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Received: September 12, 2008
Sent: LOR, Carrie the Musical Picture, SASE (my only brit stamp ever!) & Q
To:
Linzi Hateley
(Mamma Mia)
c/o Prince of Wales Theatre
??
London, ??
UK
(HAHA Sorry about that)
Received: Headshot (signed), flier, and Carrie the Musical picture (signed), as well as a small note & Q filled out
Linzi Hateley created & originated the role of lifetime when on her exact date of her 17th Birthday, she got confimation that she would be playing the lead/title role in "Carrie the Musical," based off the Stephen King [now-classic] novel & film. She was and still remains the youngest leading lady to ever grace the Royal Shakesphere Company's stages (this was their second, and I believe LAST musical) at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Theatre in England, where for the first (& ONLY) time a true Anglo-American musical was formed, a direct equal amount of Americans & English in the cast. The show received mixed-to-negative reviews in England, praising Linzi Hateley's performance, among others being the American Charlotte D'Ambroise. Barbra Cook, who portrayed Mrs. White in the musicl in England, was almost decaptated by an elaborate set piece and promptly resigned following the run. Betty Buckley (known as Grizabella, Norma Desmond among other roles, and played the gym teacher in the movie) joined the cast for it's Broadway run, which was flawed before it had even begun.
Rehersals on the American side were rough. Debbie Allen (who choreographed Fame, among other things, as well as the lyrcist & composer were of 'Fame' fame too) had rigourous dance scenes, which required more time to reherse than thought. Carrie's opening was then pushed back to May 4, 1988, the last day it could be accepted for the Tony Awards. However, more technical/personality issues occured and teh show opened, after only two weeks of previews, on Thursday, May 14. The show closed May 17, 1988, after 5 performances. The show was entirely panned by the critics, considered to be the largest flop in Broadway history, and left the majority of the cast in disaray, as many had hoped it would be a big hit (it had indeed sold out for most of it's preview performances, but once the reviews came out, groups pulled out & people stopped by buying). The show argueably has one of hte largest cult followings, with many audio and video bootleg surrounding the web (although the second act of the Broadway version cannot be found). Several problems with the show included the costumes, which critics said were the worst Broadway will ever see; Carrie had practically a small cup of blood poured--err dumped on her; her telekentic powers were seen very little, and usually when she was very happy (a sappy number including a dancing dress/shows/powderpuff/hair brush), but not fully explained.
The destruction occured behind a scrim, with Linzi Hateley standing on a podeium, and many red lasers, literally, pointed out of her. Then, out of no where, a large white staircase appeared from the ceiling, obviousuly to Carrie fans symbolizing the roof collasping (though many were left extremely confused)...the set piece that almost killed Barbra Cook!
Linzi Hateley returned to London to have Cameron Mackintosh (a famed producer) requesting her to join the cast of London's LES MISERABLES as Eponine, which she took and played for several years. Hateley within the past decade has down Chicago & Mamma Mia (currently) countless times, as well as originating the role of Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins. Hateley has suprisingly admited to owning a copy of a bootleg of Carrie herself. I asked her about that and she said she doesnt really watch it just for keeping
.Linzi Hateley, is no doubt a legend amongst Broadway fans forever. However, she has not been seen on Broadway since Carrie, but apparently to her note, it sounds like they offered her to either take over the role of FANTINE from Lea Salonga or Judy Kuhn, but the show closed before she had a chance. She also mentioned about her daughter and not wanting to leave.
I also asked about why she was smiling in the picture when she was all covered in blood! (Blood or fake-blood, regardless is not giddy about LOL). She said she got the giggles HAHAH.
Hopefully she will return to our shores one day!!
(Hopefully YOU lasted through this post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
)She is seen in both pictures in my current CARRIE THE MUSICAL signature.
