Remembering Carole Shelley

Most of the younger generation of theater fans will likely remember the late Carole Shelley as the villainous original Madame Morrible in Wicked. But her career spanned decades, so depending on how long you've been a Broadway fan, you may remember her from the original cast of The Odd Couple, or her Tony-winning turn in the original cast of The Elephant Man. 

I had heard of the beloved British actress for years before I finally got to see her perform, and I will never forget it. I finally had the opportunity to attend a post-performance talk-back after seeing her as Fraulein Schneider in the 1998 revival of Cabaret. Her performance was electric; dignity, regret, anger and a sweetness marked her masterful portrayal. And her talk-back was gracious and funny. It was a wonderful experience and memory. More recently, I had privilege of seeing her a few times in her Tony-nominated role of Grandma in Billy Elliot. Sublime.

(Top) with Philip Anglim in The Elephant Man

(Bottom) as Madame Morrible in Wicked 

with Tom Bosley in Cabaret

with Kiril Kulish in Billy Elliot

Thank you, Ms. Shelley. RIP

Broadway Ladies: Ms. August 2014: Carole Shelley

Ms. August 2014

Carole Shelley

WHY SHE'S MS. BROADWAY: In a way, it is fitting that I am announcing this month's Ms. Broadway honoree on a "Throwback Thursday," considering what an amazing early career she had.  She made her debut in the original Broadway cast of the now classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple. Along the way in her almost 50 year career on the boards on New York, she's done comedy, drama, classic and modern, play and musical.  She has amassed five Tony Award nominations, winning one for her work in the original cast of The Elephant Man. Of course, today's audiences know her from her last three roles: Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret (she's one of the best I've ever seen), as the very first Madame Morrible in Wicked, and as Grandma in Billy Elliot.  And with yesterday's announcement that Carole Shelley will be joining the A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder company - her 20th Broadway show, I can't really call her a "throwback" can I? She's timeless.

CANDIDS AND HEAD SHOTS:

BROADWAY: The Odd Couple, The Elephant Man, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Cabaret, Wicked, Billy Elliot

Jeff
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