Just been cast as 'Second Chinese' in Anythng Goes. Not sure which version of the show we're using. I'm very disappointed because I'm not used to having small parts and I don't feel the other casting decisions are appropriate. Anyway, whatevs, gotta just get on with it.
Does anyone know what this part involves? Will I sing or have any lines (or dance)? Is it particularly funny or memorable? Do I have to play some terrible racial stereotype and do a 'funny voice' 'cos I'm really not cool with that.
I'm used to showstopping numbers - any chance here?
Thanks gang! x
"Jane, I've been dealt a blow - I've been dealt a blow, Jane."
A young actress with Noel coward after a dreadful opening night performance said to him 'Well, i knew my lines backwards this morning!''
Noels fast reply was ''Yes dear, and thats exactly how you said them tonight'!'
jczelyph - I played the first the Chinese in a production of 'Anything Goes' who is called Ching and the 2nd Chinese is Ling as the script goes. They have 2 speak scenes. However, the are physically in a lot scenes representing the ensemble. Don't get discouraged because the lines the do have are comedic, depending on how one interpets them. I got laughs when I played the role. If you want some advice, I would say characterize your walk/movements and with the accent, make it comedic, but real at the same time. Also, play with voice inflection. I am Chinese so I memiced my relitives. But the 1st Chinese's role is slightly more pominent
I played Ling a while ago, it was a lot of fun. broadwaybuddy824 gave you some excellent advice, seriously make it funny- go over the top, dont hold anything back. Once on stage an actor missed his cue- leaving myself and my fellow Chinese convert on stage and we improved a scene in CHINESE for like 4.5 minutes, and we had the audience in stitches. No joke, if you have a good director/choreographer there is no way you will not have a most enjoyable experience.
I just did the 1962 version, the chinese characters are in 3 or 4 really funny scenes. I wasn't one of the chinese parts, but I did see your how there did they parts. You get to speak in accents, and be over the top (but not offensive it can be an easy mistake to make.)Also, I always thought it would be funny if the two characters learned to speak Chinese to make the character more realistic. Break a leg!
Everyone gets disappointed with the roles they get when they do "Anything Goes". I got the Bishop. I thought the Chinese characters would be fun to play. I'd do it really over the top. They are really mischevious, so make sure to always have a playful glint in your eyes, and a Cheshire Cat-like smile and you'll be great.
"There are only two worthwhile things to leave behind when we depart this world of ours: children and art."
-Sunday In The Park With George
Wait a minute...Hold on for just a sec...did you say "I usually get big roles," or words to that effect? And now you "have to" play a supporting role?
Well, poor frickin' YOU.
If you're gonna be a diva, just quit the show and let somebody who isn't all wrapped up in being a community/high school/ college THEATRE STAR have some fun with the part.