Broadway Star Joined: 3/20/08
Patti LuPone wouldn't be right for the role, but it would be hysterical to watch her take.
I joked about Patti with a friend and was reminded about the very odd looking Carousel Bench Scene in the concert she did with Mandy.
Christine Ebersole
Swing Joined: 4/8/13
julia louis-dreyfus julia louis-dreyfus julia louis-dreyfus
Stand-by Joined: 1/26/16
ViniFromBrazil said: "Andrea Martin"
Ooooooooooooooooooooh. Yes.
Stand-by Joined: 4/14/17
ViniFromBrazil said: "Andrea Martin"
She was actually in attendance when I saw it at the Atlantic, so she’s at least familiar with it.
Speaking of Andrea Martin, could Catharine O'Hara sing a role like this? (I don't think she's ever done Broadway.)
morosco said: "Christine Ebersole"
I think this is the best suggestion in the thread, and is one of the few being named who can sing it in Clark's keys.
I love the Ebersole and Buckley suggestions.
Judy Kaye, Ellen Greene, Karen Ziemba, Sandy Duncan, Alison Fraser, Alice Ripley. Mary Beth Peil and Beth Fowler are probably a bit too old now.
Imelda Staunton in London?
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/20
OH yes yes YES to Christine Ebersole.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/27/21
Annie Golden played Kimberly when it was at Sundance Labs (Alex Brightman was Buddy, fun fact)
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I love the Ebersole and Buckley suggestions.
Judy Kaye, Ellen Greene, Karen Ziemba, Sandy Duncan, Alison Fraser, Alice Ripley. Mary Beth Peil and Beth Fowler are probably a bit too old now.
Imelda Staunton in London?
"
After Imelda’s pitiful singing in Follies, I’d be afraid to hear what she’d do to this score.
Love several of these suggestions, particularly Ebersole, Ripley (whom I fear may not play broadway again) and Golden.
What about Beth Leavel?
I know she wouldn't sell tickets, but after seeing Carolee Carmello's performance in Scandalous, where she starts the show as a teenage, she could most certainly nail the role.
Swing Joined: 11/19/13
Chorus Member Joined: 4/3/22
bdn223 said: "I know she wouldn't sell tickets, but after seeing Carolee Carmello's performance in Scandalous, where she starts the show as a teenage, she could most certainly nail the role."
^^This was the most convincing portrayal of a teenager by an adult that I've ever seen. Followed by Carmen in Bright Star!
I think most of the people mentioned are too young – Kimberly is meant to look like she's in her 70s. As another poster mentioned, even Victoria Clark is a bit young for it but she pulls it off. Some very fun suggestions here though... I love the ideas of Joanna Gleason, Liz Callaway (although she's young for it) and Beth Leavel. Also Christine Ebersole and Alison Fraser, but I think they both read too glamorous for the role.
Donna Murphy was my first thought. I also thought Carmen Cusak and Bernadette.
Bill Snibson said: "Liz Callaway!"
Wow, yes. The problem is Liz is 61 but looks 40.
Liza looks 76.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
uncageg said: "Donna Murphy was my first thought. I also thought Carmen Cusak and Bernadette."
Since I am convinced that Donna Murphy can do anything, I agree with you 100%. She would be terrific.
I would never have thought about BP, but I think that is very interesting idea. Even though she is a certain age, she is still very glamorous. That may add another dimension to the dynamics. MAybe I am all wet, but I do think it is interesting.
Has Colleen Fitzpatrick been on yet? Has anyone seen her?
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Bill Snibson said: "Liz Callaway!"
Wow, yes. The problem is Liz is 61 but looks 40."
Looks 40? Immediately taking you to an optometrist haha
You basically need to be looking at all the bdwy ingenues of the 80’s which is why Judy Kuhn, Alison Fraser, and Liz Callaway would all be front runners. Add in the likes of Mary Ann Plunkett, Debbie Shapiro Gravitte…hell, throw in Judy Kaye for that matter.
Videos