trpguyy said: "Charlie Franklin as Evan Hansen would be wonderful too"
YES. Also, Ben Moss as ANYTHING. I loved him in the Spring Awakening tour as Ernst and it saddens me that he doesn't do any musical theatre activity anymore. ;(
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
Stephanie Torns as Jenna in Waitress. Currently understudy, would be great if she could just take over.
KathyNYC2 said: "Stephanie Torns as Jenna in Waitress. Currently understudy, would be great if she could just take over.
YES! I saw her back in March in between Jessie and Sara and she was such a breath of fresh air. I didn't know what to except but she's absolutely perfect for that part and I wish she got more recognition. I mean, I really can't say enough good things about her. She's such an awesome Jenna.
willrolandsframes said: "Valentina3 said: "OP - I saw Hannah C as Evita last year, and while I agree her voice is phenomenal - she is an underwhelming actress. I don't think she could do Eliza, even if her being caucasian was not a hardstop - which it is."
I've heard very similar complaints about her Evita performance (also was this a touring production? I've heard a lot about her as Evita and I can't seem to find out where this was?). But then everyone I've heard from who's seen the Hedwig tour has said her performance is great on all ends. Obviously she's had some time since Evita to improve upon her acting, and from the reports I've seen, it seems like it has.
With that being said, considering you also admire her vocal abilities, what role do you think she would excel in?"
It was a regional production, Marriott Theater in Illinois (most subscribers are from the Chicago suburb). Her alternate played the mistress and was a significantly better actress, I didn't see her Evita portrayal though. I saw Hannah in Hedwig as well, and to me she didn't really bring anything new to role which Lena hadn't already devised (whom I saw 3 times) - but again, her vocals were good. I don't like to dreamcast folks whose acting I have already been disappointed by, but maybe Ellen in Miss Saigon? The character has a tough song, and the performer can sail through conveniently without drawing too much attention even if they're not an out of the world actor.
Chorus Member Joined: 2/8/11
Okay... I realize this is supposed to be "Unknowns"... but how about Sarah Jessica Parker as Dolly? (It's been a while since she did a musical, so she's sort of an unknown.)
Katie Ladner (Heathers, Curently Sunset Boulevard) as Minnie Fay
Swing Joined: 4/21/17
Not sure for what role, but mostly Chicago area based actress who was just Jane Doe in Ride The Cyclone, Emily Rohm. I have seen her in several things and she has a gorgeous voice.
Understudy Joined: 3/12/17
Not sure if hes considered "unknown" but, Alex Boniello as Anatole. Also not sure if he is unknown, but Austin P. Mckenzie as Evan Hansen. Can you tell I'm a Deaf West Spring Awakening fan?
SkylarElizabeth said: "Not sure if hes considered "unknown" but, Alex Boniello as Anatole.
"
Alex looks too young and I'm not sure he has the voice for Anatole. But I could totally see him as a Dolokhov.
Understudy Joined: 3/12/17
leighmiserables said:
"Alex looks too young and I'm not sure he has the voice for Anatole. But I could totally see him as a Dolokhov.
"
Oh my gosh this would be great idk why I didn't think of that
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
Loving the suggestions of Carly Hughes and Ciara Renee in Hamilton and Arielle Jacobs in Waitress though she might be too pretty for Dawn. I'm interested in where Ashley Park would fit because she has a strong voice but I thought she was too feisty for Tuptim and I preferred her understudy.
Also... Ruthie Ann Miles in something? The trouble is I think of her as having such a lovely, pure soprano... good for an ingenue but she's aged out of a lot of those parts. I just picture her giving all the attitude stalking around the stage in The King and I. Maybe she could be Lucy Barker. ![]()
I'd also love to see Saycon Sengbloh and Lilli Cooper and Shoshana Bean in more shows though probably something original. There are some actually unique voices and aside from Comet, I don't feel like enough composers are writing to the strengths of their actors and really showcasing what they can do.
Side note... I agree on casting a non-white Glinda. It can happen but it dilutes what Glinda represents. I do think that after this much time they could be casting more non-white Elphabas.
Swing Joined: 3/3/15
I'd love to see Aaron Burr or Fiyero played against the type.
There's an upcoming actor named Vishaal Reddy who would kill both those parts. Saw him in a musical reading and he SLAYED. Plus, he's South Asian (I think?) which would be different.
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