Which Role Should Lea DeLaria Play on Broadway? | Playbill

Stage to Page Which Role Should Lea DeLaria Play on Broadway? Lea DeLaria, known for her work as "Carrie 'Big Boo' Black" on "Orange is the New Black," is no stranger to the Broadway stage. With a new album just released, and multiple Broadway credits under her belt, Playbill.com asked readers what role DeLaria should play next.
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Lea DeLaria

DeLaria was most recently seen as Eddie/Dr. Scott in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show in 2000. She also starred as Hildy Esterhazy in the Public Theater's 1998 production of On The Town. Playbill.com took to social media and asked readers which Broadway role they'd most like to see DeLaria play. DeLaria also got involved in the conversation responding to a fan who thought she might be best suited to play Gretl, the youngest Von Trapp child, in The Sound of Music:

 

 

Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago:

Sam Durbin: Matron "Mama" Morton from Chicago! Her comedy and appearance remind me of Moms Mabley. Plus, her bellowing vocals lets you know this is one "Mother Hen" that should not and will not be crossed. Besides, she has the prison experience from "Orange is the New Black"! 

Catherine Tharp: Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago. Plays an inmate on TV, plays the keeper of the keys onstage. 

Lauren Salazar: Omg, I totally agree with everyone saying she should be in Chicago! Matron "Mama Morton" for sure!! 

Suzy Helene Quackenbush: I can see her as a wonderful and campy "Mama" Morton in Chicago

The role of Matron "Mama" Morton, who presides over the cell block at Cook County Jail, where much of the story takes place, is a key one in the musical Chicago. The opening-night cast of the 1996 Broadway revival featured Marcia Lewis in the role of Mama, for which she was Tony-nominated. Lewis' work is preserved on the Chicago cast album, which includes her big musical number, "When You're Good to Mama." For many fans of Chicago, Queen Latifah has become the quintessential Mama after she gave the character a sassy twist in the critically acclaimed film adaptation. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her on-screen performance. 

The Emcee in Cabaret:

 

 

The Emcee, or Master of Ceremonies, is a pivotal role in the musical Cabaret. The opening-night cast of the 1966 Broadway production featured Joel Grey in the role, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Grey reprised his role in the 1987 revival, and won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1972 film adaptation. Alan Cumming took over the role in the 1998 revival (for which he won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical), and again in Roundabout Theatre Company's 2014 revival.

Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum:

Andrew Parks:  Pseudolus in Forum

 

The role of Pseudolus, a slave who seeks to win his/her freedom, in the musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum was originally written to be played by a man, but has since been cast as female on Broadway. When Nathan Lane left the 1996 Broadway revival of the show, he was replaced by comedienne Whoopi Goldberg. A revival of Forum was announced last year for spring 2015, starring James Corden as Pseudolus, but it has since been postponed and the role has not yet been filled. 

Alison in Fun Home

Coco Schmiko: Alison in Fun Home

The new musical Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel's autobiographical graphic novel, opened on April 19, 2015, at the Circle in the Square Theatre after a run at the Public. The role of Alison is played at three ages, the oldest serving as a narrator for the show, replaying memories in her head. Beth Malone is currently starring as Alison. The show features music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Fun Home won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical. 

Ado Annie in Oklahoma! 

 

Ado Annie Carnes is a flirtatious young woman who "cain't say no." She serves as a main character, and love-interest to cowboy Will Parker, in the musical Oklahoma! The original 1943 Broadway cast featured Celeste Holm in the role. Subsequent Broadway Ado Annie's include Jacqueline Sundt in 1951, Barbara Cook in 1953, Christine Ebersole in 1979 and Jessica Boevers in 2002. 

Golde in Fiddler on the Roof

Janet Moskowitz: Golde

Golde is the matriarch of Tevye's family in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The 2015 revival has just announced that it will feature Jessica Hecht in the role, alongside Danny Burstein as Tevye the milkman. Previous Broadway Goldes include Maria Karlinova in 1964 and 1967, Thelma Lee in 1976, Marcia Lewis in 1991, Randy Graff in 2004 and Rosie O'Donnell in 2005. Her song "Sunrise, Sunset" is one of the most well-known numbers from the show.

Ursula in The Little Mermaid

Ric Warren: Ursula in The Little Mermaid

Ursula the Sea Witch is the main villain in Disney's The Little Mermaid. She is typically played as an octopus who gives Ariel legs to walk on land in exchange for her voice. She was originally portrayed on Broadway by Sherie Rene Scott, and then by Faith Prince. The original cast recording features Scott singing "Poor Unfortunate Souls," Ursula's signature song.

Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls:

Annie Seelig-Suhrcke: How about as Nathan Detroit in a reimagined "Dolls and Dolls" 

Nathan Detroit, the leader of an illegal underground craps game, is one of the four main characters in the musical Guys and Dolls. The role is traditionally written for a man. Notable Broadway Nathan Detroits include Sam Levene in the original 1946 production, Walter Matthau at City Center in 1955, Nathan Lane in 1992 and Oliver Platt in 2009. Casting for the role has not been announced for the upcoming West End revival. 

Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly!

Ron Zank: She would be a hilarious and heartbreaking Dolly Levi.

Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi, a widow who decides to begin her life again, is the star of the musical Hello, Dolly! The role was originated on Broadway in 1964 by Carol Channing. Channing revived her role in 1978 and again in 1995. Pearl Bailey also portrayed Dolly in 1975. The musical is based on Thornton Wilder's story "The Matchmaker."

 
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