Will Laura Leave Wedding Singer? Variety Thinks So

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 8:59pm

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=upsell_article&articleID=VR1117948305&categoryID=15&cs=1

[mabel]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:01pm

I don't have a Variety account. Do the speculate who these potential big name replacements might be??

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:01pm

Could you copy the article?

[MistressoftheHouse]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:03pm

Yes, could you please copy it? We can't read it.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:05pm

"Laura Benanti, who plays the Drew Barrymore part in the Broadway tuner based on the 1998 New Line comedy, has outs in her contract with the show beginning in September, and producers have quietly begun to scope out potential replacements with bigger names that could goose the musical's B.O."

"Producers brought up such a possibility over dinner with Hilary Duff, whose sister Haylie worked a little box office mojo for another Margo Lion-New Line production, "Hairspray," when she kicked off a stint in that show July 18. Hilary Duff turned "Singer" down."

"A source close to the production refutes rumors that Benanti is being pushed out but said producers are certainly beginning to think about a replacement star that could boost biz."

"....chatter around town that "Singer" will close this season to make way for one of the upcoming productions circling Gotham -- among them "Curtains," which opened Wednesday night in L.A. with its sights on Broadway and, some say, on "Singer's" home, the Al Hirschfeld."

"But a star, even one only moderately well known, could bump up staying power for "Singer."

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:08pm

I hope a big star takes over! Who will it be?

[MistressoftheHouse]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:09pm

Thank you so much for posting it for us!

And on another note, thank GOD Hilary Duff turned them down (if Variety's source was at all correct.)

[DrunkyMcWasted]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:10pm

I don't think Laura will leave as early as September.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:11pm

All I'm going to say is thank god that Hilary turned them down.


I think it's dumb that people think that Laura is going to leave. She's injured for goodness sake!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:11pm

Hilary Duff turned "Singer"

Good.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:23pm

If Laura Benanti leaves another Broadway show because of an injury, it will seriously and perhaps fatally damage producers' confidence in hiring her for any other theatrical engagement.

She better make sure she at least plays out her contract.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:24pm

Even if Benanti is injured and the absences are something that are beyond her control, the producers are going to want someone who can consistently be in the show rather than have their cover do the majority of the performances. That isn't meant to diss Laura in any way, but you can't blame the creative team for wanting that.

If she has an out in her contract and they can find someone even remotely known to replace her, there's no doubt in my mind they will pursue that option. At this point, even promoting the wonderful Tina would be in the best interest of the show. Although it would do nothing to effect ticket sales, at least the principle Julia would be going on frequently. Tina was on when I saw the show, and although most people had no clue who either he nor Laura were, they were still dissapointed in seeing a lead out that night (although they were won over by night's end.) And even as much as I'd love to see Tina get it, if the show wants to stay afloat, they'll need someone audiences can identify with on a name basis.

I think if Laura's injury is as serious as it seems to be, she should do what is best for the show (and herself) and step down. Having a lead out more than they are in just isn't good for a show, no matter why they aren't there.

Regardless, I hope Laura gets well soon, and I wish her a speedy recovery!!!!

Updated On: 8/11/06 at 09:24 PM

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:33pm

First INTO THE WOODS, NINE and now WEDDING SINGER... I agree Michael Bennett... From what I have seen, read and heard, if they don't give the role to Tina Maddigan, it would be a shame.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:40pm

The thing, though, is that they're looking for someone who will grab an audience. Tina Maddigan will not grab an audience, no matter how great she is. She isn't known off 45th Street.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:42pm

ITW was a terrible injury, though. I understand entirely why she left.

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:44pm

Does anyone know what exactly is wrong with Laura Benanti?

[DrunkyMcWasted]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 9:49pm

Yes. I do. There are a few other people who do as well. But, as there hasn't been a public announcement, it's not something I feel I'm allowed to share.

Updated On: 8/10/06 at 09:49 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:03pm

She certainly has made a public announcement about it, and has discussed it in several interviews, including a recent one on Talkin' Broadway. During ITW she fell onstage and broke her neck--literally. It was pretty horrible from how she described it. I'm sure the interview is still on the website.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:08pm

That's not what's going on now.

[DrunkyMcWasted]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:09pm

What's going on now is actually completely unrelated to her breaking her neck.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:02pm

Is it an eating disorder? If you are going to say you know what the issue is in public, you should say it as well. The "I know a secret and im not gonna tell you" quote is silly, If you know something, don't say you know it, or just say it.
As much as I'd like to see Tina Maddigan as Julia, they are looking for a celebrity and Tina is not that yet.

Updated On: 8/10/06 at 11:02 PM

[jdixon69]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:10pm

As Roseanna Roseannadanna once said, "It's always somethin'!"

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:21pm

muscle, no it's not an eating disorder.

It has nothing to do with it being a secret or not. Laura has asked Mariah and I not to spread it around town. The fact is, she's sick. No, it's not cancer, God forbid, or anything terrible. But it is indeed serious and threatening her gorgeous voice. What exactly it is.... is well, frankly, nobody's business but Laura's. Who else she chooses to tell is HER business - not mine or Mariah's.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:22pm

As stated, they're looking for something to boost box office. Which, as big of a fan as I am of the show, they need to do. I'm all for stunt casting, but not someone like Hilary Duff.. dear God.

It's a shame Laura doesn't seem to be having good luck staying in shows due to injuries or becoming ill, but I do believe it would be best if she left. Less stress for everyone, including her, and she needs to focus on her health first and foremost.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 11:22pm

The role belongs to Tina Maddigan.