will the Roundabout suddenly announce replacements for these actors? they can't be in two places at once. People are coming to see Bedford so let's hear the WHOLE truth please. If I go back again- it is to see BEDFORD.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:15am

This makes sense considering that Roundabout didn't have a spring show for Studio 54.

[Kad]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:21am

...Those productions may be rehearsing in NYC.

[whyohwhyoh]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:24am

The Stratford Festival plays in Repertory so I don't know how that would be possible. the Roundabout maybe looking for replacements.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:24am

Fontana is scheduled to play the Huntington still, yes?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 12:48am

You're such a pill. First you accuse Bedford of larceny. Now you accuse the Roundabout of mendacity.

Have you ever in your entire life said anything at all pleasant or even slightly intelligent?

Bravo to the Bedford and Company on a job well done.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 1:20am

The PRODUCTION can still go forth with replacement actors. No one usually announces departures of actors until replacements are found. Additionally, plans change ALL THE TIME.

It happens all the time that there are cast changes with extentions. It's STILL his production, even if he doesn't stay with it. They are NOT pulling a fast one.

The average theater goer is not really aware of who Bedford is, and it's the production with its glorious reviews that is getting the audience. While I thought he was sublime, he is not the only reason to see this show.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 1:26am

You people bitch when shows close early, citing putting actors out of work as the reason not to close. Then a show extends for a substantial amount of time, keeping may actors and crew members employed far longer than expected, and you bitch about that.

Make up your freaking minds.

The extreme, often irrational opinions on this site have really made me realize how little the little things really matter. Thank you.

[mikem]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 1:31am

There are 4 weeks between the first performance of the Misanthrope and the last performance of Earnest, so it's certainly possible for Bedford to do both. I don't think 4 weeks of rehearsal for a play revival would be unusual.

I can't imagine that Roundabout would schedule such a long extension knowing that Bedford would be unavailable for the last portion. The whole point of the revival is Bedford. It would be like announcing an extension of Liza's at the Palace but without Liza.

As for the rest of the cast, I agree with the posters above who said that there is nothing wrong with an extension that they are not able to participate in.

Updated On: 1/26/11 at 01:31 AM

[StratfordFest2]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 9:32am

Brian Bedford is not leaving the production, we are finding a new director for the Misanthrope but Brian will come and be an actor in the production. He is a talented actor and will be able to step in after the run of The Importance of Being Earnest is over. So, if you see this production at any time during the extension you will see Brian Bedford.

Aaron Kropf
Social and Online Media Coordinator
Stratford Shakespeare Festival

[whyohwhyoh]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 9:57am

Well now we know all the FACTS. I am glad Stratford Festival has a representative who reads chat sites! It's refreshing! I am thrilled that the show has done so well and because most people can't read, I repeat again that I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Bedfords and although was dismayed that a great woman's part was taken by a man, Bedford has triumphed. It might have helped on the Press Release to have stated that Bedford will no loner direct The Misanthrope which is sad because no one played the part better than he did 30 years ago and he knows the play so well. However, I am now curious who will replace Ms. Topham in 12th NIGHT which has been announced for a June opening at Stratford. I was enchanted by this young actress who has deepened her performance since the original production at the Stratford Festival. Perhaps the online Media person can help us with that.

Updated On: 1/26/11 at 09:57 AM

[StratfordFest2]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 10:19am

Sara Topham will still be playing Olivia in 12th Night at Stratford as well as Celimene in The Misanthrope, she will fulfill both roles she has been cast in this season at Stratford. In the next couple of days we will be announcing the new director of The Misanthrope. We are just thrilled that The Importance of Being Earnest has been well received and even more exciting for the recognition Brian Bedford is getting for both directing and playing the dominating Lady so well. We are also excited that NYC audiences love Sara Topham as much as we do in Stratford.

[whyohwhyoh]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 10:29am

We should all feel special that we are getting personal media scoops on this site! Thank you. I will be sorry to see Ms. Topham leave Earnest and hope that her replacement is as amusing and accomplished.

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 10:32am

Sara Topham is very good as Gwendolyn but certainly not irreplaceable. I'm sure Roundabout will find another actress who will do well by the role.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 1/26/11 at 10:36am

I'm so glad the show is extending! I saw it several weeks ago and thought it was absolutely wonderful. I loved the whole cast, but especially Santino Fontana. I know that Bedford is the reason many will come to see the show, but Fontana should not be overlooked!