jennifer westdfelt out of wonderful town- Page 2

[Marquise]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 5:54am

maybe she didnt want to be there when brooke finally stepped into Donna's shoes

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 9:06am

maybe theyll get kathy griffen or barbara barrie to play opposite brooke. then they can have a suddenly susan reunion!

[weeblo]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 11:54am

Now disgust is pretty strong -- I'm really not that bad!

True my only exposure to DM in the role is the clip from the Tony's (which truthfully I LOVED), but having seem LM in the role and having listened to the CD many times, I really think LM's interpretation and voice lent themselves better to the part.

Now, hopefully we're friends now and you can riddle me this -- what are your thoughts on Brooke Shields taking over this part? I just don't see that AT ALL. What's really funny is this week's PEOPLE magazine's cover story on how celebrities are putting motherhood ahead of careers, and Brooke is on the cover as an example. Uh, 8 shows a week is putting parenthood ahead of career? Am I missing something? Don't get me wrong; I work 50 hours a week myself and have two children, but I'm not on the cover a a national magazine saying I'm a stay at home dad either... Wow, maybe I AM full of judgment!!! Updated On: 9/5/04 at 11:54 AM

[BwayLover]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 12:15pm

Okay- fair enough, I edited my original post. I hope you'll do the same and remove the hurtful comment about Donna Murphy, which seemed inappropriate to me. You know which one I'm talking about- right at the end of your post.

I guess we can agree to disagree- I have never seen Linda in the role, either. But, you know, taste is so personal- I happen to think that Donna is perfect in the role. So, there you have it. :)

I am not particulary thrilled about Brooke Shields taking over. I know the role doesn't require a singer (which she certainly isn't), but I think it has been proven that it can be so much better with a singer in it, like Donna or for that matter, Linda M. Also I can't really see her being tossed on stage like Donna is during "Conga" (Btw- how does Linda handle that part? I'm curious), or having the wise-cracking quality about her...Plus, she has to go through all the different emotions during the show- I simply don't see her pulling it off. I'm not talking about the looks factor, since I think it's irrelevant. Donna Murphy is absolutely gorgeous, and was believeable in the role - Brooke Shields is perhaps more conventionally "pretty", but I really don't think that's an issue. Well, actually, depends on who they get to play Eileen...

And about the magazine cover- I'm with ya on that! Phony.

[Jersey_Girl]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 1:36pm

I saw the show twice, both times with Donna Murphy but once with an understudy for Jennifer Westfeldt. I was almost heartbroken when I noticed the little white slip of paper in my playbill but actually enjoyed that performance more than the one with JW herself.

Has anyone else seen either of the understudy's perform? Don't discount them. Unfortunately, that little white slip of paper is now awol so I am not able to figure out who played Eileen at that particular show. However, whoever it was, was absolutely, positively, FANTASTIC!

[weeblo]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 1:57pm

My unsubstantiated comment is deleted -- fair is fair! :)

Linda M did great -- she can sing and a real comedienne -- a real Ann B Davis type. Probably more in the Roz Russell grain than Donna M, although Donna can crack wise with the best of 'em. The one drawback I saw with LM was she really didn't bring out the emotions of the part -- was not convinced she was in love with Bob etc. But, at the same time, at least in my mind, that was such a minor part of the show -- I came to see great singing, dancing, and schtick, not a love story. And to have an understudy play the lead of a Broadway show with such gusto and presence and seeming lack of nerves is really remarkable. Which begs the inevitable question -- and I don't know if this is a WT thing or a general theatre thing -- why does it seem when the headlining star leaves, someone currently unrelated to the show tends to take over and why not the understudy who's been nailing the part a couple days a week (and probably has earned the right)?

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 1:59pm

The answer is simple...

Who is Linda Muggleston?


Sad, but true.

[BwayLover]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 2:04pm

Sad, but true indeed.

I do remember it happening in the revival of "Nine" - an understudy took over after the lead left. It was so rare that people made such an issue of it.

Weeblo, see, to me the acting part (including the love story) is very, if not the most, important. The part right before they reprise "Ohio", and DM literally has tears in her eyes... Gets me every single time. And I'm truly happy for her and Bob Baker at the end- sappy, but true.

And you still haven't answered my question about Linda M. and the dancing.

Updated On: 9/5/04 at 02:04 PM

[NoticeMeStuart]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 4:44pm

linda does alsmot all the same stuff donna does! she gets tossed around etc!!! she's like totally awsome. she rox my sox.

[VoiceofReason]

Posted: 9/5/04 at 5:14pm

I was recently cleaning, and came across a bunch of old playbills. After going through them, I realized just how many shows Linda has been in, and I have been fortunate to see her, without even realizing it. She has a great repitore under her belt, and I don't doubt the rave reviews she is getting.

[weeblo]

Posted: 9/6/04 at 9:01am

Dancing was great! Had fourth row center so saw those feet-a-goin' at great angle and she's got the goods!

Wow - - your comment about the emotional part -- good to hear and know. You're converting me! That part I definitely did NOT get out of LM -- again it didn't detract from the show, but I can honestly say it wasn't an element.

And regarding bringing Kathy Griffin, which would be hysterical, why not round it out and get Judd Nelson as Bob too? And, since the Open is nearly over, Agassi can play Wreck!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/6/04 at 10:22am

id see it with that cast