Is Johansson's South Pacific Journey Just Happy Talk?
For the second time in as many years, silver screen starlet
Scarlett Johansson is rumored to be in the running for a leading role in a revival of a
Rodgers and
Hammerstein classic.
Still no word on whether Miss Johansson actually has the appropriate voice for the role.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
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Labels: Broadway, Kelli O'Hara, Musical, Reese Witherspoon, Revival, Rumor, Scarlett Johansson, South Pacific, The Sound Of Music
The Hills Were Almost Alive with the Sound of JohanssonToday’s issue of
The Times of London includes
a fascinating, inside look by Adam Sherwin on how young movie starlet
Scarlett Johansson was very close to taking on the role of Maria for
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s upcoming West End revival of
The Sound of Music.
Of course, now that plum leading role will be filled by an unknown to be chosen by the most gimmicky of casting calls: the dreaded reality show. Dubbed “Nun Idol,” the winner will be chosen by television viewers of the program, “
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” that will be hosted by the ever-amusing
Graham Norton; Webber will actively participate in the show.
According to the story, Webber thought at one point that he had sealed the deal with Johansson. He is quoted as saying, “We had a hysterical lunch which ended in the early hours of the morning. We were at the top of the Peninsula Hotel and she sang in front of everyone, which was fantastic. She can really sing. I said to her, ‘Do you want to do
Sound of Music?’ She said ‘yes’. We started planning things.”
But apparently that’s when Johansson’s keepers stepped in and decided that doing a London stage gig for a paltry £10,000 per week didn’t measure up to the $10 million she could earn for a movie. Webber lamented, “It was annoying because I think she really wanted to do it.”
Webber’s revival of the classic
Richard Rodgers and
Oscar Hammerstein II musical opens this November at the storied London Palladium.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.Related Stories:Music to London Palladium's Ears (May 17, 2006)
Labels: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, London, Musical, Revival, Television, The Sound Of Music
Music to London Palladium’s Ears
The London Palladium has long served West End audiences as one of its most revered venues -- it’s where I’ve had the privilege of seeing the most recent revival of
Lionel Bart’s Oliver with Jim Dale (1995), as well as
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002), which ultimately transferred to Broadway last year.
Now comes official word that the London Palladium has confirmed dates this fall for one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved musicals of all time,
The Sound of Music. While casting has yet to be announced,
rumors abound that actress Scarlett Johansson is under consideration for the coveted role of Maria, yet a British reality show will likely yield the ultimate singing nun. Regardless, any mounting of this adored classic, particularly at a venue as prestigious as the London Palladium, is certain to be a major event. Previews begin on November 3 with opening night scheduled for November 14. Tickets will go on sale June 11.
It’s been nearly 50 years since
The Sound of Music first opened on Broadway with the legendary Mary Martin in the role of Maria and Theodore Bickel as Captain von Trapp. That production earned the 1959 Tony Award for Best Musical. During the most recent Broadway revival, in 1999, Rebecca Luker filled Maria’s shoes opposite Michael Siberry’s Captain von Trapp.
Incredibly enough, however, it’s been a quarter century since the last London staging. Given the approaching 50th anniversary of the original -- as well as the impressive production team behind this West End revival that includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group, David Ian and Live Nation -- could this timeless musical ultimately be Broadway-bound?
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for more ticket information.Labels: Andrew Lloyd Webber, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, London, Musical, Revival, The Sound Of Music
