Who Will Be Vera in Pal Joey?

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

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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.

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

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True, true, true.

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Judy Davis would be excellent.

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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.

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.

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

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

But more importantly...Who will play Melba?

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

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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.

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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.

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

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