A READER WRITES....
Here's the best letter we've gotten from our readers lately.
"Dear Stage Space: I heard that Patti Lupone injured herself, that she broke a toe or something. Do you think she will be leaving GYPSY? Do you think they will re-cast the role of Mama Rose? If they were to re-cast, who would be your pick for Mama Rose?"
"Dear Reader: Patti Lupone is continuing to play the role, now performing in Isotoners rather than in regular shoes. Nothing could keep her away from a part she was born to play. She's never had a better showcase. This is one of the greatest roles in all of musical theater. It's doubtful she'd wantb to miss out on the chance to star in this show.
And if she were not in the current production, our guess is that the box-office would fall off so much that the show would probably have to close. The role of Mama Rose is extremely demanding. There simply aren't many stars who can do justice to the role. Although Betty Buckley did an amazing job at Paper Mill Playhouse a few years ago, in a first-rate revival directed by Mark Waldrop. And if LuPone DID leave, our recommendation would be that Betty Buckley be given a chance to play the role on Broadway. That's just our recommendation. Not much chance of that ever happening. Given the spectacular reviews (and the Tony Award) that she 's gotten, our guess is that the role is basically LuPone's for as long as she wants it."
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| Betty Buckley |
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