My Fair lady -revival-- Page 2

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 12:00pm

Jessica Grove would be WONDERFUL, but I don't think they would cast her as a lead just yet. She needs to become more well known before a Broadway producer gives her the chance to play a starring role on Broadway. I think Sutton is the best choice yet.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 2:06pm

I agree that Sutton would be an excellent choice, although I was rather spoiled after seeing Martine in London. Her Eliza was absolutely amazing (if you were lucky enough to see her). For Higgins, my first choice would be Kelsey Grammer and Max Von Essen as Freddy.

[dramaqueen]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 11:00pm

Audra Mcdonald?? no way!! I think Sutton could pull of a reasonable british accent-it's not that hard

[nystateomind04]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 11:13pm

great job, divamommy

who played jimmy in tmm (i dont feel like going out to my car to get my cd)? i bet he'd be a great freddy.

i'd love sutton as eliza !!! she is fantastic, and i bet she could pull of a lovery cockney accent. anne hathaway could probably bring a lot of little girls to the theater, but they'll probably be there anyway so give it to sutton

[broadway86]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 11:22pm

Anne Hathaway would be wonderful. She also has the same magical quality about her that is perfect for Fiona in BRIGADOON.

I think Jeremy Irons would be a great Higgins. Max Von Essen would be a great Freddy... Wait... I think Sam Harris might be better.

What about Stanley Tucci as Alfred Dolittle? Updated On: 4/13/04 at 11:22 PM

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 9:51am

Since I've never heard Sutton Foster sing in her head voice - I can't say whether she'd do the role justice - but, Dramaqueen - to "pull off a reasonable British accent" is not enough for a Broadway production. Doing accents comes naturally to some people and is very difficult for others - to play Eliza requires a FANTASTIC accent - and more than one...the cockney at the beginning and then the Higher class British at the end of the show - I'd much sooner see Audra take on this role than I would Sutton Foster.

[TheBalladeer]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 10:36am

Well,

I think Audra McDonald opposite Brian Stokes Mitchell is brilliant casting. As for saying Mr. Mitchell is "too stiff" I am not so sure that I agree with that comment, and furthermore, Professor Higgins isn't exactly the "life of the party". That's part of his whole characterization and dynamic with Eliza...

Eliza is the one who is innocent and non-conventional according to the standards of British society during the setting of the musical, and Higgins is closer to those standards, so he thinks, and in fact, is a "stiff" gentleman. He doesn't start to show the other sides of him until Eliza enters his life. I think this is a role that Brian Stokes Mitchell could really do well.

Audra is just brilliant casting - Eliza is a hard role to sing, and act well. Not only does the actress have to make a dramatic change in character and make it believeable, endearing, and fun, but she also has to vocally reflect that, going from earthy, gutsy mezzo/belty singing in "Loverly" and "Just You Wait" to soaring, beautiful legit soprano in "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Show Me". Audra would be able to do this well. Brilliant casting. And by no means neccessary is Audra "too old" to play this part. She just barely in her early 30's right? And I am sure that she can play younger on stage. And Eliza is really not an ingenue role either. Audra would be perfect.

Sutton Foster, I must agree, would be excellent casting as well. She has the look, has excellent comedic timing, and she's an incredible singer. I would be interested in seeing her tackle this role, as well. And for her, this role would not be a strain for her voice at all.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers,
The Balladeer

Updated On: 4/14/04 at 10:36 AM

[Wicked_Elphie]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 12:04pm

I definitely agree, I think Sutton would be a wonderful choice and I am really hoping for a revival of this soon! Someone said earlier that Hugh Grant should be in it, I would love to see him in something because well..yum...but I don't think he's old enough for the part. I think Brian Stokes Mitchell would be wonderful though! His voice is incredible and I think perfect for the role.

[DivaMommy]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 1:56pm

Balladeer -

Just because I'm bored enough to split hairs this morning, I would have to say "Show Me" does not show off the lyric soprano voice as well as "Without You". I have found my chest mix coming out in "Show Me" because of the passion of the song. Of course, the lovely high G at the end is very legit. It's a great show and an incredible opportunity for any actress who gets to play Eliza. When the revival comes, I hope they find an unknown actress and discover her into the role of Eliza, although I'm sure Sutton or Audra would be wonderful and much more marketable.

[TheBalladeer]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 2:00pm

Diva,

That is true. Not going to argue. But as you said, that G at the end is very lyric soprano. And of course, I always forget "Without You"...although that is such a lovely song!

Cheers,
The Balladeer

[Benzy92]

Posted: 4/14/04 at 2:01pm

Laura Benanti and Hugh Grant