I want Bertie Carvel to come over here and reprise his role. (If we can get Tony Sheldon here for Priscilla, I think we should get Bertie Carvel. He's terrific on the recording.)
You guys want to wish, hope and pray that Bertie Carvel comes over. His performance is outstanding. Steals the show and accomplishes something quite magnificent.
"Raul Esparza seems a good fit for Trunchbull, about time he had a hit show, too."
Not that they are bound to it, but the casting notices for Trunchbull did have a specific height (I think it said 6'1" and over, but can't remember or seem to find the original EPA notice through google). Does Raul meet that requirement?
I also remember that for Miss Honey it mentioned they were looking for somebody with a bit of a folk sound to their voice, which is not at all what I think of when I hear Sutton.
That would make sense...in order for Trunchball to tower over all the kids (and adults, for that matter). And no...I don't believe Esparza meets that requirement.
I think this show really needs Bertie. He was the best part. I don't know who else could bring the necessary goods to it, which probably means they need an unknown.
If Bertie doesn't transfer, which I think would be a huge huge huge shame, I strongly feel that they should get an unknown.
This is a part that relies so heavily (if performed well) on never being too involved in the show and keeping a distance for what else is going on and not giving too much away to the audience, the show would become about THEM instead of the incredibly well written character.
I actually think Celia Keenan-Bolger would be a great Ms. Honey, and I think Bertie Carvel should reprise his role, I mean, he won the Olivier, and he gets some of the best reviews. Broadway audiences deserve to see his performance. I think Linda Hart should play Matildas mother, just because.