Well, aside from Shields being rather "limited" as a singer and actress, wouldn't her youthful looks and beauty make her an odd choice for Ruth? Ruth is typically cast as a 40-something spinster type and while Shields is in her late 30's, she doesn't look it all and frankly wouldn't SHE be the one getting all the attention from men, not whoever's playing Eileen? I can't imagine men tripping over themselves to meet Eileen and ignoring Ruth in the process if Shields is playing her (wouldn't guys want to meet them BOTH?). Shields just doesn't make sense as Ruth.
Cast Lupone, Neuwirth or some great comedienne in the role -- the role was written for Rosalind Russell's 4 note range, so frankly ANY well known comedic actress who can sing even slightly would be a decent choice. One of my personal picks -- who's not famous enough and probably is wrong for it in so many other ways, but I don't care -- would be Jackie Hoffman. Imagine what she would do to "101 Ways To Lose A Man" ....
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
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"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
