Marin Mazzie to Star in Woody Allen's BULLETS OVER BROADWAY?

According to the New York Post's Michael Riedel, some of Broadway's biggest leading ladies are vying for the role of Helen Sinclair in the upcoming stage adaptation of Woody Allen's BULLETS OVER BROADWAY.

Riedel reports that mega stage stars including Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters and Betty Buckley have already read in front of Allen and Susan Stroman, (who will direct the production), for the role of the "boozing leading lady". Reportedly, LuPone made a huge impression on many during her audition, "wowing everybody with her pipes and wit." Everyone that is, exept Allen who didn't envision the 'Gypsy' star in the role.

Word has it that Allen has so far been most interested in Marin Mazzie, who participated in a reading of the musical over the summer and was able to make a lasting impression on the famed director with her comedic timing. Perhaps the only thing holding back the talented actress from gettting the role is the fact that producers are looking for a bigger name to boost ticket sales.

Yet Allen still has his eye on the 2000 Tony nominee who wowed audiences in the hit revival of 'Kiss Me Kate,' and has invited her to return to the role in a second workshop (which Allen calls a "lab") taking place at the end of October.

A casting announcement for the coveted role, played by Dianne Wiest in the 1994 film, will be made in the weeks ahead. Producers say, "A few of the roles have not been cast including the role of Helen Sinclair. Decisions will be made about casting the role for Broadway after the lab is complete." To date, the cast includes Zach Braff, making his Broadway debut, 'Sopranos' star Vincent Pastore and Brooks Ashmanskas.

The show begins previews in March at the St. James.

BULLETS OVER BROADWAY tells the story of an aspiring young playwright (Braff) newly arrived on Broadway in 1920's New York who is forced to cast a mobster's (Pastore) talentless girlfriend (Yorke) in his latest drama in order to get it produced.

Five time Tony Award winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman will bring the new musical to the stage with an award winning design team of Broadway veterans including Tony Award winners Santo Loquasto (scenic design),William Ivey Long (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Doug Besterman (orchestrations) andGlen Kelly(musical arrangements and supervision) and Peter Hylenski (sound design) and Andy Einhorn (musical direction).

About Marin Mazzie:

Marin Mazzie is a three-time Tony Award nominee and multiple-time Award winner for her recent star turns on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and London's West End in NEXT TO NORMAL, KISS ME, KATE, CARRIE (THE MUSICAL), MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, RAGTIME, PASSION, MAN OF LA MANCHA, INTO THE WOODS, BIG RIVER, and KISMET. Her TV appearances include STILL STANDING (CBS), WITHOUT A TRACE, NUMB3RS, JAKE IN PROGRESS, STACKED, PRYOR OFFENSES, and ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos