https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/OFFICIAL-Nathan-Lane-Led-THE-NANCE-to-Open-415-at-Lyceum-Theatre-Jack-OBrien-to-Direct-20121024
I can not wait to see him back on Broadway!!! It should be in THE ICEMAN COMETH, but this will do
Yay. I've been waiting to see Nathan Lane play Nathan Lane in a new Nathan Lane play.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Haven't people tired of him, yet?
Understudy Joined: 6/1/08
It's actually Douglas Carter Beane's new play, and a more serious one as well. As for audiences being tired of Lane, I don't think so. He kept The Addams Family alive for a year after devastating reviews, starred in a hugely successful revival of Iceman, and has been very well received in an understated performance on The Good Wife. He's also been away from Bway for 2 years, so it's not like we've just seen him. Just go see The Performers instead.
Nathan Lane's a gem-no getting tired of a gem. A one of a kind gem.
Count me in...another drab Nathan Lane portrayal! Can't wait...I enjoyed him more in Love, Valour than Producers or Merlin or Addams Family but I need my Nathan fix.
Nathan has taken a definite serious path in his most recent work. There is nothing funny about THE ICEMAN COMETH or THE GOOD WIFE. From what I understand, this new play is pretty dark and serious as well. He wants to show his range and break the mold the haters have him in before the end of his career. He certainly has the acting chops, work ethic and drive to do drama well.
Nathan said during Addams Family that it was probably his last musical. The recent serious roles show that great side of Nathan that has been overshadowed by the enormity of the musical roles he has played. He is a wonderfully talented actor. I am thrilled about this role and the subject matter. I think he will be perfect.
Here's how his role is described in a casting notice:
"Male. Late 40s – Early 50s. A performer. Off stage he is refined and elegant. Even if his shirts are frayed, there is a sophistication about him. He speaks with a standard American accent so flawless he almost sounds British. A quick temper. Overly proud and vain, a mischievous sense of humor. Self-loathing but still charming. On stage, all bets are off. Wild, effeminate, think Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reilly at their swishiest. Must have an ability to hold a stage with personality. Some singing involved."
...sounds like Nathan Lane.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/3/12
Thank you for sharing that, Kad. From reading that, it does sound like a character Nathan will be able to do very well.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The question is, will he get bored in the role and start breaking character and talking to the audience?
I love Nathan Lane... i mean i was so turned on to him when i first saw him in the Los Angeles production of the "Lisbon Traviata" so many years ago, and still to this day am a huge fan...he is MR. BROADWAY!...
In my experience Joey (as Lane used to be called) was also a really nice guy, if a little shy, and as funny off stage as on.
I don't get the hatred...
^^^ Thank you for the input, GavestonPS That's good to hear.
And I don't get it, either. But... I don't know that it's really "hatred"/"haters", I think it's more a mentality of "one trick pony."
"I've seen him do that before."
Sorry... Double post.
Swing Joined: 10/26/12
I will never tire of seeing Nathan Lane perform! ;D
^^^ Neither will I, AThousandSweetKisses
I'm a huge Nathan Lane fan, but-- "In my experience Joey (as Lane used to be called) was also a really nice guy"
I'm glad you had that experience, but no.
The question is, will he get bored in the role and start breaking character and talking to the audience?
I've never seen him break when he was doing a straight play. He's only done it in FORUM, THE PRODUCERS, and THE FROGS (to my experience), and each time he did it there it was expected and encouraged. He definitely didn't do it in BUTLEY or GODOT or ICEMAN COMETH. (Although considering his character is a vaudevillian I wouldn't be surprised if there was vamping written into the script)
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
He couldn't have been sweeter every time I've had the pleasure of meeting him. Kind and gracious. Always love seeing him on stage.
^^^ That's been my expierience, too, iluvtheatertrash. And I do, too.
Oh, dear Nathan is a curmudgeon and is the first one to admit it! Not saying anything new here.
No one is saying he's a saint, Jane2. No one is saying we eat dinner with him all the time and know him as a "friend." I expect we are all meaning stage door expieriences, charity events, ect.
Yes, Eponine Amneris. Of course he's a nice guy at stage door experiences, charity events, ETC. What celebrity isn't? It's their job, you know.
Just forget it, ok? ok!
Videos