I AM SO EXCITED! Oh my god. London NEEDS this. I guess that means they already have casting set? I've been searching all the audition calls hahaha. need tickets!
I'd be surprised if Bareilles opened the show in London; she hasn't had a song chart here since Love Song back in the day, she has no star cachet at all (I love her work, don't get me wrong, but there'd be no effect on the box office to cast her).
It wouldn't surprise me if one of the women from the West End production of Beautiful similarly ended up playing Jenna; CJ Janson or Katie Brayben would do a great job.
I seriously nearly dropped my phone out of shock when I saw!! THIS IS THE ONLY BROADWAY TO LONDON TRANSFER I'VE CARED ABOUT IN RECENT YEARS. I really didn't think they had any plans to do this, it's such an "American" vibe of a show, plus I didn't think it was financially viable since it wasn't a super monster hit (successful but not monstrously so), but who cares, it's happening and I'M HAPPY.
As for casting, if they're going to stick to UK ladies, RACHEL TUCKER. Or really any UK Elphaba, but Rachel should be #1 on that casting's list. But if not, I daresay any American beltress residing there hopefully would have a leg up.
I saw Waitress for the first time last week, and I can't imagine a better ambassador for the show in London than Katharine McPhee. I didn't expect such a revelatory performance.
DeNada said: "I'd be surprised if Bareilles opened the show in London; she hasn't had a song chart here since Love Song back in the day, she has no star cachet at all (I love her work, don't get me wrong, but there'd be no effect on the box office to cast her).
It wouldn't surprise me if one of the women from the West End production of Beautiful similarly ended up playing Jenna; CJ Janson orKatie Brayben would do a great job.
In terms of being a recognised name she has as much, which indeed may not be that much, as any of the other names you mention.
RippedMan said: "Not sure how McPhee is more of a name than Bareilles, but whatever."
The west end is known for not caring as much about having a “name” in their productions. Katharine has received much praise for her portrayal, has some pretty legit credits and (as far as we know) is available.
London cast recording please....? Cannot bear to think that her interpretations may go unrecorded. This role almost seems as if it was perfectly designed for all of her skill sets.
Waitress is heading Down Under 2019 and I'm sure a local name will be used as we have many who could do the job. And we have the next Hugh Jackman[musically] in Rohan Browne[check out the clips of him being Peter Allen in Boy from Oz currently playing in Melbourne[with Caroline O'Connor as Judy Garland].
No--I don't work for the company but saw Oz 3 times.
I've heard nothing but amazing things for McPhee and sad I missed her here, so happy for her. And I LOVE the show. So hope it has success in the West End.
It would be an amazing coup to get Katharine McPhee to lead the West End production. She was outstanding in the role. Did people see the video of Jessie Nelson talking to the audience after Katharine’s final performance? She mentioned how she hopes it’s not the last time Katharine works with the show or something, and then said “maybe abroad” all knowingly. I for sure think they had to have at least asked her if she would consider, but this early in the process maybe they are just feeling out a lot of actresses. So maybe that comment is why people are mentioning Katharine, even though right now nothing has been agreed / decided. I also think it would be an amazing opportunity to choose a more unknown performer and launch a new star, but I can understand it if Sara and Jessie want a known quantity who they know can deliver.
joined:1/9/15
joined:
1/9/15
Posted: 8/21/18 at 8:14am