Who Will Be Vera in Pal Joey?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 4:18pm

And ideas or rumors? While Joey is critical, so is a great Vera. I know Donna Murphy was attached and since Roundabout is a non-profit theatre, the need for a star isn't critical.

I'd love to see Murphy, but Carolee Carmello or Marin Mazzie would also be fine choices.
Updated On: 3/8/08 at 04:18 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 4:24pm

LuPone's done the role before and was sensational. In fact, LuPone is sensational in everything she does.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 4:27pm

If it was up to me, I'd cast Patti in the role. She played it in the Encores production and was phenonmenal. I believe Stockard Channing has been attached to play Vera, but her participation is in doubt because a) she's not a great singer and b)she doesn't want Christian Hoff (who's also "attached") to play Joey and the powers that be want Christian Hoff since the #1 choice, Hugh Jackman, isn't available.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 4:27pm

If it was up to me, I'd cast Patti in the role. She played it in the Encores production and was phenonmenal. I believe Stockard Channing has been attached to play Vera, but her participation is in doubt because a) she's not a great singer and b)she doesn't want Christian Hoff (who's also "attached") to play Joey and the powers that be want Christian Hoff since the #1 choice, Hugh Jackman, isn't available.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 4:56pm

DollyPop I'm shocked! I thought you would state the obvious choice for the role:

Loretta Swit

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:00pm

Isn't Patti kind of old for the role now? She played it almost thirteen years ago. What about La Ebersole?

[timote316]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:04pm

Patti is only 4 years older than Ebersole.

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:06pm

True, true, true.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:11pm

Ebersole has been my first choice for a while.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:22pm

Judy Davis would be excellent.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:26pm

What about Melba?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 5:29pm

This role is too close to other things Ebersole has done. She could do the role in her sleep, but there are better performers who would bring something vibrant to the role.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 7:17pm

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but does Judy Davis sing?

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 7:48pm

I'm almost sure that Stockard Channing is a front runner. She has musical experience -- she replaced Liza Minelli in The Rink (I know, that was a long time ago) and was, by all reports of the lucky few who saw her, better than Liza (who wasn't in great health at that time).

I'm more concerned about the casting of Joey. For a fully staged production, the Joey MUST be a DANCER. Much as I like Peter Gallagher, he was able to get away with it at Encores! because the dancing aspect was a secondary consideration for that production. I know it would never happen, but it seems to me that Curtis Holbrook has all the credentials -- (maybe he could be the standby and I'd get to see him do it that way). I'm just thrilled that PJ is finally coming back -- it's one of my all-time favorite musicals. I pray to God Roundabout doesn't do to it what it did to that misguided Follies of some years back and that MISERABLE production of 3-Penny Opera. And boo-hiss for its being at Studio 54. I swore I'd never set foot in that awful rat-trap again, but my ardor for PJ trumps any other consideration.

Updated On: 3/8/08 at 07:48 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 7:54pm

Loretta Swit woould be remarkable, but she's preparing for her upcoming appearance in MAMMA MIA! and won't be available for a while.

[RoseStopnikCooks]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 8:48pm

Rumor has it the role's been offered to Cyndi Lauper.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 8:51pm

/
Lauper Headed Back to 54?

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 10:23pm

But more importantly...Who will play Melba?

I honestly don't think anyone can top Stritch's version of "Zip".

[madbrian]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 10:27pm

I'd much rather see Andy Karl or Tony Yazbeck as Joey. As for Melba, is age impoartant? How about Debra Monk?

[AC126748]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 10:57pm

What about Melba?

My roommate sat in front of Martha Plimpton at the theatre a few weeks ago, and overheard her mention that she was doing a reading for PAL JOEY. My mind immediately went to Melba.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/8/08 at 10:59pm

Martha and Debra would be great! Hmm, I wonder who else?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 12:08am

I am pretty sure Lauper is being considered for either Melba or Gladys, not Vera.
Murphy was in the reading for the now-dead Weisslers-produced revival. She has played the role regionally at least twice to much acclaim. She should be the one doing it. However, I am pretty sure it is Channing's role by now.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 12:42am

Channing is said to still be attached to play Vera, though she is not official as Hoff is.

Cyndi Lauper is in the mix for Gladys.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 1:36am

Let's Give Mary Testa a role!!!!!!

Also, I think Harry Connick Jr. would be an ideal Joey!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 1:48am

Well, now it seems that Channing and Hoff are official for Vera and Joey. Lauper will be Gladys Bumps.