Calling all limber musical theater actresses who want to spend a week in the arms of a muscular, young Broadway acrobat! Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh will give up her trapeze from January 22 through January 26 in the Tony-winning musical Pippin to star in the 10th anniversary production of Golda’s Balcony. Feldshuh first joined the production as a cover while Tony winner Andrea Martin was on vacation; then she assumed the role of feisty grandma Berthe full-time in September after Martin departed the production. With this model in mind, BroadwayBox compiled a list of five acclaimed theater actresses we’d like to see make magic in Pippin.
Liliane Montevecchi
The fabulous French Tony winner appeared on Broadway in Nine and Grand Hotel, as well as the famed Folies Bergere, and we think she’s just feisty enough for the task.
Ellen Greene
It would be such a treat to see the Little Shop of Horrors icon and Threepenny Opera Tony nominee on the Great White Way again, if only for just one week.
Chita Rivera
Who better to sing a song about enjoying life at any age than the ultimate Broadway dancer? At age 80, there’s no slowing down this living legend.
Ann Reinking
This Tony-winning star’s history with Pippin creator Bob Fosse adds an extra layer of fun for theater fans, but even without the connection, she’d still be one of our top choices.
Leslie Uggams
If this Tony-winning actress gives “No Time At All” half the energy she put into her infamous “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” performance, the Pippin audiences will be on their feet and cheering.
Update!
Emmy-nominated comedian Annie Potts, best known for TV’s Designing Women, GCB and Any Day Now and the Ghostbusters and Toy Story film franchises, has been announced to take over the role of Berthe in Broadway’s Pippin beginning January 21. Check out Potts’ signature brand of comedy in this rare clip from the Designing Women pilot.
