Young Frankenstein Workshop To Feature Monster Casting
Young Frankenstein Workshop To Feature Monster CastingAccording to Michael Riedel in this morning's New York Post, the upcoming reading of Mel Brooks' second Broadway-bound musical Young Frankenstein will feature a truly spectacular, inspired cast. Yet, Michael Riedel reports that Brooks & Co. are still in search of their perfect doctor.
Kristin Chenoweth, who's already been announced for the limited Broadway revival of The Apple Tree, is slated to assume the role of Elizabeth (portrayed on the silver screen by Madeline Kahn). As wonderful as that news is, I'm most thrilled that the incredibly talented and versatile Cloris Leachman will reprise her role as Frau Blücher (I can just imagine the horses neighing in delight). Leachman's second Broadway appearance came as an understudy (and ultimately replacement) for the Nellie Forbush role in the original production of South Pacific back in 1949. If Leachman remains in the cast through its Broadway staging, it would mark her first time on the Great White Way since 1959 when she performed in Masquerade.
Additionally, the Brooks/Thomas Meehan tuner reading will include Sutton Foster as Inga (Teri Garr's role), Roger Bart as Igor (Marty Feldman's role), Shuler Hensley as the Monster (Peter Boyle's role), Marc Kudisch as the police inspector (Kenneth Mars' role).
According to Riedel, Brooks and director Susan Stroman's dream doctor would be Hugh Jackman, but others under consideration include Jimmy Fallon (who'd be the second Jimmy Fallon to grace a Broadway stage -- the first was an actor in the 1930s) and Thomas Cavanagh.
Riedel also reports that Brooks & Co. have secured the rights from the Estate of Irving Berlin to use "Puttin' On The Ritz." The musical is currently on track to enjoy a tryout in Chicago next summer before heading to Broadway.
Personally, as wary (weary?) as I am about most musicals based on movies, the pedigree of this one has me practically bouncing off the walls in anticipation. I can't wait and will make every effort to take in the Chicago premiere.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: Broadway, Film, Kristen Chenoweth, Musical, South Pacific, The Apple Tree, Workshop, Young Frankenstein
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, October 11, 2006
1 Comments:
Brian D'Arcy James has landed the prize lead role as Doctor Frankenstein in the "Young Frankenstein" reading. Looks like he'll be spending plenty of time with castmates Kristen Chenoweth and Marc Kudisch over the next year or so....they're also starring with him in the upcoming revival of "The Apple Tree."
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