Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/07
"They pay VERY well. That's why a lot of their actors (Rebecca Luker, Kissy Simmons, Tom Alan Robbins, Steve Blanchard, Sarah Litzsinger, etc., etc., etc.) stay in them a very long time."
Don't forget about Beth Fowler.
Updated On: 8/27/09 at 12:14 PM
Is there not an Equity issue with bringing over all of these Brits?
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
It's much easier for shows to bring in international actors...it's usually a case of an exchange program nowadays.
Has any other rumors out about any new castmembers yet. I saw on Playbill that Jenny Galloway took over Mrs. Brill on September 1st.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
"It's much easier for shows to bring in international actors...it's usually a case of an exchange program nowadays."
It's easier as far as rehearsal and preparation goes...but as far as Equity is concerned (as well as U.S. State Department), it's not quite as simple.
Also, keep in mind that while shows with more then one production might look the same. The layouts of the sets can be different. That is why it isn't uncommon to hear of let's say an actress who was in one production of Wicked to have a put in before she joins another one. There are things that are different about each production's set that the actors have to know before doing the show 8 times a week. So, even if they are bringing in someone who has done the show before but in a different production there still is going to be at least a put in.
LMK was only in the first version of the show in London, before all the changes were implemented. The show as performed currently in New York (and, even more so, on tour) is very different to what opened in London five years ago.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
If y'all check out Broadway.com, they posted something about the next Mary Poppins..
Laura Michelle Kelly
see? told ya
we're also getting a new bert and mr. banks that same week...
Jonathan Freeman is not taking over for Mr Banks, but will be the new Adm Boom. I think Jeff Binder will be the new Mr Banks until Feb when the Mr and Mrs Banks from the tour will be coming to the B'way company.
Updated On: 9/15/09 at 06:41 PM
Jenny Galloway nails the small but great part. Very droll on her line readings and looks.
I would definitely enjoy seeing LMK again however not sure I can deal with the revised version of the show. I much prefer what we had in London for the first two years. Will never understand why they are removing "Temper, Temper" either as it perfect for the show.
I hear Valerie Boyle, "Mrs Brill" on tour is amazing as well. I think she is going to replace Jenny Galloway in the the B'way production when Ms Galloway leaves mid-Nov. Too bad the tour is going to get that miserable Jane Carr.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
They're bringing in Megan Osterhaus in February? She is not optimal in the role of Winifred Banks. Totally unsympathetic and rather bossy and mean from start to finish...she has no grasp on this character's journey.
Karl Kenzler, on the other hand, gives an amazing performance as George Banks. His journey through the show is quite touching.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
PS: Is Luker leaving in October? If so, who would be Mrs. Banks until February?
yup, jeff binder (currently zazu in the lion king) is the new mr. banks...
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/07
"Laura Michelle Kelly will NEVER do the role again considering that she had a falling out with Cameron a long time ago."
Laura still wanted to play the part on Broadway eventually even after her fallout accoding to this interview: "From Carina: Do you think you will ever come to Broadway to play Mary Poppins?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I would love to play Mary again if the occasion arose. I also love New York very much. I can?t wait to work there again. But who knows?"
http://london.broadway.com/blog/id/3007274/LauraMichelleKelly
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