I think part of Kristolyn’s point is that in these types of shows (or most shows), the roles that are deep and meaty go to actors who are white even when race isn’t specified, and actors of color are relegated to roles like hers in DEH, and yes, they sometimes turn into token roles because of the person who originated the role/track.
Very well said. Waitress is another example too. There's no reason Jenna or Dr. Pomatter couldn't be
Lincoln Center always has a cancellation line. They allow members to return tickets up to 72 hours prior to a performance, and they often hold back house seats and seats for exchanges, so seats are almost always being released day-of. If you want to see MFL or Admissions, I'd suggest going to be box office the day you want to go and ask if they have anything available or if they're doing a cancellation line. Either way, you're likely to get in.
BrodyFosse123 said: "Due to the subject matter and plot, HAIRSPRAY requires non-diverse casting. Having a black actress playing Tracy, Edna, Penny or any of the other female caucasian roles ruins the entire message of the musical."
Your point?
Yes, there are shows where the racial make-up of the cast absolutely matters. But for most shows, it doesn't -- yet white is still the default. There's no reason, for example, that any of the roles in De
Benanti was one of the many actresses considered for this production. Her not getting it isn't related to her age, as Ambrose is two years older than Benanti.
I hope the driver is punished to the fullest extent of the law.
My thoughts are with the families. I don't know Ruthie Ann well but have encountered her several times in a professional capacity. She has always struck me as a warm and generous person. To have to endure something so horrible, and be fighting for your life and the life of your unborn child, is unfathomable. All blessings to her and Lauren Lew and their spouses.
If they dimmed the lights for Robin Williams and Carrie Fisher, they sure as hell should do it for a woman who devoted her life to acting on stage. But I'm not going to hold my breath.
Almira said: "Did they even approach Andrea Martin????
I love Buckley, but I'm seeing this out of pure curiosity.
Wonder if they'll pull a Merrick like stunt with the advertising:
BETTEy buckley in HELLO, DOLLY!"
Andrea has been candid about her dislike of long runs, so I imagine signing on to a tour for 6 months to a year is not something she'd consider. Also, isn't she on a television show?
I worked with her once, 20 years ago. She was the kind of professional who inspired everyone else to step up their game. So intelligent and very kind. I am not surprised that her illness was not (it seems) reported beyond her intimate circle -- she always struck me as a private person. My deepest condolences to her husband and son. What an actor, what a loss.
Donna Murphy was the first person approached to be Bette's alternate. She hesitated quite a bit before accepting, and it's possible the producers explored other options when it looked like she might pass. But Murphy was absolutely the first choice.
I think some people don't understand the difference between a Facebook status rant and a heavily researched, corroborated, and fact-checked article in arguably the most important newspaper in the world. I have no idea where T. Oliver Reid gets his supposed information from, but you should take it with a grain of salt.
I've seen her in a number of shows -- MEMPHIS, LES MIZ, and as a standby for Nettie in the original COLOR PURPLE -- and I've never gotten her appeal. Very mediocre voice and no acting talent to speak of. But she's known in the industry as a hard worker and a genial colleague, and that can take you far sometimes.
I spent many years working front-of-house. A lot of what's been said in this thread is true. A few things:
Run times fluctuate, especially during previews. I've seen a show go from nearly three hours to barely two inside of one week. If you're seeing a show in previews and need to know a running time, the best thing you can do is ask an usher or house manager day-of. They will be able to provide the most current running time, and it will probably be more accurate than whate
Definitely MARY JANE. And to my surprise--since it got rave reviews and is playing a small theater--there seem to still be plenty of tickets available. I was looking to see it again this weekend, and the performance I was browsing had at least 50 open seats. So it shouldn't be a problem to get a ticket.
Lauren Ambrose can sing. She has a beautiful soprano voice. Do you people really think LCT would cast someone who couldn't actually sing the role? Especially someone who's not a huge name?
