I was assuming that both Rivera and Minnelli were jokes and not being seriously put forth. LuPone is an interesting idea, but, if she was serious about being done with Broadway, she's probably as likely as either of the others. Assuming these three are serious candidate, just for a moment, I think only LuPone would have the voice for the role, and I'm not sure LuPone's voice is the right voice, if we're looking at Victoria Clark as the template. Of course, keys and arrangements can be changed.
When I made the statement that none of the women mentioned would sell tickets, I was considering Gleason, Golden, Martin, and Ziemba.
McKechnie is an interesting case. Star though she is, has she ever headlined a show? Has any show ever come to Broadway with her name as a selling point? Her legend is based on a number of shows where she shined in the ensemble (notably PROMISES PROMISES and COMPANY) and A CHORUS LINE, with which she is forever linked, but which still featured her in an ensemble of performers (although, she had one of a handful of roles that are considered more prominent than the others). Her name might have been over the title in STATE FAIR, but it was up there with all the other leads and she, once again, was not carrying the show.
Maybe she would sell tickets in KA. It would be interesting to find out. I wonder if her fans would think her wasted in a show that wouldn't utilize all her dancing ability. Although, I supposed some dance could be added. Lord knows, that's been done in shows before. |
