Understudy Joined: 10/13/04
Although I'm hesitant to admit it, I saw "Monster-in-Law" this week, just because I had to see Jane Fonda return to acting. I'd heard about her for years but never actually seen one of her performances, and while I'm sure this is nowhere near one of her best, I still enjoyed her performance and would definitely like to see her in a more formidable role.
I started thinking... what about Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
I also thought about the possibility of Joan Allen, after seeing "The Upside of Anger." Perhaps it's because they both portrayed upper-class drunks, but I think they would both create incredibly interesting versions of Martha. And it'd be nice to see either of them back on the stage.
Now THAT'S brilliant casting! I'd love to see her essay the role of Martha. I believe she actually started out on the Broadway stage before ever launching her film career. "Tall Story" with Anthony Perkins comes to mind I think.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
Fonda would be too whiny in the role. I think Joan Allen would be good.
Jane Fonda would be great!
But she'd have to deal with GothamPC picketing at the stagedoor every night.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"But she'd have to deal with GothamPC picketing at the stagedoor every night."
No, all my other pickets of Broadway shows that had bad acting didn't work. So I've stopped doing that.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
Joan Allen - yes.
Jane Fonda - no. She lacks inner humor. She wouldn't get the jokes.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
kill me now
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
At 67, she's too old to play the role (though she doesn't quite look her age). Remember Martha has an 18 year old "son."
I would like to see Patti LuPone, Joan Allen, Amanda Plummer, or Stockard Channing replace Kathleen.
I love Jane Fonda, but I don't think she would thrive in this role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
My picks are still Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey -- they already basically played George and Martha when they did the bickering couple in "The Ref" a few years ago and would be brilliant.
Judy as Martha?
BRILLIANCE! I love it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Rent "The Ref" if you've never seen it. Spacey and Davis are doing a slightly more comic version of George and Martha, spewing bile and vitriol and insults at each other with relish throughout. Two amazing performances (Glynnis Johns, Christine Baranski, and Denis Leary are also wonderful in it).
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
J'adore The Ref. Leary's never been better.
"The Ref" is an excellent, often underrated film. Glynis Johns' small role as Spacey's bitch of a mother is priceless.
Judy Davis would be great. Joan Allen has apparently retired from stage acting and has no desire to return (sad to say). I'd still love to see Kathy Bates do it or Sally Field.
But truth is, the the low weekly grosses for WAOVW, I doubt the show will run long enough to do replacements.
Featured Actor Joined: 10/5/03
Patty Duke would never remember all those lines, though she would be fascinating in the role.
Featured Actor Joined: 10/5/03
How do you know if Patty Duke would be able to remember all those lines?
And of course I totally agree with your second statement
She couldn't remember her lines when she played Phyllis in FOLLIES or Aunt Eller in OKLAHOMA! so it stands to reason....
Featured Actor Joined: 10/5/03
Well I saw Patty Duke in FOLLIES and many times in OKLAHOMA and she never forgot her lines.
So maybe you saw an off night. She is only human
Maybe she's only human, or maybe you saw the only two performances she remembered her lines for!
They also had to let her go from the tour of GOLDA's BALCONY for the same reason, so I'm thinking it might be the later
I adore Jane Fonda, but I can't see her as Martha. In fact, I can't think of any stage role that is right for her.
Stockard Channing and Tim Robbins are my choices.
yes to stockard, no to robbins. in fact, i saw stockard at "virginia woolf" the other night. she went backstage to see kt after the show.
How about Sigourney Weaver as Martha?
Sigourney is so tall and regal, would she really be convincing as the blousy, drunken sloppy Martha?
Videos