Logan, I saw Patti C. in Souvenir and she was stunning. One of the best performances I've ever seen on stage.
Also recently saw her in Sunday in the Park with George as Yvonne. Wonderful and you could hear her distinct soprano in Sunday. She was hilarious as the second acttech woman, can't remember her name.
Bobbybubby I believe the role you refer to is Naiomi. And seriously can they just announce a cast and an opening already, im so incredibly impatient.
<------ Me and my friends with patti Lupone at my friends afterparty for her concert with audra mcdonald during the summer of 2007.
"I am sorry but it is an unjust world and virtue is only triumphant in theatricle performances" The Mikado
I've never been this invested in a rumors/casting thread before. I really hope I'm not disappointed. So far, I'm really not. I just really want an official word. Oh, and maybe Marin Mazzie as Desiree.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
After listening to Waddingham, I'm more convinced that there is no reason for anyone involved with the production (other than the fact Brantley gave her a positive notice) to be working so hard to bring her over. Perhaps she has to be seen live? My waning interest in this revival will only be revitalized by a really strong Fredrick (gladly, we know it isn't Michael Cerveris) and an equally strong supporting cast, since their choice for a Broadway Desiree is absurd.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
The Hannah transfer was NEVER being seriously considered. Never. NEVER! Now please stop bitching about someone who is AMAZINGLY talented, but was never being considered for the American production.
As has been stated MANY times, rehearsals do not begin for a while, we will know the cast around the same time that almost all productions give their casts to the press. They are not dragging it out, they are on schedule.
CALM DOWN!
And now back to our regularly scheduled episode of "Crazy BWW"...
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
Hannah was ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY considered for the transfer. They tried hard as hell to transfer her. She was and I assume still is Nunn's #1 choice for the role. But it looks like Nunn is going to settle for someone else.
Nunn wanted her, yes. That does not mean she was ever seriously considered to be an option. There were far more enticing options on the producers' tables before Nunn made the request, and there still are.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
1) Nunn wanted Hannah first and foremost. She was SERIOUSLY considered...so much so, that when Equity didn't approve the transfer, the production was almost cancelled. 2) To Ray andallthatjazz: "After LISTENING to her?" What are you judging? Her singing voice? Just curious.. And what about the upcoming production doesn't seem "enticing"? Once again, just curious. Night Music is not only one of the most well written/constructed musicals ever, but the show has received nothing but outstanding reviews in London...AND is going to be starring Angela Lansbury.. Along with some other interesting names.
ljay- once again you are talking about Nunn, I am not.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
Waddingham was a highlight at the Menier. Having her play the part here would've been nice. Not having her isn't the end, though. While she was a highlight, she wasn't of vital importance to the production.
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.
humbug- From what I understand he gets "final say" (though that is not the best term at all), but the actual decision is made by the producers.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
Hey Humbug - Sondheim, by NO MEANS, got to ultimately choose who was right for the job, as will not have much involvement in this upcoming production. However, much like Nunn, and all of the producers, his opinion greatly mattered. I have no doubt that if he had reservations surrounding the actor they wanted for Petra, Magnus, etc, everyone associated with the development of the production would have greatly heeded his advice, as he is not only a living legend, but the composer of the show.
To continue novel idea's train of thought, it is only because he is a living legend that he is given the treatment he is. While the creative team does have a very little amount of input in most cases, Sondheim has the experience and the fame to demand a little more respect (not saying he demands it (action verb), saying he deserves to have it).
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
To elaborate on jacob's train of thought, it's not ONLY the fact that Sondheim is a 'living legend', but the mere fact that he is the composer of the show that is being cast. Composers/playwrights have a strong hand in casting, stronger than you are playing it off, whether they are legends or not. Workshops, readings, and Broadway shows that take place in NYC, many times include the composer/playwright (as long as they are still living!) in the casting process. You better believe that the upcoming cast for RACE was carefully evaluated by Mamet himself.
The composers/writers are usually there to give their input, but they rarely have any actual power of approval or veto, at least on paper. How strongly their opinion is actually heeded depends on the situation.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
Movie contracts are COMPLETELY different from theater contracts. In almost every way.
Because Sondheim is who he is, he probably wields more power over casting than most.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
Sondheim does have some power, but not ultimate. I can say with 100% certainty that Waddingham WAS considered until a few weeks ago, when Equity said she wasn't essential for the transfer, which cut that option completely. Last I had heard, Mazzie was the final choice for Deseree. This comes after Waddingham and a few screen actresses. My understanding is that nearly the entire cast is signed and set, with a few lingering contracts still out. Most of the leads are set, though, and I can say with utmost certainty that most on the boards will be happy and there won't be many surprises as far as the predictions have gone on this board (which should be applauded, since it seems to be a rarity these days on the board.)
LoveIsCompany - when you say signed and set, the contracts have actually been SIGNED? Also, when did you last hear that Marin was the choice? Just wondering. I heard some interesting rumors last week that hadn't been mentioned on this board before. :)