Will the Baranski MAME be a "revisal"?- Page 3

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:18pm

It's not Stritch's age that made her singing acceptable,it's the fact that she could act. She never had a good voice, but she has always been able to act. That being said, I don't think SJP would ever make a good Mame because I don't think she is right for the role, not because of her singing. I do think that (as I have said many times before) that the only people who could take on Mame are Bette Midler and Donna Murphy(though I don't think either are in good enough health to take this on). As for Vera, I think Karen Ziemba or Michele Pawk would be fabulous.

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 05:18 PM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:21pm

I don't think Midler would do another Broadway show at this point in her career. I think she would make a great madcap Mame but she might be better in Hello Dolly.

I don't think Murphy has the tourist draw that the producers are looking for. She's not well known in Middle Earth.

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:22pm

What version of MAME is everyone thinking of when they suggest Karen Ziemba for the role of Vera Charles?

Honestly...is there another version of the script out there of which I am unaware?

When I think of a Bea Arthur type, I know that the very last person on that list is Karen Ziemba. I admit I'm not a fan, but I think she may have found the one role I'll like her in (she's absolutely perfect for the pinched spinster in THE OPPOSITE OF SEX). But VERY CHARLES?

Honestly...have you all been eating funny brownies?

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:23pm

Goth-I completely agree.(I would love to see Bette play Dolly more, but I think she would be a solid Mame.) I was just saying that acting wise, these are the only women, in my mind, who suit the role.

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 05:23 PM

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:23pm

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 05:23 PM

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:30pm

More right than either (but also someone who would NEVER commit to a Broadway run) is Goldie Hawn.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:33pm

Goldie Hawn would not be bad, but I still think that Bette and Donna would be able to bring a warmth to Mame that I can't see Goldie bringing to the role.

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:35pm

Warmth? Bette? Midler?

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:47pm

I take it you are not a fan of Bette Midler. I think there is a warmth about her, which I think is seen best in "Beaches" and "For the Boys." In both of these films she plays tough women, but there are moments when each displays a warmth. In "Beaches", I see such compassion and warmth in C.C. at some points in the movie. Specifically, at the end when she is telling Victoria that Hilary left her to C.C. And in "For the Boys" I can see the warmth she would bring to Mame by the way she interacts with her son when he is small. Anyway, the point is I can see Bette being a SOLID Mame, but I think Donna would be PERFECT for the role. I think Goldie would be decent. I ask the same question you did. Warmth? Goldie? Hawn?

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 05:47 PM

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 6:06pm

Actually, I think Bette Midler is fabulous. And I think she'd be a divine Dolly. I think for Mame, you need someone with a lighter touch, which is why I thought of Hawn.

I don't think either is 'warmer' than the other. Both have showed lovely moments of vulnerability. But, unlike everyone else, I think the idea of an slightly brittle Mame (a la Baranski) could work brilliantly. To see over time how that young boy melts this gloriously fabulous woman could be delightful.

The one problem I've always had with the character of Mame Dennis (although she is an absolute favorite) is how little she changes throughout the piece. She just sort of readily accepts Patrick and then spends the rest of the evening fabulously imparting knowledge. I'm excited to see a Mame who has to work a little harder to let the boy in the damn long pants into her life.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 6:17pm

I agree about Bette as Dolly...I'd rather see her do that than Mame. I think Goldie could have the larger than life Mame personality,but I don't know if I can see her as Mame. Again, I think Donna Murphy is still (acting wise) the best choice for Mame. She's shown her versatility. I think she could bring that "Mame" personality, as well as warmth and vulnerablity to the role. I think she would make the role her own, as well as showing how Patrick has "melted" her. Unfortunately, the likelihood of any of these extremely gifted women actually playing Mame on Broadway is very slim.

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 06:17 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 6:57pm

robbie - you know I love you, but - the hell?! What have you seen Ziemba in that leads you to believe she can only play "pinched spinsters"? Holy cannoli.

Did you see NEVER GONNA DANCE? Bea Arthur could have played that role (could she dance).

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 7:03pm

Owing to the fact that I recently met someone I once eviscerated on the board and found this person to be kinda fab face to face, I'm trying to turn over a new leaf here and be kinder to performers (TRYING is the operative word).

So, let's just say that I don't think she's appropriate for the role.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 7:04pm

Oh, god Robbie, you HAVE to tell us who!

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 7:09pm

Only in PM.

Edited to say: IF YOUR ACCEPTED PMS!!!

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 07:09 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 7:39pm

ME TOO PLEASE!!!!!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 8:00pm

Some of the finest Mames have been British. Think Lansbury, Bea Lillie and Greere Garson. I vote for either Joan COllins or Diana Rigg to play Mame. Remember, the more sophisticated Mame is, the funnier she is.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 8:24pm

Diana Rigg would be great!!! But will she cross the pond?

What about Judith Ivey? Haven't seen her since Follies.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 10:33pm

I saw Faith Prince in concert and she really scored with "If He Walked Into My Life." I know she is interested, but I think she might be better as a "Dolly." Any thoughts on Faith? Mame? Vera? Gooch? Hold out for Dolly?

[Urban]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 11:18pm

I know I am going to be killed for this, but Audra MacDonald in about 10-20 years I can see playing Vera. Obviously at the moment she is still pretty young, but in my mind I can really see her pulling it off.