What is the MOST MISCAST role in Musical Theater History?- Page 4

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 7:49pm

I saw Bernadette twice in GYPSY. The first time was in previews and she was struggling mightily just to get through the role at all -- cutting off held notes, "crooning" into her mike during the ballads and husbanding her resources during every umber except "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Roses Turn." The role seemed about five sizes too large for her and she seemed in way over her head.

Since I had heard she had "found her own way" into the role eventually during the run, I went to the closing matinee performance, figuring there would be no need for her to hold back anything and I could get a sense of what her voice could do as Rose when she wasn't carefully pacing herself through it. It was certainly a 100% improvement (the super-charged atmosphere of a last performance helped her a lot; there were standing ovations for everything she did). It still didn't equal Daley (and what I know of Merman and Lansbury from the cast albums), but a very solid performance.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 7:51pm

I agree, Margo.

In my opinion, Tyne Daly was THE Momma Rose.

[Unkie]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 8:03pm

The most miscast role was Melanie Griffin in Chicago. She couldn't sing; she couldn't dance and her acting was embarrassing. Just because she is a movie star doesn't mean she has talent for musical theater.

[Unkie]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 8:09pm

If we consider movie musicals, then Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly! and Lucille Ball in Mame were both miscast. When will we ever get a Jerry Herman musical on film that is worthy of his enormous talent as a composer and lyricist?

[VivaBohemia]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 8:28pm

I think the most miscast role was Manley Pope in Rent. I always saw his voice more suited for the Mark role.

And, out of curiosity, what was so horrid about Christy Carlson Romano? Ive heard lots of negativity towards her, but no one ever gives reasons.

P.S. Mint0621, Drew Lachey is playing Mark, not Roger. Havent seen him yet, so I cant classify if hes the most miscast yet or not.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 8:44pm

Unkie,

I keep on saying we need a "Melanie Griffith as Roxie Hart" post--this performance comes up again and again. :)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/11/04 at 6:09pm

Linda Lavin in Gypsy. By far one of the worst performances I have ever seen.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 10/11/04 at 6:52pm

Betsy Joslyn--A Doll's Life

Audra McDonald---Marie Christine

Both performances were like watching a little girl try on Mommy's clothes.

[moljul]

Posted: 10/11/04 at 7:45pm

To base your opinion on Bernadette's interpretation of Rose from seeing her at the first preview and not attending another performance is impossible and unfair to the entire Gypsy cast. IT WAS THE FIRST PREVIEW. The show itself changed dramatically from sets, costumes, blocking and acting. It was a work in progress at that point. You might as well say you saw it in rehearsal and decided you didn't like it. It's a shame you didn't go back to see it once it had officially opened because you missed a fantastic show and a lot of brilliant performances.