Considering Elton continues to extend his farewell tour, it makes sense that the launch of the show is shifted so he isn’t doing double duty.
broadwayboy223 said: "So much for Audra... "
As much as I love Audra (and boy, do I LOVE AUDRA)... this casting rumor never excited me much anyway.
Wasn’t totally sold in this before but the casting does it for me.
I am SO here for Taylor as Andy, but I feel like Beth is a little too... I don't know... "predictable" for lack of a better word. She'll be fine, I'm sure, but I would have been so much more excited for Emily Skinner or Vanessa Williams.
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "The thing that's getting glossed over:
Per press release, the pre-Bway production in Chicago has been delayed a full year until July 2021 (not 2020). It's a little odd they would announce Leavel (a talented person who does not mean anything at the box office) a year and a half in advance."
Chorus Member Joined: 12/10/16
I believe that Beth Leavell will be *wonderful* and I very much look forward to the production.
is this cast being billed as the cast for the tryout, which is well over 16 months away at this point? Or just the cast for next developmental stages? Like, I mean, there’s still a chance Leavel could still be “J Block’ed”
Understudy Joined: 7/5/19
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
Call_me_jorge said: "is this cast being billed as the cast for the tryout, which is well over 16 months away at this point? Or just the cast for next developmental stages? Like, I mean, there’s still a chanceLeavel could still be “J Block’ed”"
All of the press releases I’ve seen have only mentioned the Chicago production. While I’m sure there will be another lab or workshop (if not several), it does seem that unless something major happens you can expect to see Beth Leavel leading the Chicago tryout.
Really, really, really hoping Heléne Yorke will continue on as Emily. As far as I'm concerned, that was the most inspired casting from reading, and it would be such a shame if she couldn't continue on. I smell big Tony love for that role - and specifically her performance, if she continues on.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/16
They're really gonna make me wait that long for new Shaina Taub songs, huh...
Alex Kulak2 said: "They're really gonna make me wait that long for new Shaina Taub songs, huh..."
Assuming it transfers in Spring 2022 and releases the cast recording that summer, I absolutely feel your pain...
Is there any info if they are still planning ahead with the summer tryout in Chicago?
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/20
Call_me_jorge said: "Is there any info if they are still planning ahead with the summer tryout in Chicago?"
I just looked up the show and it seems like they're still going ahead with the summer 2021 opening!
Now that the premiere has been postponed yet another year, I wonder the likelihood whoever they already have cast dropping out. Hope Beth stays on!
Well, I don't think they can LEGALLY commit to anything that far out. That seems REALLY far away. Hope this means it'll have a chance to be really, REALLY good?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
dramamama611 said: "Well, I don't think they can LEGALLY commit to anything that far out. That seems REALLY far away. Hope this means it'll have a chance to be really, REALLY good?"
While they might not have the actual Equity contracts (unless the producers are willing to really let that bond sit in escrow for a long time), they can sign letters of agreement with cast members if they really want to. It's not unusual for performers at a certain level to have certain projects they are committing to years in advance. For instance, in the opera world, certain stars, such as Anna Netrebko or Joyce DiDonato, definitely have some of their performances lined up for a good three or four years from now, even if they can't announce them publicly yet.
Understudy Joined: 6/2/15
Wanted to stop in a say that I saw Beth Leavel in concert over the weekend, and she mentioned that Prada is her next big project. So that should answer any question still lingering if she was still attached after the delay. She was in amazing voice. Cannot wait to see this.
Would love to see Hannah Waddingham do this at some point! Once I thought of her for the part I can’t get the image out of my mind.
Taylor Iman Jones shared on Instagram that they just finished up a 3 week lab of the show. I’m excited to see how this turns out!
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