Whoopi Goldberg interested in Dolly — Page 3

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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