Upcoming "Follies" concert — Page 2

I ADORE Patti LuPone, but even I can't really see her as Phyllis, but really I don't know if I could hear anyone else singing "Could I Leave You" then Alexis Smith, a big reason why I only have the OBC recording.

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"What would people think about Mia Farrow as Phyllis?"

That wouldn't bother me. She might be a little too old. She's a very underrated actress though.

Oh, I wasn't writing off Phyllis. It is definitely one of my favorite characters in theater. I just meant to say that I absolutely dislike the idea of LuPone singing the role.
Apart from Donna Murphy, I believe Bebe Neuwirth, Ruthie Henshall, and Mary Stuart Masterson could do justice to the role.

Hm... Meryl Streep... I can really see that. Interesting, I like it.

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Ruthie Henshall is a splendid idea! It is time she makes her return to Encores! I can also see Glenn Close.

Well, I guess we have to agree to dissagree on Ruthie, but Gleason is a brilliant sugestion. Just no Kristin, Idina, or Daphne (I do love these people by the way).

fine, I meant leading roles. Yes, Kristin would be good in that role but I would rather see Laura Benanti.

Who do you guys want for buddy? I know he is not known for dancing but, I would love to see Gregg Edeleman.

i'm anxious to hear who will join Victoria Clark but i agree that it's October and highly improbable someone is going to commit to a performance months away.

No Michael Cerveris, he is completely wrong for both parts. I'd like to see Marc Kudisch as Ben and Denis O'Hare as Buddy.
The idea of Barbara Cook and Kristin Chenoweth singing "One More Kiss" seems so inspired, particularly after reading that thread about Chenoweth having played some roles that were originated by Cook.
Joanna Gleason would make a great Phyllis if Murphy is not cast.

Henshall is ENTIRELY too young for Phyllis. She's only 39 years old!

The youngest Sally, Phyliss, Ben, and Buddy should be is late 40's. Late 40's-50's is the ideal age for the fab four.

Now Joanna Gleason sounds like a great idea for Phyllis. As does Murpy, and Neuwirth. But Neuwirth will be in Chicago as Roxie.

Updated On: 10/16/06 at 06:20 PM

In 5-10 years, Henshall will definitely be ideal for Phyllis. And she can DEFINITELY do a killer job singing Sally. Though physically she is probally better for Phyllis.

I really wish they could get Lansbury for Hattie. What about Liza as Carlotta? Would that work? Liza has certainly been through a lot over the years, and well she is still here.

And I can actually see Edelman as either Ben or Buddy. Though he may be a tad better for Buddy.

Updated On: 10/16/06 at 06:40 PM

You know even though Marc Kudisch is my second favorite male actor on broadway I never thought of him for Ben untill now. He would be excellent but, he is doing the Apple Tree.

Part of me really wants to see James Naughton tackle the role of Ben. There is no doubt in my mind that he can act the role, he really is the perfect Ben Stone. But, I do have some doubts wondering if he is capable of singing Too Many Mornings, the hardest song in the show, IMO. And seeing Gregg Edelman and James Naughton together again would be a dream come true.

Here is the rest of my cast:
Hattie: Carol Chaning
Stella Deems: I'm not sure about this one, Debbie Reynolds?
Heidi Schiller: Barbra Cook
Young Heidi: Laura Benanti or Kristin
Solange LaFitte: Chita
Carlotta: Bette Middler! I think she is the perfect Hollywood actress for this role. If you want to go strictly Broadway I suggest Lillias White.

One thing I found interesting was that Ruthie got her start in A Chorus Line. Do you guys think she could take over for Charlotte or is she just too old, even though she is drop dead beautiful?