Such an interesting ensemble, still no Helen Sinclair, which was really the role I was most interested to read about.
^ my feelings exactly, ray.
I read "Yorke" and got so excited because I thought Rachel York, but then realized her last name has no "e" and wasn't excited anymore.
So thrilled to see Hélene Yorke in this mix!
Helene Yorke is incredibly talented. Glad to see her getting a break in a high-profile role, after missing out on a few in the past.
Jordan, I assumed Rachel York was playing Helen when I clicked on the thread, then I re-read Yorke's last name too. I imagine the Donna Murphy rumors are not true if they didn't announce her with this batch.
I feel kind of bad that Betsy Wolfe has literally the most boring role in the show.
I feel kind of bad that Betsy Wolfe has literally the most boring role in the show.
Seriously. I love Mary-Louise Parker in the movie, but it's the kind of character than in a show would have very little to do. We'll see though. I guess Eden hasn't been announced either? I'm surprised Wolfe isn't playing Olive (that's nothing against Yorke, never heard of her, but I can't imagine she'd have been picked if she wasn't right for the part, the cast sounds great).
I knew Wolfe was involved but I'd been assuming she'd be playing Olive, I'm very surprised to see she's playing Ellen. I'm sure she'll make the most of the part as she's done many times in the past but I was certainly expecting her to play Olive.
Fun fact:
His salary is crowdfunded by a kickstarter campaign!
I like it so far. I hope they get equally exciting casting for Helen Sinclair (in my opinion, the best written role in the film), and Olive.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Oh Taz. You are such a delight!
So who is the perfect Helen Sinclair?
My first thought is Christine Ebersole.
Now that LuPone is definitely out of the running, my hope is for either Ebersole or Marin Mazzie.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/7/13
Ebersole or Mazzie would be incredible
Ebersole would be my pick. However, I have a feeling they might want a movie star for the role.
Ebersole, yes.
Didn't somebody say Bobby Cannavale was in negotiations to play Cheech?
And yes, my choice for Helen would be Christine Ebbersole, but considering there aren't really any huge box office draws in the cast so far, they may be looking for a movie star.
Or, as someone astutely said earlier, the star of this musical is Woody Allen.
I don't see his name on the current logo, so maybe that will not be the case.
No "Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway" to promote.
Ebersole would be great, but Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzie are my top two choices, Mazzie hasn't gotten to be funny in forever so I'd love to see her tap into some of those KISS ME, KATE talents.
I adore Marin, but I'm partial!
And yes, it would be great to see her in a comedic role again.
I would be FAR from disappointed if she were cast as Helen!
Too bad Catherine Zeta-Jones is too young for the role-she'd be perfect as Helen.
Updated On: 6/27/13 at 07:32 PM
I've heard that they are not interested in casting a movie star. Guess we'll see.
Marin Mazzie did the most recent reading as Helen and (from what I've heard) will not be continuing on to the full production. The search is on for a replacement.
Helene Yorke is a brilliant comedienne with a killer voice who has been poised to break out with a major role for some time. I'm thrilled everyone will have the opportunity to see her in a part that will let her shine as brightly as Olive will.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/15/07
Catherine Zeta Jones is in no way too young. She is only two years older than Dianne Weist was in the movie, 46. I fully buy her as an aging actress who refuses to play the older/mother roles. She's not my top choice, but she's not too young and would make a damn good Helen! If anything choices like Patti (as great as she'd be) would be too OLD.
Ebersole would win another Tony, as would Beth Leavel.
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