is Madeline Martin still in August?

Martin's last performance (I believe) was the show's final night at The Imperial. She left to film the second season of Showtime's CALIFORNICATION opposite David Duchovny, but I believe she is supposed to return once that is finished.

The Playbill listing has Molly Ranson credited as the new Jean, so I would assume it's safe to say she has indeed assumed the role.

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At first I Thought it said Madeline Kahn, and I got happy for a second.

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Actually Madeline left before they exited the Imperial. I saw Mollys first performance as Jean and she was So outstanding. I was a little upset to have missed Madeline because I think she is so talented but Molly definately rocked.

I've seen Madeline Martin and Molly Ranson both do the role of Jean. Couldn't even hear Madeline Martin up in the attic. Could not truly believe she was a part of that family. Molly Ranson delivered the lines from a true place of sorrow and damage, covered with indifference and sarcasm. Jean's character is pitiful and Miss Ranson let's us know that the blood line will continue in dysfunction. She also looks and behaves like a daughter of the Amy Morton character. She's believable. Bravo to the director for casting someone so unlike Madeline Martin, and allowing the audience to see a newcomer who has a real... "je ne sais quoi..."

dramasleuth, thanks for joining today just to give us your strong opinion on the matter.

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Saw Molly Ranson on Friday night. She was good, not great, but good. You could feel her trying to "act" some parts which is always a turn off, but she is rather young and has plenty of potential. I agree that nobody really got the "Lolita" line.
She was quite good in her interactions with Steve (can't remember the actor's name), and loved her watching what Amy Morton's character calls "The Phantom of the F*CKing Opera."

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And hello to you too, Weez.

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Indeed it is. Is that a half-living, creepy body exhibit piece?

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It's a Shakespearean curse-induced hallucination popping out of a seal carcass. It appeals to my somewhat-twisted sense of aesthetic. I do like your Sondheims though. :)

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while Molly Ranson is far from amazing, she's a god send compared to the travesty that was Madeline Martin's "performance" as Jean. That voice had me and everyone I ever saw that show with in the Imperial cringing. I never for a second believed anything that she was doing and felt like she was working way too hard to "be 15 and childish." To be honest I can't stand her on Californication either and don't understand how she keeps getting work. Everyone I know that has seen the show always goes on about how amazing it is but then adds "but the little girl was just AWFUL"

I was so relieved to hear that Martin was leaving and praying that she stays FAR AWAY from a stage and hope that they either bring Ranson over for London or find someone else.

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Madeline's pic is up at the Music Box so She's BAAAAck.
I thiunk she is a one-trick-pony at this point, after AUGUST I saw her on some TV stuff and she was doing the same trick.
But a young Carol Kane did that also early in her career and she managed to turn it into an Emmy Winning somewhat respected crazy ass working Actress reputation.

I actually liked Martin as Jean. I thought that Ranson's performance however, was disconnected from the rest of the people on that stage.

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