45 replies to this topic

[dirac]

I just saw Alexandra's post and comments re Leslie Howard.  Excuse the repetition.  

[dancersteven]

Lucia Lacarra  for certain, and then either Irek Mukhamedov or else Jordan Morris (Royal Winnipeg)

[cargill]

If we are not confined by time, my nomination for Scarlett is Kshinskaya (sp.)  She was certainly a survivor, and could get anything she wanted from men, and she wanted a lot!  And I definitely see Scarlett doing lots of fouettes.  What about Anton Dolin as Rhett?  If we are doing cross-dressing and blackface, what about Gen Horiuchi as Prissy?

[Alexandra]

Mary, we've been working together too long.  I sent this email to Leigh earlier (because we have had several conversations about Kschessinska).  I wasn't sure most people would be familiar with her, but since you've put her name in the ring, I'll sure second it!  

Mr. Selznick, the search is over!!!

The only possibility for Scarlett is Kschessinska.  

I'd have her do the 32 fouettes twice.  Once at the barbecue, to the absolute horror of both Mama and Mammy.

And then, the second time, at the ball, wearing her widow's weeds.

Defiant, scheming, seductive, with a twinkle in her eye and a diamond on every spare patch of skin, Mathilde is our girl.

I'd also like to second Leigh's nomination of Kenneth Greve for Ashley.  Six foot three, blond hair, blue eyes, very handsome, very charming, capable of doing anything, but....

On Rhett, maybe I'm being too literal, but he was HUGE.  Tall, muscular.  Not short and muscular.  Mukhamedov would be too short, as would Villella.  Think more along the lines of Nikolai Fadayachev  


[This message has been edited by alexandra (edited October 09, 2000).]

[Leigh Witchel]

I have to admit, the moment I heard Kschessinska mentioned I knew the search had ended.

Look no further, Mr. Selznick.  From Tsarkoe Selo directly to Tara, here comes Mathilde!

"But Nicky!!! I didn't push Melanie down the stairs!  She just walked in from of me as I was moving my arms in preparation for my solo, what was I to do?"

------------------
Leigh Witchel -  dae@panix.com
Personal Page and Dance Writing
Dance as Ever

[Alexandra]

I hope it's not necessary to say, but just because we're saying "the search is over!" that's a reference to a famous movie line.  Please feel free to continue your casting decisions.  We may have a "Gone With the Wind" Festival by the time we're through.

[felursus]

Surely ya'all can't have forgotten one of the great dramatic ballerinas of the last century - Lynn Seymour?  Perfect Scarlett.  As for seeking perfection for Ashley - I recall the gasps of one fan at the stage door when the Royal Danes visited NY in the 60s - with reference to Peter Martins: "How can he bear to look at himself in the mirror when he shaves?  It's like looking at a marble statue of Apollo."  And it was, indeed.

[NO7]

For me, either Darcey Bussell or Diana Vishneva can make good Scarlett.

[Lillian]

Patricia McBride IS Melanie

[cargill]

As to the smaller roles, I think Beriosova would be perfect for Scarlett's mother, in her Lady Elgar mode.  No ballet should be without this lovely dancer.  And for Scarlett's Pa, I think Alexander Grant would be wonderful.  And Merle Park for Sue Ellen.  I was trying to cast Belle Watling, and came up with Heather Watts, not quite classical, you know, but very kind-hearted.  I see a very moving duet between her and Melanie when Belle gives Julie Kent the money for charity.

[Natalia]

Here is the ultimate cast:

SCARLET - Sylvie Guillem...gorgeous minx who, I'm sure, will know how to get her Rhett

RHETT - Konstantin Zaklinsky...picture him with a mustache   ! Remember, in the novel, Rhett was quite a bit older than Scarlet

MELANIE - sweet Yvonne Borree (Darcey Bussell would be a second choice but she's too tall to be ideal as 'meek-and-mild')

ASHLEY - Charles Askegaard...no question about it!

MAMMY - Mark Morris in drag AND blackface.

....and in a cameo role....

AUNT PITTIPAT - Natalia Dudinskaya (currently in Boston, rehearsing Bayadere...so I'm sure she can swing down to Atlanta for this!)

[This message has been edited by Jeannie (edited October 10, 2000).]

[dirac]

I pity the unfortunate choreographer who has to explain to Kschessinska that in the postwar scenes she cannot wear her jewelry to pick cotton.

[This message has been edited by dirac (edited October 10, 2000).]

[cargill]

Not to mention having to throw up after eating some mouldy vegetable!  Maybe she could just become dizzy after too many fouettes.

[Yvonne]

My tastes are sometimes eclectic, but I would cast.......

SCARLET- Tanaquil LeClerq
RHETT - Edward Villella (on stilts)
MELANIE - Eleanor D'Antuono
ASHLEY - Erik Bruhn
SCARLET'S WHINEY SISTER (remember, Scarlet married HER boyfriend)- Gelsey Kirkland
MAMMY - Lynn Seymour (think of her in "Dancers")
PRISSY - Heather Watts
BELLE WATLING - Gloria Govrin and Karen Von Aroldigen will share the honors!
MR. O'HARA - Baryishnikov (an OLD Baryshnikov!)
MRS. O'HARA - Melissa Hayden

I don't know who would compose the score, I would have my hands full just keeping this cast together!!  


[This message has been edited by Yvonne (edited October 10, 2000).]

[Lillian]

All this Heather Watts talk has me seeing her as Scarlett (let's not forget the kitchen scene in Dancing on my Grave).
I'm seeing Jillana as Belle.