Who should be Bernadette's replacement?

[shermanslave]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:09pm

My boyfriend and I were recasting shows the other day and got to Gypsy and started wondering who would take over for Bernadette when she leaves. Reba McEntire was inspired casting for Annie Get Your Gun and I thought she was better than Bernadette. But what about Mama Rose? I think Mary Testa would be a wonderful Rose, but not enough of a name probably to make the box office happy. Your thoughts?

http://www.shermanslave.com/

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:17pm

I think Bette Middler would still be able to do the role, and WELL. That would keep the box office happy and people would flock to see her. A lot of people want Patti LuPone in the role, and I agree- she would be magnificent. The role would fit like a glove come to think of it, but she's not enough of a name. That's why my first choice is Middler. She is enough of a name, and could actually do the role well.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:19pm

I think Bette could do well, but after hearing her sing on Ellen DeGeneres last week I have to wonder about her doing a live performance 8 times a week. She sounded a trifle bit scary. She would definitely keep the box office rolling.


http://www.shermanslave.com/

Updated On: 12/4/03 at 08:19 PM

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:21pm

Michelle Pawk.

Especially now that BOUNCE has died (for the time being).

[Benzy92]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:25pm

I second Michele Pawk... also, I would pay anything for Carolee Carmello to tackle that monster of a role. PLEASE!!!!!!!!

[shermanslave]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:33pm

Michelle Pawk and Carolee! Excellent ideas. I am excited to see what other suggestions people have. Listening to Broadway Radio, I hear Toni Collete now. Wouldn't she make an interesting Rose? I thought she was great in The Wild Party.

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:41pm

I second Patti LuPone and third Bette Midler.

[StateOfJade]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:54pm

Snuffalufagus. Though I'm not sure he could jumble his words together as well as she does.

[jakebloke]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 8:54pm

I think Toni Collette would make an awesome Rose, and would love to see her on Broadway again, though I don't think she'd be a huge box office draw. She could sure act the part. I love her....the girl can do anything. I think she should have come and finished the run of Cabaret....that would've been amazing.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 9:41pm

Michelle Pawk and Carolee Carmello are amazing choices for replacements. However, I'm not sure if they are enough of a name for people to pay for. Gypsy is a very well known show. Many people don't feel the need to see it, unless a star is in the main role. Michele and Carolee won't do that for anyone who isn't an avid Broadway lover.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 9:44pm

What about Loretta Swit?

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 9:45pm

Can you actually see Bette Midler REPLACING someone. I highly doubt it. My vote goes to Toni Collette.

[cliffarico]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:07pm

Patty Duke could do it. She just played Mama Rose in Washington
(State) and received wonderful reviews.
Check out www.spokesmanreview.com
CB
BTW I just read that Bette Midler is this close to signing for a
future production of HELLO DOLLY.....

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:28pm

Nathan Lane or Harvey Fierstein.

Second choice: Whitney Houston in her comeback debut.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:34pm

I'm seeing Bette in concert on January 17th! K, just gushing.

Anyway, as perfect as I think Bette would be, I agree that I don't see her replacing anyone.
I think Linda Lavin would be a nice choice. She moved me to tears with her wonderful performance in "Hollywood Arms." And she can sing. Megan Mulally would be good.

Michele, of course, is an excellent choice. Plus, she is a Tony winner, and her husband is great as Herbie.
I still think Anne Hathaway should take over the role of Gypsy if Tammy should decide to leave.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:35pm

Lavin already did it the last time it played NYC.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:36pm

Rosie!

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 10:37pm

So what. She can do it again lol I never got to see her in it!

[nyctopone]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 12:28am

Linda Lavin replaced Tyne Daly in the last revival and she was HORRIBLE. Well its one way of closing the show real quick after Bernadette leaves.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 12:34am

I second Harvey. =) I love Toni Collette.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 12:47am

I can't really see Patty singing the role (we can just avoid the topic about Bernadette's ability to sing the part). I ADORE Ms. Duke and have my entire life... she has always been at the top of my lists for dramatic actresses and I enjoyed her in Oklahoma, but she does NOT have the strongest pipes. I'm glad she got good reviews, but I'd love to see a replacement who can act as well as Bernadette or Patty, but who can match vocally as well.

I would LOVE to see Carolee or Pawk in the role! I'd love to see Klea Blackhurst replace her... I know she was offered the understudy but turned it down. I'd love to see her take over!

[Lorelai]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 4:16am

I agree that Carolee and Michele Pawk are fine choices, but you have to remember, they don't have the draw that Bernadette does and are not as well known. I mean are they really well known outside of the Broadway area? I think they'd have to have a big name to replace Bernadette's on the marquee.
Maybe Bette Midler, but I do believe she's in the middle of a tour right now, I don't know if she'd want to jump into another show, just my guess though.

[magruder]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 8:00am

There will not be a replacement for Bernadette in GYPSY.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 10:23am

Lilias White

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/5/03 at 7:12pm

I still think Loretta Swit would be amazing in the role.

Updated On: 12/6/03 at 07:12 PM