I agree, we're ready for a new MENAGERIE, and think Lange a great choice for Amanda.
Saw both Julie Harris and Jessica Tandy in the role. Both were too old, and both were hampered by inappropriately-cast Lauras -- a wan Calista Flockhart with the former, a crazed Amanda Plummer with the second. But if Julie Harris and Jessica Tandy don't deserve a crack at this role, who the hell does? Both had lovely moments. (Sidebar: But why didn't they make it work by simply casting Laura as 40ish, to go with the 65ish Amandas? Move all the ages upward, and the age of Amanda doesn't matter. But Jessica Tandy at 75 with a 25ish daughter--no. Actually, a spinster-ish Laura is even MORE poignant.)
I actually believe the Gentlemen Caller is a harder, more critical role to cast well. He and Laura must perform the "eleven o'clock spot" -- one of the best know, most oft-played (in acting class) scenes in American Dramatic lit. It is a long scene, actually, and to work must have high emotional stakes -- you have to, against all odds, hope he might actually "fall" for her, somehow, even temporarily. Or it's just about a slick guy patronizing a handicapped girl. Anyway, I hope the 'caller' is well cast with Lange. The part needs balls and sweetness and real presence.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
Updated On: 12/1/04 at 08:27 PM
