This is slightly off-topic, but while we're discussing past Hedwigs, did anybody see Cerveris? I would love to hear (or HEAR) anything about that performance.
Michael was a very popular Hedwig. After JCM, there were varied opinions on who was the best Hedwig. Half the people were for Cerveris, and half were for Kevin Cahoon.
Michael, in JCM's own words, sang the show better than he did. Michael affected the accent strongly, and emoted quite strongly. His transformation during Wicked Little Town reprise was breathtaking. I wish you could all see it.
Well, if they want to keep the show open after NPH's departure, which they obviously do, they're going to need names who can sing this score night after night. P!nk is certainly a name, she can certainly sing, and she'll attract an audience willing to shell out cash for tickets.
The Ally Sheedy experiment failed because Ally Sheedy was totally unequiped mentally and physically for live performance.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Namo, how bout that transformation during Wicked Little Town reprise? It was like watching a physical rebirth. Actually it was. Even after watching it every night, it never became routine. I'd give anything to see it now. Oh, wait.....
So a female Hedwig doesn't work but we should buy an African American Rose or a white Eponine who grows up to black. So keeping score.....
A black Mama Rose is ok You can chance race as you grow up You can be too old for a role A woman can't play a transsexual It would be ok to have a black Mary Lincoln but not a white Billie Holiday (Yes these are from actual posts)
Keeping track of the BWW rules of casting. Method is much more complicated than I thought. I'm glad I don't work for Telsey
While my dream is for John Cameron Mitchell to give it another go (I missed him off-Broadway but caught Matt McGrath and Michael Cerveris), I would understand if he didn't want to take another go at the part 15 years on.
As far as Pink, I can't help but admit I do really enjoy the idea. She was fantastic in the otherwise not very good Thank You for Sharing. And she's a wonderful rock vocalist and consummate performer. I also admit that I'm fascinated by the idea of a female Hedwig. It's an interesting way to further subvert gender expectations in the show, and while it confuses the late transition (avoiding spoilers), I can't imagine that the creative team wouldn't be able to find a way to address those issues. I would absolutely get a ticket and hope for the best. I wouldn't be shocked if it didn't work, but I also don't think I'd be remotely surprised if it did.
"So a female Hedwig doesn't work but we should buy an African American Rose or a white Eponine who grows up to black. So keeping score....."
If someone in some thread says something once, that represents the thinking of the whole site?!
If a specific user was OK with one but not the other, then fine. But otherwise, you're putting way too much thought into this site yet still coming up empty for a conclusion...
I have no problem believing Pink could bring it to the songs, and I see no reason to believe she's physically unsuited, as a woman, for the role. What I DON'T know about, however, is her acting. I know she acts, and she's been pretty good in a handful of small roles and horror films. But does she have it in her to sustain an extended 90-minute character monologue interspersed with songs?
Now, Amanda Palmer, love her or hate her, seems like a more logical but less exciting fit. Ditto Cyndi Lauper even, though she's too old for the role and wouldn't do it anyway (although she sounds good on the Hedwig tribute album).