How To Succeed.. 2011 Revival Question

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I've tried researching this question, but to no avail. Who is the lady in red (character/actress) who sings and dances a storm in the "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" 2011 Tony Awards telecast? She's fantastic! I'm not too familiar with the show, hence the question. from RC in Austin, Texas

[nasty_khakis]

The soloist in "Brotherhood of Man" is Miss Jones, Biggley's secretary. In the Broderick revival it was Lillas White who did a sassy/belty solo, but the revival reenstated the traditional soprano solo with Ellen Harvey.



http://www.broadway.com/buzz/157427/how-to-succeeds-ellen-harvey-on-dancing-with-daniel-radcliffe-and-swinging-around-a-broadway-stage/

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Thank you. Also, I saw this on her website:

News Flash! After spending an amazing summer doing "Into The Woods" for Shakespeare in the Park, she is trading in flying squirrels for flying chandeliers! Ellen will be joining the Broadway cast of "Phantom of the Opera" as Madame Giry starting in November 2012. She is thrilled to be a part of this 25th Anniversary cast.

[Jon]

The use of Lilias White in the earlier revival was a poor directorial decision. It's supposed to be a surprise when the uptight old secretary gets up on the desk and starts wailing. With White, you just knew she was going to cut loose. Why else would she be there?

[darquegk]

I think it would be funny somewhere in the middle- instead of the old church-lady soprano singing somewhat meekly like she thinks "the coloreds" do, an uptight, super-white lady who suddenly busts forth with an amazing gospel voice.

Or, bring out Louis Armstrong for the obligatory late-50s/early 60s Satchmo cameo in the climactic musical number.

[goldenboy]

I agree whole heartedly with Jon. I am a Lilias White fan (so great in The Life) but she was miscast as Miss. Jones and it did not work. Ellen Harvey did a great job as did the original Miss. Jone-- Ruth Kobart. Ruth Kobart always makes me laugh.