[alex591]

I love Brenda, But I think its time for her to go for a while! What are your thoughts?

[pish123c]

I dunno.


I saw Chicago for the first time the other week, she was Velma.
I'm not gonna lye, she was really very good. I couldn't complain.



However I really don't think it's her decision whether she stays or goes.

[alex591]

I'd actually LOVE to see Ana Gasteyer from Saturday Night Live play Velma! I loved her Elphaba! She'd be a great Velma!

[pish123c]

Ana Gasteyer?



In all honesty I wasn't that impressed with her performance in Wicked, I thought she had a understudy-quality performance. and she dosen't exactly possess the sex appeal of Velma if you ask me.

[Kev]

Ana G. would be a Roxie, hands-down.

I'm absolutely sure Brenda has the power to make the decision whether she wants to stay or leave. It's called a contract, and it's always negotiable. She's been with the show long enough and has pull. Regardless of whether or not we're all tired of seeing her (she's great in the role, but I don't feel like sitting through her performance again either), her stay in Chicago means a steady paycheck for a gig she's more than used to.

[Joe]

she's a fine velma.


would i like to see someone new? yes.


hell would i like to see someone old back? sure. i'd love for a donna marie/velma run.


i'm just a lil tired of brenda and even bianca. it seems like i can't escape their performances - on broadway and on tour.

[alex591]

[Tom]

I just saw Bebe's final performance as Roxie on 4/22 with Brenda as Velma. I found her to be quite enjoyable and the show did not show signs of the typical long run fatigue most shows get.

I would rather see a competent Broadway performer such as Brenda than any more gimmick casting of has been tv performers and aging pop stars

[Joe]

[alex591]

[Tom]

[Kev]

Both Deborah and Jasmine started in theatre, though. And niether one was gimmick casting or meant to rack in the sales; they were both genuinely talented and good in their role.

[Joe]

deborah did the show up to north shore music theatre, and she was fabulous - best part of that dreadful production to be honest.

jasmine has an extensive dance background, plus she originated the role of velma on tour...back when stunt casting wasn't needed cause "chicago" was one of the hardest shows to get tickets to, so she wasn't playing velma to sell tickets. besides did you even see jasmine? she was a perfect fit for the role - fierce dancing, dead-on acting and great vocals.


joe, who thinks he'll pull out some of his tour press reels and relive some of the jasmine/velma love

[alex591]

[alex591]

OK wow, Brenda is gonna be turning 51 and shes still dancing like that! Ok well, my decision has changed! She should stay in the show! Go Brenda! Go!

[pish123c]

Yeah I know, it's hard to believe shes 50! If I had to guess I'd say about 30!


But why did your decision change just based on her age?
I don't think it matters if she or any other actor is 100, it all relies on talent.

[alex591]

I know right! lol!

[ruthiefan_felix]

YOU'RE KIDDING! Brenda's 50?! WHAT?! She looks like early 30s!!!! WOW, WELL DONE with keeping that gorgeous look girl!

[sherwills]

[Kev]

[theatre4life]

Im not reading all the replies on here, but Ill still go on record to say that Terra C. MacLeod was the BEST and most FABULOUS Velma EVER.

[alex591]

Terra is & so is Roxane Carrasco too! She rocks too!

[SupremeDiva]

I love and adore Terra (as she well knows) but Roxane wins out by leaps and bounds for Velma.

We all have our favorites.

I miss that chick.

[theatre4life]

well, i've only seen Terra live, so that helps.

never even saw a video clip or anything of Roxanne.

[alex591]

[SupremeDiva]

Re-read what i wrote. Rox is my favorite Velma. Ever. Hands down, no contest.

Rox had several runs as Velma. Her Broadway debut as Velma was Jaunary 14, 2002 and she ran three months with Michele Pawk, Eric Jordan Young and Belle Calaway. (you know what's really sad? I just spouted that out off the top of my head -- date and everything -- without having to look it up. I need a better hobby)

Rox does this great flying split thing at the end of ICDIA.... every time she does it, the audience gasps. There was this one night at the Ambassador a few years back... Roxane and Tracy Shayne (who are really great friends off stage) were playing opposite each other -- it was their opening night... Rox does the flying split, the audience gasps and goes BERSERK. They applauded and yelled -- no lie -- for a good 2 minutes. Rox finally had to break character and acknowledge the audience to get them to quiet down.

After that, she had numerous runs as Velma both long and short, understudied the role and stood by for Mama as well (she's also a phenomenal Mama, but Michele Pawk wins for my favorite there. And Roz. But Michele even beats Roz lol).

[SupremeDiva]

[theatre4life]

no, i'd forgotten. i have seen that clip and it's in my faves on youtube. and yes - she is FABULOUS. but, my fave is still Terra.

[SupremeDiva]