THE VISIT Reviews — Page 5

Wow, awesome article! And Madonna saw The Visit??

Unless the show wins Best Musical or there is a box office heavyweight replacement I don't think the show has much longevity, which is disappointing . It really seems like they have done everything 'right' with producing this show, but I guess sometimes shows don't appeal to the mass audience. I assume everyone involved will still be proud of this achievement.

Row A is 100% the front row. I sat there twice.

qolbinau said: "I still frequently return to this show, and was reading some of the snippets in COLORED LIGHTS about this. I didn't realise but after Angela Lansbury fell through, Chita wasn't actually the first idea for a replacement. It also gives some insight into what it takes to cast stars and the amount of names that might be shopped around:

* With Lansbury attached the show was fully funded and had a path straight to Broadway.

* When Lansbury dropped out due to the health of her husband, they tried to get other 'names'

- Glenn Close, who turned them down

- Shirley MacLaine, who briefly showed interest but then dropped out due to a (genuine) scheduling conflict

- Judi Dench (no word on what happened)

* Finally, Chita was sought and from John Kander's perspective he is completely satisfied with the choice artistically. In fact, in the discussion if I recall he mentioned that he only thinks three people could have really done an amazing job in this role * Angela Lansbury * Chita and, *Judi Dench (the implication is that the others were sought for their marquee value).

I had never even thought about it, but Judi Dench in a London production would be something. Can someone convince her to do it in London? (I'm sure she has already been asked and it would have happened if she was interested)"

Thank you for the insight - it's really interesting to read this. I really need to get a hold of Colored Lights. I, too, frequently return to this show. The source material is one of my favourite plays by one of my favourite playwrights. I did not see the The Visit live sadly, but in whatever I could find of it Chita Rivera did a phenomenal job with the role. I'd have loved to see Lansbury tackle this complex and dark character as well. Judi Dench, though still a force to be reckoned with... I don't know if she could do this part now, even with "One Legged Tango" no longer in the show. The role is inherently very physical after all. I could, however, still imagine Glenn do it (although it might just be more of the same, Glenn has done a lot of roles that have a similar vibe).

One reviewer, I can't remember the name, said how wonderful this show will be as a vehicle for all the current Broadway stars down the line (Patti, Audra, etc.) - and it gives me hope that someone will take another look at this show in the future.

I am so happy I had to chance to see this on my annual April theater trip. I loved it and the score is so beautiful. It's the kind of show I would have seen several times if I lived in NY to sear it into my memory.