| As I describe in my book "The Algonquin Kid," the original leads in THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM were Raul Julia and Rhonda Coullet. This developmental production was the inaugural production of the Stuart Ostrow Musical Theatre Lab at St. Clement's. I was assistant to Stephanie Copeland, the Artistic Director of the program. Barry Bostwick was sought but was unavailable. Kevin Kline auditioned but (at least at that early point in his career) was deemed "too stiff." The next offer went to John Getz, who opted for a Broadway play which eventually flopped and which Getz left during rehearsals. By that time, Jamie Lockhart had been cast with Julia and John Getz settled for the secondary role of Mike Fink (The role was cut after being used in the Acting Company version). I myself did the seating arrangements when John Houseman attended the final performance at St. Clement's, resulting in his optioning the show for the Acting Company. Company members, Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone, were then cast, though there was some talk of Rhonda joining the Acting Company to recreate the role she eventually got to do on Broadway opposite Barry Bostwick. - Michael Colby |
