THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

I enjoy parts of the score, thouch a lot of it leaves me cold (as is usually the case with Wilson's music). Grimes makes the recording worth having though.

A revival? Hmmmm, I doubt it but it could be fun.

I'm trying to think of an age approriate leading lady who is a great comic...

What about Susan Egan? She played Molly a few years back at California Musical Theatre.

---

Debbie Reynolds did a tour of this show about 15 years ago.

The score is hit or miss. Wasn't even nominated for a Best musical Tony (along with CAMELOT from that season). I do like to play it on occasion just for "I Ain't Down Yet", "Bely Up to the Bar, Boys", and "Dolce Far Niente". For some reason "Colorado, My Home" was left off the Original Broadway cast recording.

It might work as a revival, but the book would have to be tinkered with.

---

I agree that the book needs some work but some of the music is sublime. I can see a revival being edgy yet holding on to that old fashioned musical aspect as well.

I'd love to get Debbie back to Broadway, IRENE anyone?

---

Sorry! I hate The Egan!

I think they should cast somebody a little outrageous to play the part. Someone who'd break the "rules" a bit and shake up the scenery (even gnaw on it, once or twice).

Molly is an unconventional character (and a terrific one). Any stars our there who could "raise the roof?" I don't think she needs to be an accomplished singer. She needs to have loads of energy, focus and drive. If she comes off as a bit abrasive, it fits the part. I can't see them reviving it without a box office draw in the role, though. Any suggestions? Someone who'd sell tickets to the masses?

---

**** SPOILER ALERT *****

I worked on this show for some time a few years ago. I have a few definite suggestions.

The first act is fine; the second needs definite pruning, starting with the unnecessary love duet "Chick-a-Pen", which is like bad early Disney and makes proposed spousal abuse seem cute.

Something needs to be done with the stupid '50s-style ending which solves nothing and is historically inaccurate, sexist, and laughable. Some sort of believable truce between Molly and Johnny, instead of her giving up everything to go live in a cabin in the woods (which the real Molly did not do--and, honestly, who would?) The movie actually is an improvement in this sense, with a restrained ending recalling "My Fair Lady."

The actress who plays Molly must have a large and distinctive personality AND YET BE UTTERLY CHARMING. She does dislikable things throughout the second act; she must be bewitching enough to make the audience forgive her for them. Carol Burnett or Dolly Parton in their prime could have pulled it off. I can't think of anyone else offhand--didn't I hear that Reba McEntire was thinking about it? She could be perfect.

---

"I remember once seeing a summer stock playbill from the mid sixties of the show with Dorothy Louden in her prime playing Molly." ~ Demitri2

Oh, my God! I just creamed all over myself! I can only imagine how wonderful she would have been in that part!

Roquat ~ I totally agree with your suggestions. While still too old for the part, Reba would be brilliant as Molly! Ideal casting indeed! As long as Tom Wopat doesn't play Johnny I'd be fine. But hey, if it gets the show back on Broadway and Reba to boot, I'd take him!

PS: Don't let Bernie get wind of this suggestion! God knows she would probably want to play Molly.

---

What about one of the SIDE SHOW girls? Emily or Alice, although I must confess that I can see Emily doing it better before Alice. (Please don't throw sticks and stones at me for that comment)

---

Why are we talking about a hypothetical revival where there is a REAL show to cast! Audition help, people.... LOL

I'd rather see Darcie over Sutton. I think Darcie is a better comedienne.

By the way best12bars, just in case you were unaware, very sadly Miss Dorothy Loudon passed away November 15, 2003. In her prime I can only imagine how brillaint she would have been as Molly but then again, I always found her to be brilliant in every role that she played.

---

I figured that you would obviously know that but I was a little unaware because of your wording. I think that I'm gonna have to add you to my gang of "Have I told you lately how much I love you!"

---