Whoopi Goldberg interested in Dolly- Page 3

[Papi2013]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 5:24pm

bdn223 said: 


Add to that Bette didn't even have all of her lines memories by the time they started previews....I know I was there....so...."

That is not true.  

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 5:30pm

 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 6:33pm

I am really surprised by all the negativity.  First and foremost, the role of Dolly is a 'personality role'.  That had a lot to do with Bette's enormous success...she is a great personality.  Whoppi is a great personality who can be both very funny and very warm.  In A Funny Thing, she proved she could stay on key and put her large personality to work.  Put it all together and you have a Dolly who will not sell the way Bette did, but who will sell a lot better than a lot of other possible candidates (probably including Bernadette, based on postings about how small the advance seems to be).

Re getting in shape, I assume she will get all the personal training she needs if she wants to do it.  A few years ago, I saw Sally Strutters in a B&T production that came to Sarasota.  I tend to forget that I saw it because it was a very forgettable evening (cheesy sets, reduced choreography, mediocre cast).  While not a particularly memorable Dolly, Strutters won over the audience by giving her all, despite being very overweight; and she was on to the next city after the performance!!  I really don't see why Whoopi can't get into at least as good shape as Strutters.

Re the 6 performance comment, I don't know if that was due to other commitments or not being in shape; if that is her requirement, and if she can do enough business during the 6 performances, it may give extended life to a show that deserves to have a longer run than it may be heading towards.  It is not like the other 2 performances are going to play to empty houses, just heavily discounted ones.

IMO anything that can be done to extend its life -- and continue to entertain new audiences -- is a good thing.  Plus, if Whoppi does good business, this could incent other possible Dolly's who are on the fence to take a chance.

Re Jenifer Lewis, I have loved her since I first saw her in a terrible Medea movie.  She does 'larger than life' very well.  I do doubt that she has what is needed to bring in an audience night after night; but, hell, I never heard of Brendon Urie before he joined Kinky Boots, so who knows. I also hold out hope that she will play Vera if there is ever a revival of Mame.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:18pm

I saw Whoopi in A Funny thing HappenedOTWTTForum- and she was great- but that was years and years ago. These days, Whoopi is overweight and out of shape- and this has nothing to do with age-look at Bernadette and Bette- they are in very good shape- which helps doing 7 or 8 energetic performances per week. You need the stamina of an athlete- or at least be in good enough shape to dance, sing, move- which, unfortunately for Whoopi- it does not look like she is- though Pearl Bailey was up to it so maybe I am wrong. That being said- I just don't think Whoopi is energetic enough to pull this off. Maybe I am wrong. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:24pm

Valid concerns.  If she could get into shape-- a big if -- she could be terrific and, more importantly, sell tickets.  Will be interesting to see if anything comes from this.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:34pm

I've seen video of Sally S-t-r-u-t-h-e-r-s  as Dolly.  She was good.  There are many, many out there who would do justice to the role of Dolly Levi.  I wouldn't include Ms. Goldberg in that category.  Many theatre fans would agree.  If you want to talk about unconventional casting, then maybe Lee Roy Reams would merit consideration.  But, I doubt Scott Rudin would go for it.

Updated On: 2/9/18 at 07:34 PM

[darreyl102]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:34pm

bdn223 said: "KJisgroovy said: "Sure. That's not what you said though. You said her star hasn't risen and it has, significantly."

Ok she went from D list to B- List.....its still not the same caliber as EGOT winner Whoppi Goldberg, and current governor of the Acting Branch of the Academy ofMotion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is still given Marquee billing if she is ever involved in a project.

"

Seriously? Jenifer was not a D list actor then, now or even years before. Take a gander at her film and TV credits, she's done everything. People may not know her name, but they know her face. D list? Smh 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:51pm

Dolly went from a superstar- Bette- ideally suited to the role- to Bernadette- yes, a Broadway legend- a Broadway icon- and I love her and would love to see her - and did see Bette in Dolly- and Bernadette in Woods, in Night Music- in concert- love her- she is simply not in Bette's league- I think that is indisputable. For this to be the hot ticket again- they need a real draw- someone out there- Goldie Hawn hasn't done much and she seems rarin' to go these days- or someone with some age on her and superstar credentials- to be red hot again- that is what it will take. Whoopi is a good choice if she is up for it- and there are plenty of others. But it myst be an A lister to be truly hot again. This is not Hamilton or Mormon or Chicago where the piece itself is the draw. You gotta have a super charismatic Dolly- IMO.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 7:58pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "I've seen video of Sally S-t-r-u-t-h-e-r-s as Dolly. She was good. There are many, many out there who would do justice to the role of Dolly Levi. I wouldn't include Ms. Goldberg in that category. Many theatre fans would agree. If you want to talk about unconventional casting, then maybe Lee Roy Reams would merit consideration. But, I doubt Scott Rudin would go for it."

 

That was a typo, not a mis-spelling, but thank you for pointing out my inadequacies. I assume we both know that Lee Roy Reems would sell about 16 tickets.  I was day-dreaming earlier today, and I did think of Nathan Lanes wonderful choice.  I am sure that he would never do it, but I'll bet that he would be terrific,and boy would he sell tickets.

[NoName3]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 8:15pm

There was a rumor that Nathan was approached about being a replacement and wasn't interested. Just a rumor, I have no idea whether it's true.

Whoopi isn't a Dolly. She would be much more appropriately cast as the curmudgeon Horace.

