The NEW Night Music at The Kerr Thread- Page 11

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 3:49pm

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.

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 4:16pm

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.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 4:42pm

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.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 6:59pm

As talented as she is, I do not think it will be Marin (for many reasons).

I love how Fredrik is the biggest mystery of all right now. I wonder who it could be?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 7:01pm

It'S gOiNg To Be AdAm PaScAl.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:15pm

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.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:57pm

I believe the Hannah transfer fell through a while ago....

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 9:47pm

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"...

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 9:52pm

You are completely wrong.

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.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:03pm

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.

[novel idea]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:17pm

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.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:22pm

Exactly, Novelidea.

Jacob, I don't know where you get your information from. But Hannah was absolutely seriously considered. You may need some new sources.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:27pm

ljay- once again you are talking about Nunn, I am not.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:28pm

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.

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:32pm

Anyone have any idea who Sondheim wants for Desiree? I mean, he DOES have SOME little say in the matter, doesn't he?

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:34pm

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.

[novel idea]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:47pm

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.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 10:54pm

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).

[novel idea]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:14pm

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.

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:20pm

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.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:24pm

Sondheim did have veto power for the SWEENEY movie. But that's understandable.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:26pm

I think Arthur Laurents actually has final approval...

Of everything!

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:27pm

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.

[LoveIsCompany]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:32pm

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.)

[novel idea]

Posted: 8/11/09 at 11:48pm

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. :)