Um....John Travolta as Edna, Anyone? — Page 6

Corine2 is a gay icon and she knows it.

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I don't understand the point of Edna being played by a man. What's the reasoning behind that? Divine, I understand. That's what Divine did, and he was in a John Waters' film, where he played a woman, many times. But what's the point of Harvey or Bruce or anyone else playing Edna??? They're not know for drag. Divine was. It's stupid. Just cast a woman.

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Oh my lordy lord!

As a Brit whos been to Broadway once, I was totally, utterly blown away by Harvey in Hairspray. I'm now a devout follower and I would love to see Harvey in London with the role but most importantly is him in the movie. Im sure Marc Shaiman and people involved will read this so I hope we make our views clear. Hairspray is a stunning show and Harvey is part of the package. Yes im sure other people including Travolta can do the role but Harvey brings magic to it. Its a huge risk casting someone else. Look at Phantom - they went for a sexy lead but not the best person, most talented, most suited person because they thought it would bring in box office - and the film is a dud, at least in part due to this mistake. I have absolute respect and admiration for Marc, Thomas and all the creative team and I dont know how it works, how much control over the movie theyll have but if Harvey doesnt play this role its a serious problem for the film. I can't believe they'd be happy about this prospect. Studios have long historys of rubbishing great projects. They need to stick with the integrity of the original - its a hit because it is what it is, not what a bunch of suits who probably dont even get musical theater think it should be as a movie. I dont think this is in the same vein as people wanting Michael Crawford for the role through sentimentality that he created it - Harveys performance embodies the whole spirit of Hairspray. His magic embodies and expresses what the piece is - Travolta does not. They have to keep the sensibility of the Walters film and Harvey (and Marissa for that matter) - totally nail that spirit. It will be such a disaster if the studio makes this mistake. The public arent stupid - they dont just want some sex symbol to look at or a star just for the sake of it - they want authenticity, they want sparkle and wit and vivacity. Please I hope with all my creative heart that they dont screw up like they did with Phantom. People will see this movie because it is Hairspray the musical not because its a John Travolta film. The idea of a the movie without Harvey is like rock and roll with no drummer

Rant over. :)

Munk-
Don't diss Namo. Harvey is the perfect person for the role.
Give Travolta another role. But Harvey is Edna.
Most of the people seeing the film will be diehards and we all want Harvey.
For the masses out there who have never seen the genius in action, Harvey would bring them to live theater.
Prays that Edna is played by Harvey. I love him. He is one of the most talented actors on the planet.

Good point.

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Munkie, are you calling me out? I "better explain" myself? It is to laugh! I'm FindingNamo, bizzzeyotch. I'm sorry you don't have enough reading comprehension, but that's no reason to tell me to bring it on. Cuz it's already been broughten.

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Boys boys. Stop fighting.
Munkie, Namo is a prize fighter and you don't want to do kung fu fighting with him.
He will pin you hands down.
OK. All we are saying, is give peace a chance.

What happened to FindingNamo2?

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FindingNamo2 is my intern. He actually has no business posting here, he registered one day during one of my impromptu afternoon naps. And posts during such breaks that I take during my busy busy day. I've threatened him with firing, but there's the matter of a pile of Polaroids.

Sorta the way Travolta can't get outta Scientology! (I brought it back full circle!)

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I am not very fond of Travolta but I don't have anything against him too. I would definetely prefer Harvey, since I adore him...

BUT
For me the most important thing is that my favorite show will be preserved in movie form ! For that, i am willing to accept what the powers that be decide are the best casting choices (And a thought for them, NO ONE can play Link better than Matt Morisson, ok ? ) :)
And I am sure that until the official announcements are made, this board will have a lot of heated discussions about John Travolta as Edna and Glenn Close as Norma ! :)

Take care

Matty Fresh would be GREAT. He is a true hunk in every sense of the word. If not him, how about James Carpinello?

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Updated On: 2/26/05 at 12:18 PM

False Titters, sorry, you are mistaken. Harvey Fierstein is not a "movie star." Travolta is a magnificent casting choice. While Fierstein has appeared in a few films, his acting abilitites were clearly embarassing.

You may have noticed his name has never been used to promote any film in which he appeared, including the dreadful TORCH SONG TRILOGY film, in which his performance was the weakest link by far. When someone's name is used in conjunction with publicizing a film, that usually means they are a "movie star."

Most people in the world have no idea who Harvey Fierstein is.

Sadly, those who saw Fierstein perform IF I WERE A RICH MAN on LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY were simply uncomfortable or embarassed at his dreadful and uninspired performance. The studio audience barely applauded and Regis told Harvey he was "very good." Harvey Fierstein's performance in FIDDLER received negative to mixed notices, at best, from the professional critics.

This does not bode well for one being entrusted to star in a major film musical.

I suspect the "PHANTOM" error of not casting bankable movie stars is a lesson learned. This is why Broadway performers rarely repeat their parts on film. They are terribly different art forms and even legendary greeeeeeeat Broadway performers often cannot and did not create the magic onscreen that they did on stage.

Again, Travolta is an inspired and almost obvious casting choice. This is based on his stardom, background in muscials, two Oscar nominations, his proven box office appeal and the fact that he, Travolta, STARRED IN THE HIGHEST GROSSING MUSICAL IN FILM HISTORY,....GREASE.

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