Neither u/s is being bumped up to Clara.
i doubt they would put anyone with no previous experience as a lead in one of Broadway's hottest shows...no way!
I think the idea is rather exciting. If they're going to go out on a limb and cast a total unknown, she's got to be an amazing talent.

Here is a better picture of Jen. And Muscle, btw, I'm a she. :)
Stand-by Joined: 5/30/04
Blanche, Jennifer is absolutely gorgeous. The pictures on her website are even more flattering.
aw...im sorry Blanche....any updates? did u talk to Jen??? great pic!
Haven't heard from her today. I know she had more callbacks this week. We'll see. :)
the wait is killing me
Well, I can tell you for sure that is wasn't Jen. She came about as close as you can get to the role, but in the end, it went to someone else. It's a crazy business, this. Thanks to those of you who were rooting for her.
I don't doubt they would give it to an unknown. This is the perfect show to do so in. It sells itself. Only die-hard theatre fans go to see PIAZZA for a certain performer.
If she was the best girl for the part, she was the best girl. And she got it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/20/05
An unknown. Updated On: 11/19/05 at 01:50 PM
Swing Joined: 11/19/05
I heard it was offered to Jill Paice of "Woman in White" but she did not want to leave the show.
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/04
That is too bad about Ms. Wills. I think she would have been wonderful in that role. One can only hope that this means she will be available for something bigger and better when it comes along. Very anxious to see who it is.
for once and for all.... who is it?
Stand-by Joined: 5/30/04
I want an official announcement.
Jennifer Hope Wills would have been amazing as Clara...their loss!!!
I am somehow still happy she got to audition for the role...she at least tried. Probably something better is coming soon for Jennifer...she is wonderful.
An official announcement cannot come soon enough!
Chorus Member Joined: 10/26/05
I just found out that Megan McGinnis was also NOT cast as Clara. Apparently the producers truly liked her, but ultimately felt her voice wasn't right for the part...similar to how they let Celia Keenan-Bolger go in favor of someone more legit.
Looks like that Texas girl may be on her way to Firenze!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/16/05
Brittany Spears will be the next Clara.
What, you thought I was serious?
I've heard they're seriously considering Megan McGinnis.
Sorry to threadjakc, but I see Megan as the perfect Nessarose. She can belt and act very well and is pale and perfect looking. I hope she's Michelle's replacement.
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/04
I think Nessa would be a wonderful role for Ms. McGinnis...she is an extremely fine actress. I would like to see Ms. Wills in something that really showcases her magnificent soprano. That Texas girl must really be something special to beat out all these talented ladies. Can't wait to see her...if indeed that's who it is.
I'm not believing anything until I see it in print. I sincerely hope that Katie Clark is the replacement, though, because it would look really bad if, after people have posted her casting as fact, it turned out not to be true.
Stand-by Joined: 5/30/04
flaemmchen, I'm sorry, but I'm really getting sick of this. I thought I was doing you guys a favor by sharing what I know.
I made my sources perfectly clear. I apologized for the slight chance that it could be a misunderstanding. I don't appreciate being treated like this at all.
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