YOU GOTTA HAVE HART TO BE ON B'WAY, MELANIE - Riedel...

[Rob]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 7:25am

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/686.htm

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 7:36am

good article :)

[lass]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 7:46am

Well, that was interesting.

[lass]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 8:01am

Just curious, Rob-when do you plan to see Melanie Griffith?

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 8:32am

That's funny. I didn't find that to be a terrible article on her performance. Hmmmmmmm...

Posted: 7/16/03 at 8:51am

Actually, a very sympathetic, even understanding, article...from someone used to eating people (or curly haired fifty year old women) for lunch....

[Rob]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 8:53am

Well, I actually [the horror!] haven't seen Chicago at all live yet and reading everything that's been said so far I'm not sure that I'd like Melanie to be part of my first experience. I'll go when CJR puts her stamp of approval on the cast.

Rob

[Amy Archer]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 9:04am

As with David Stone and Wicked, Barry Weissler is a frequent source for Riedel. That's why Riedel soft-pedalled today's story. (Seussical was just too big a target for him not to pursue, but generally he is very gentle on the Weisslers). When he has no allegiances, like with Bernadette Peters, or Bounce or Sweet Smell of Success ... that's when he shows his true colors.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 9:09am

I think she's ridiculous. There are so many women who could REALLY play this role the way its supposed to be played. But when choreography has to be altered, and the actress wants to delay her opening for another week, why keep her? It's such a waste of time, when there are REAL actresses out there who deserve a starring role like this in such a great show.

Posted: 7/16/03 at 10:59am

....and the actress wants to delay her opening for another week, why keep her?

Voiceanth replies: $1 million worth of tickets sold..that's why...

We, as a country and as a state, are not in an economic up-turn where 1 million in tickets can be sniffed at..

It would be wonderful if Ruthie Henshall and Karen Ziemba or whomever is deemed "worthy" by members of this board, could sell 1 million dollars worth of tickets but quite frankly.....

.... those two could barely sell underwear on 14th street...and make a profit...

so thus, Melanie....such is the way of the world....

One can only hope she gets more comfortable....thus making life easier for everyone involved...

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 7/16/03 at 11:01am

Wasn't 'Chicago' doing stronger box office due to the movie anyway? Seems like this would be a moment where they could bring in a lesser known actress (who's probably cheaper) and still sell the show.