NBC you want a live blockbuster theatrical event? Here you go!

Posted: 1/25/15 at 4:09pm

And you don't even have to thank me!

Live,on NBC October 2015:
Arsenic and Old Lace!
Starring Alec Baldwin as Mortimer Brewster, Rafe Fiennes as Jonathan Brewster, Johnnny Depp as Dr. Einstein, Eric Stonestreet as Teddy Brewster, Emily Blunt as Elaine Harper and Betty White and Cloris Leachman as Martha & Abby Brewster.

Tell me you wouldn't tune in to that.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 4:11pm

For brilliantly suggestig Betty and Cloris alone, I would like to thank you. (And I adore the play, anyway.)

[carash22]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 4:18pm

And here we are stuck with Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough in Grease... *sigh*

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 4:30pm

Baldwin, aged 57, is too old for Mortimer. I think Dan Stevens would be a better choice.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 5:05pm

I wonder if people would tune in to a straight play as one of these broadcasts? There are probably many options of plays that could be very sellable and fun to watch with all-star casts. Though it would somewhat take away the "spectacular" aspect of the live spectaculars.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 5:11pm

Didn't Julie Andrews do a live play on one of the networks? I remember enjoying it but I can't even remember the name of it. If they could get a huge name like that I don't see why a play couldn't be successful.

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/25/15 at 5:15pm

I have a dim memory of an unfortunate On Golden Pond with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Posted: 1/26/15 at 11:36am

Baldwin was actually what made me think of Arsenic. I was watching his brilliant comedic timing on a 30 Rock episode and thought 'I wish he could play a really madcap comedy part- a Cary Grant part.' Mortimer's age isn't specified except he's "finally" getting married and settling down after a long career as a dramatic critic. If you assume he's the oldest brother, it all sort of works.

And I'd love to see Betty & Cloris together again.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/26/15 at 11:44am

"Baldwin was actually what made me think of Arsenic. I was watching his brilliant comedic timing on a 30 Rock episode and thought 'I wish he could play a really madcap comedy part- a Cary Grant part."

Actually, he's already played the role. Back in 2000, City Center was floating an idea of an Encores-style concert reading of plays. Arsenic and Old Lace was the play that was done with Baldwin, Celeste Holm and Joanne Woodward. Unfortunately the idea didn't take off like the musicals did.
Link

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 1/26/15 at 12:43pm

That cast would be amazing.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/26/15 at 12:49pm

As amazing as Betty White would be, I don't think she would do it. She expressed some fear about hosting Saturday Night Live back when she did it and I don't think she would want to take on a Live project. Can we slow Angela Lansbury down enough to take the project on?

[The Josh]

Posted: 1/26/15 at 1:37pm

Cast Nick Offerman as Teddy and I'm in.

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 1/26/15 at 2:00pm

If we can secure Emily Blunt why not try to get John Krasinski on board?

Posted: 1/27/15 at 12:37pm

I thought if Betty & Cloris can't,it's a natural for Julie Andrews & Angela Lansbury. Or,knowing their long collaborative friendship, Julie & Carol Burnett.

[mikey2573]

Posted: 1/27/15 at 2:09pm

If they are considering a comedy title, THE ODD COUPLE would be perfect. It has very strong name recognition and with the right cast it would probably be a big draw.