Patti as Bernie's replacement - an idea too good to happen?

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 3:39pm

Michael Portantiere is salivating at the tantalizing idea of Patti Lupone replacing Bernadette in GYPSY this spring. He refers to it in his latest column as "A Triumph Waiting To Happen". As someone who thought Bernadette did a great job but didn't quite pull it off to my satisfaction (she actually ACTED the part better than anyone I've ever seen in the part), I can't help but agree.

He knows it probably will never never happen. But what a delicious concept it is!
"We Want Pat-Tee! We Want Pat-Tee!"

Updated On: 2/21/04 at 03:39 PM

[magruder]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 3:46pm

In all the talk of Rose replacements, Bebe Neuwirth's name never comes up, but I think she could be the scariest Rose ever.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 4:16pm

Patti should have ORIGINATED the role of Rose in this production. However, Arthur Laurents has bitter hatred for Ms LuPone and vowed that she will never play the role while he's still alive.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:38pm

Agreed, Dollypop. But Gypsy has been out one time too many, and the only way to get people to see it again, and the only way for it to last would be to put a star in it- hence the casting of Bernadette Peters.

Patti LuPone is perfect for the role. But yes, Bebe Neuwirth would be wonderful as well! Good casting.

[stop!]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 10:53pm

show will probably close with bernadette unless they get a MAJOR MAJOR name bigger then bernadette....... like bette midler or such....

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 10:56pm

Bernadette is great in the role. I agree i think Bebe would not work she was wonderful in Chicago but Gypsy?
Can't Bernadette stay in the show? I can see Lupone. A very talented woman.
I adore Michael P's column on Theatermania.
Lupone had a show at Lincoln Center a few years ago a one woman show and it blew me away she is very talented.
I think Bernadette is a wonderful Rose but if she left P Lupone would be incredible. Updated On: 2/21/04 at 10:56 PM

[johny0828]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 11:24pm

i would see either of them. i saw the show with maureen moore and i thought she was amazing.

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 11:33pm

Did Arthur Laurents really say that? Over his dead body? I always loved Arthur Laurents but we Patti freaks will do what we gotta do.
Watch your back, Arthur,
Gladys

[magruder]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 1:29am

So, of course Patti could do it. She has the whole brassy vulgar Merman-esque thing going on and could handle the score easily, but I always feel like hers would be an entire performance I can imagine in my head without seeing it. I mention Neuwirth because she certainly can act it and sing it, and might bring some unexpected things to the table. (The one I really would have liked to have seen tackle the role would have been Carol Burnett 20 years ago.)

[Belasco07]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 10:33am

completley agree with you there magruder...Carol Burnett might have rivaled the Merm!!!

[musicaltheatreman]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 7:33pm

dolly why does arthur larents hate patti lupone???

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 8:41pm

I don't know all the specifics about Laurents' bitter hatred for the Magnificent Patti, but it stems from her not wanting to stay with his show JOLSON SINGS AGAIN when it came to Broadway (it never made it). Now I didn't watch "Murder She Wrote" all those years for nothing. I'll get to the bottom of this yet!

Updated On: 2/22/04 at 08:41 PM

Posted: 2/22/04 at 8:43pm

Varla Jean Merman was born to play Mama Rose.

No leading musical stage performer has such a direct connection to the role.

Broadway Bulldog Updated On: 2/22/04 at 08:43 PM

[shermanslave]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 9:51pm

I know that neither of these performers are real box office draws, but I would love to see Mary Testa or Lillias White do the show. I know, I know, Lilias is so non-traditional casting, but who cares? She would kick ass.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 10:21pm

Come to think of it, Loretta Swit might make a fine Mama Rose. Don't you agree?

[WOSQ]

Posted: 2/23/04 at 3:44pm

'Patti won't play Mama Rose as long as Artie Laurents is alive...'

Be careful what you wish for.