While it would a trip to see Carol, this doesn't seem like a fit. Besides which, I can't imagine her accepting it. It's probably unlikely that the producers would hire someone in her 80s to do that kind of routine, wouldn't it? But if we're talking TV legends, what about Florence Henderson. She herself is turning 80 next year, but she looks 15-20 years younger and seems to be very physically vital. Or the lovely Shirley Jones?
Rita Moreno would have fun with this role, too.
If we're dong some color blind casting, Debbie Allen could be interesting if, you know, she maybe hits the gym again. Man, in her youth she could have been a really interesting Leading Player, too. She would have danced the hell out of it. Or we could be really ridiculous and look at film and tv stars like Susan Sarandon, Julie Walters, Mercedes Ruehl, Blythe Danner, Jean Smart...
But I still think the suggestion for Beth Leavel is still the best answer.
I just finished a marathon Oz binge, so the idea of Rita Moreno sounds fabulous right now. The key to Berthe, it seems, is finding someone who would bring the surprise factor. We KNOW what the Berthe routine is, but it's still surprising to think of Tovah Feldshuh and Andrea Martin doing the act.
Beth Leavel would be a dream. Throw a wig on her and the audience will think she's old enough.
I REALLY love the idea of Donna Murphy!! I also love the idea of Beth Leavel! Felicia Boswell was incredible in Memphis (Better then Montego in my opinion)- she would make a fantastic leading player.
Ugh, Annie Potts? Why did I expect better from the Weisslers? No, thank you.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
I'm seeing the show in January, and hoping Patina will still be in. A good option for a leading player replacement (and Weissler favorite) would be Brenda Braxton. As for Berthe what about Caroline O'Connor?
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
Annie Potts is a comedic genius and would be an absolute delight as Berthe.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.