Jemima Rooper told me at the premiere of her new film What If that Dame Angela Lansbury may re-joining her on stage in Blithe Sprit after its sell-out run in London. “We’re hoping to bring it back with her in the US,” she says. Of working with Dame Angela, 88, she says: "It was amazing. She didn’t get any special treatment, she’s a grafter. Whenever you feel like you’ve got a bit of a headache and you can’t be bothered, she’s almost 90 and she’s delivering every day."
Does anyone know anything more about this? Seems very strange to be honest. They are obviously not bringing it back to Broadway considering that it's the same production that opened there in 2009. I thought that Dame Angela will more interested in appearing in something new instead of recreating the character she just played for 5 months.
I'll cry with joy if it is Los Angeles. Maybe a tour (with LA as a stop?!?)
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999
From the quote, there's no way of knowing whether this is an actual possibility or just wishful thinking on Jemima Rooper's part. That said, Angela Lansbury was brilliant and hilarious as Madame Arcati in the extremely entertaining Broadway revival. The London production reportedly was as good or better. If the British production does come here, I'll go anywhere in the U.S. to see it. Nothing wrong with a show that puts a smile on my face for two and a half hours!
Please, please be LA at the end of the year, I missed it in London by one day..
Well I didn't want to get into it, but he's a Satanist.
Every full moon he sacrifices 4 puppies to the Dark Lord and smears their blood on his paino.
This should help you understand the score for Wicked a little bit more.
Tazber's: Reply to
Is Stephen Schwartz a Practicing Christian
I saw it in NYC in 2009 and twice in London this year. Although the cast was wonderful in both productions, I did enjoy the West End more. Dame Angela could have not picked a better show for her West End return. The audience went nuts for her.
Actually, Dame Angela is an Irish citizen. Her Dame title had to be approved by Irish Cabinet during an incorporeal meeting of the Government in accordance with Ireland constitution.
Please refrain from saying how brilliant she was in this show because it is absolute torture that I missed it. Better yet, let's make this US return happen!
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999
We saw her in Blithe Spirit in London, and will not say she was brilliant in deference to emo-geek. So, I can say she was very very funny - she enlivened all of her scenes. She had a real character and made it more than written on the page. It was an amazing performance for any actor without regard to age. But, the rest of the cast was terrific also. The young lady playing the maid stole every second she was on stage - with her doughy eyes and movements. It was a terrific time in the theatre.
If - IF - this rumor is actually true, do we think US Equity would allow a largely British cast? I'd prefer not to see a bunch of dodgy accents and put-on affectations in such a quintessentially British play.
The maid was played by the wonderful Patsy Ferran. It was her debut role. I'm sure she has a bright career ahead of her. As for Dame Angela, she deserved every single standing ovation. Her comedic timing is just impeccable. She is a great, great comedienne. It's a shame she hasn't really gotten to show that side of her in the movies.
If there was legit interest in Dame Angelas's part, Center Theater Group would be genius to jump on this...it would sell out and I bet they could also book the show in SF if they were willing to produce
IF it WERE to happen at Center Theatre Group, when would the appropriate time for an announcement be?
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999