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 9:43pm

I'm still waiting for a Harvey Fierstein Dolly Levi. Paired with someone like Kelsey Grammar, I could see it doing really well.

Whoopi really would be great and some of you commenting that she's out of shape should be ashamed of yourselves. She looks just fine and would really look great in the costumes.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 11:11pm

I would've LOVED to have seen Whoopee in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 2/9/18 at 11:42pm

Jarethan said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "I've seen video of Sally S-t-r-u-t-h-e-r-s as Dolly. She was good. There are many, many out there who would do justice to the role of Dolly Levi. I wouldn't include Ms. Goldberg in that category. Many theatre fans would agree. If you want to talk about unconventional casting, then maybe Lee Roy Reams would merit consideration. But, I doubt Scott Rudin would go for it."



That was a typo, not a mis-spelling, but thank you for pointing out my inadequacies. I assume weboth know that Lee Roy Reems would sell about 16 tickets. I was day-dreaming earlier today, and I did think of Nathan Lanes wonderful choice. I am sure that he would never do it, but I'll bet that he would be terrific,and boy would he sell tickets."

Lee Roy Reams performed the role in Florida, I believe.  Also, you are assuming FAR too much.  Kindly assume for yourself.  By the way, I found this lovely Dolly Levi on Y.T.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaIoUc__3vs

Updated On: 2/9/18 at 11:42 PM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 7:30am

Outside of Streep and Streisand (because they will never happen), I think all of the suggested names in this article are fantastic choices. Thoughts?

https://hornetapp.com/stories/hello-dolly-replacement/amp/

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 8:09am

So politically correct to say that Whoopee is in great shape.. Ridiculous. I have no problem if Whoopee- or anyone else- is in shape- or out of shape- that is their business, not mine. But the woman is clearly out of shape. Dolly requires a lot of energy and stamina- not saying she could not do it if she put her mind to it- but the woman is out of shape- at least to my eyes- to many eyes- and I bet even to Whoopi herself.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 8:49am

BWAY Baby2 said: "So politically correct to say that Whoopee is in great shape.. Ridiculous. I have no problem if Whoopee- or anyone else- is in shape- or out of shape- that is their business, not mine. But the woman is clearly out of shape. Dolly requires a lot of energy and stamina- not saying she could not do it if she put her mind to it- but the woman is out of shape- at least to my eyes- to many eyes- and I bet even to Whoopi herself."

Was it you who called Patti "fat" and said she looked bad in HD because of her shape? If so your understanding of "shape" doesn't seem to align with most of ours. No, it's not about "politically correctness," a term thrown around by too many without understanding even a shred of what it means and how it upholds the society. It's about the basic respect for another human being. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 9:31am

NO- it was not me who called Patti Lupone fat- and I do not think she is. And I do think that Whoopi looks out of shape. Sue me. I am not one who goes around evaluating women's- or men's bodies shapes and sizes- and you have never seen me write anything like that. Before you come at me with accusations- at least be accurate.

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 9:53am

Literally, Whoopi is probably the same size (maybe five to ten pounds heavier) than Bette Midler. She looks great. You're making it sound like she weights 700 pounds and they would have to carry her down the stairs with a crane at the top of the title number.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 10:26am

Not gonna get into Bette vs.Whoopi in the weight department. I think Whoopi looks out of shape- you think she looks in good shape. Fine by me.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 12:09pm

To my knowledge, she had no issues memorizing her lines during her London stint in Sister Act, and that was years after Xanadu (and a much larger role).

She also sang serviceably. Granted, she didn’t have to sing Haven’t Got a Prayer like the Broadway Mother Superiors did, but still. 

Updated On: 2/10/18 at 12:09 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 12:23pm

I feel like some people are making the role of Dolly sound like Evita or Rose. Of course the role requires stamina, but she doesn't have many songs, the keys are low, the vocal range isn't large, and there's optional notes that can be used for stronger singers. She spends quite a long portion of time off stage at the start of act two. Dolly definitely requires energy and stamina but some of you are making the role sound comparable to Evita, Rose, Lovett, etc. 

Updated On: 2/10/18 at 12:23 PM

[BroadwayMan5]

Posted: 2/10/18 at 2:20pm

KJisgroovy said: "It always surprises me when some folks on this board, who know a lot about theater, seem to have little handle on the culture barometer.

Jenifer Lewis is on a major hit television show and has recently become a cultural icon, reaching an entirely new generation of fans."

Cultural icon?? That is a huge overstatement. She's a supporting role on a moderately successful sitcom (although critically acclaimed, it ranks nowhere near the most watched shows on TV and is not considered a "major hit" )

Updated On: 2/10/18 at 02:20 PM

[james antinone]

Posted: 3/3/18 at 1:01am

I'd prefer Queen Latifa

[SweetLips]

Posted: 3/3/18 at 2:39am

Tina Fey [or someone of the same age and comedic chops-Julia Louis- Dreyfus/Debra Messing] with NPH.

Updated On: 3/3/18 at 02:39 AM

[Miserent]

Posted: 3/3/18 at 8:17am

I am fully aware it would never happen for a variety of reasons, but how lovely would it be to see Julie Andrews in this production? Sigh. If only.

I still say Sheryl Lee Ralph would be absolutely fantastic in this part. I'm aware she wouldn't sell tickets on the level of Bette or even Bernadette, but she would make such a fabulous Dolly.