Wrong. Little Nell originated the role in the first London run of the show.Columbia wasn't in the stage play
I read about this two weeks ago and was appalled. I admit it. I love the original and can not see this being a good idea. Tim Curry is a god in that role.
However, having directed and produced the stage version before, I think this could be pulled off if they went in a completely new direction in terms of casting. I would suggest going with an actress to play Frank. If you have someone with the right sexual/masculine energy it could make the role fresh again. And instead of a doe-eyed Susan Sarandon clone, cast someone like Kristen Chenoworth. You could have innocent blond Janet turning into a sexual beast. Brad could be played by an actor known for being droll and he could then transform into a feminine Clay Aiken wannabe. The material lends itself to a broad range of possibilities. And if the director can spin the production in a new direction, one that pays homage to the original themes, stays away from becoming a bad Madonna video and carves out its own territory, it might could work. (I doubt anyone has the artistic creativity to do it though.) The show's themes of sexual ambiguity in a time of strict morality are still relevant today and could still make a powerful statement if handled properly.
I don't have a problem with it. It doesn't make the original movie self-destruct or anything. I've appeared in two different productions of the original play and it's fun to see some of the interesting choices different actors make for the same part.
Bring it on, sez I.
Wrong. Little Nell originated the role in the first London run of the show.Columbia wasn't in the stage play
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