Let me start by stressing that I LOVE Laura Benanti like my own flesh and blood but does she have the belt for the role? She can certainly act it and I'm sure she can sing the role but I want my Audrey to have a belt like Megan Hilty.
If we're gender bending Audrey II my vote goes to Morgan James. That girl's voice can do anything. Come to think of it she'd make a great Audrey someday.
When I imagine a female Audrey II, I see it starting off as a hand puppet flower growing into a plantlike feminine figure covered in flowers, vines, and barbs. Much more humanoid than the original so it can play off sexual tension lol. If that makes any sense?
As I've stated in multiple threads I'd much prefer a live tv broadcast on NBC some Halloween. My dream cast:
Seymour - Joseph Gordon Levitt Audrey - Megan Hilty Mushnik - Kelsey Grammer Orin - Jack White Audrey II - Cee Lo Crystal - Amber Riley Ronette - Syesha Mercado Chiffon - Uzo Aduba
For a TV production, I wonder if they would go with the small cast, in which Orin plays most roles, or allow for more network cameos. NBC could have some serious fun with the cameo roles, considering the number of notable comic, theatrical and celebrity figures in its stable.