I don't see Susan or Sutton being right for this.
Rebecca Luker would be good.
Erin Dilly is still my first choice.
I actually do think JLT would be pretty good in the role. However, I would much rather see Rebecca Luker, as mentioned above. I really think she'd do an excellent job.
Anne Runalfson - She was Julie Andrews understudy in V/V & was quite good
Erin Dilly should get a chance at this part. She is so perfect for it. I'm still hoping that they re-write the show so that Mary P is a totally drunk or drug addict so that Sherie Renee Scott could play her. "Mary Poppins-a spoon full of...wait...that's not sugar! Children, don't eat that"
That would make my day.
okay my choices would be
1. Sutton Foster
2. Amy Spranger
3. Laura Benanti (sp)
4. Andrea McCardle
5. Linda Eder
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
Look, someone who still comes off as a teenager or in her early twenties onstage is not going to make a good Mary Poppins. She's not old, obviously, but she has to have an adult presence; she can't really seem like she's calmly and authoritatively taming the Bank family otherwise.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/8/04
JLT would be an amazing choice if they go for a non-name.
Chorus Member Joined: 9/4/05
OK. So I just got back from London last week. I saw Mary Poppins and really did like it. However, it has some MAJOR issues to fix before the Americans get a hold of it. It really isnt that dark guys. In fact its kinda lacking the darkness. Only one number was really dark, and thats the one where the toys come to life and put the children on Trial. Other than that, its really light and kinda similar to a really good Childrens theater production.
Scarlett Strallan was great and could totally pull off the role here in NY.
Some of the ensemble were a little weak, but thats not really thier fault as the book needs some help.
One part id like to see replaced was the Mother. Kaitlin Hopkins from trailer park would be amazing in the role and could finally bring some warmth and humor to it.
The musical numbers were great, but thats all you keep waiting for. The set was also really cool, but some of the special effects totally need to be fine tuned before we get it here. It just seems a little low budget sometimes. Not what a "Disney" musical would bring to the great white way.
IM really looking forward to seeing it next year. It will be a huge hit Im sure.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/04
I'm pulling for Erin Dilly or JLT. Both are amazing in their own rights.
Chorus Member Joined: 1/9/05
TOTALLY AGREE. i DIDN'T LOVE IT - - IT NEEDS WORK BEFORE COMING TO NYC.
There was actually some "darkness" in the original movie (the run on the bank and the scenes that follow it, when the children run away).
And cynicism was everywhere, from Mary herself to Mr. Banks. That's why Julie is so damn good in the film. She approached the character from a very practical, almost angry and irriated foundation. Then the magic sprung out of that and was much more of a shock and surprise.
I hope they haven't "candy-ized" the stage show.
They won't go as old as Kaitlin Hopkins for the role.
And Best12 -- Disney star casts all the time. Just look at the rolling cast lists for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and AIDA...
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/9/05
How about Stephanie D'Abruzzo? That's her DREAM role!!!!
MB--- I guess I was thinking more about the OBCs. Disney doesn't star cast them. This puts the focus on the show and the "franchise" of it, not the original performers.
As far as replacements... yes, they star cast (or more aptly "stunt" cast) as they see fit.
Leading Actor Joined: 8/17/05
Chorus Member Joined: 4/20/05
I've been wondering if the producers were going to look for a different Mary Poppins.
Ms. Kelly was wonderful in London, and even won the Olivier award for her performance. Not to mention, she is an American actress.
It just seems strange to find a new actress for the American premiere when the orginal was an American actress.
Ms. Kelly is British!
I would love to see Marla Schaffel in the role. Or Erin Dilly.
I don't have much interest in this show, don't know why, but I would have to see it if Erin Dilly or JLT was the leading lady!
Broadway Star Joined: 6/9/04
ERRRRRIIIINNNNN!!!!! She WOULD be Fantastic in the role!!! She has such a natural love for children and I think that really shows on stage!! I would LOVE to see her in this role! and back on Broadway sometime soon! Plus we already know that she's got the British accent down:) My love for Erin is great...can you tell? hahah!
I can also see Jennifer Laura Thompson in the role! I think she'd be a good choice.
I hate to quibble but Laura Michelle Kelly is not an American actress. She's English and from the Isle of Wight. David Leveaux had cast her before in London and this is why he brought her over to play in Fiddler on Broadway.
What about Ruthie Henshall? She can do Mary Poppins after she is done playing Marian, and she gets along very well with Mackintosh so there, she should play this role.
What about Faith Prince?
Understudy Joined: 11/7/04
Broadway Star Joined: 6/9/04
ooh I think I could see that! Megan might work. She's so sweet!
Chorus Member Joined: 11/10/05
Hehe i live on the isle of wight and went ot the same schools at Laura Michelle Kelly! shes lovely!
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