A WONDERFUL WORLD Previews — Page 3

JTL is Iglehart’s alternate and so has a contractual number of shows he will perform (like Donna Murphy in DOLLY or Mandy Gonzalez in SUNSET).

This truly is a bear of a role, and considering Iglehart is co-directing the show (although I don’t know why 3 directors are necessary) he would probably need an additional performance or two off during previews in order to fulfill his other obligation to the show.

Like I said before, JTL is jaw droppingly good and nobody could convince me that Iglehart could top that.

Bwaygurl2 said: "ACL2006 said: "theatergoer3 said: "James T. Lane back on tonight. I believe I also overheard that the runtime is currently 2hr 50min with intermission."

So JMIalready can't handle the role? Once he won his Tony for Aladdin, he missed many shows and was out frequently in Hamilton, too."

These are scheduled absences that were announced ahead of time."

James was not scheduled to perform last night. He was scheduled for both shows on Sunday.

Here’s the video from the GMA performance.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-A-WONDERFUL-WORLD-Cast-Performs-When-Youre-Smiling-on-Good-Morning-America-20241024

I think this embodies the general critique I and other friends who have seen the show have - Iglehart is a personality. It’s really hard to not see it as JMI playing JMI playing Louis Armstrong. James T. Lane has a full-bodied character. Also, they picked the number that showcases some of the much better aspects of the show and leaves JMI in the dust a bit.

That being said, I hope the choreography is not only remembered during Tony time, but DeWitt Fleming Jr. gets co-nominated with Rickey Tripp

Updated On: 10/24/24 at 11:44 AM

The GMA performance actually made me interested in seeing this!

NYT: Broadway Is Singing Louis Armstrong’s Songs. Here Are 6 Classics.



https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/theater/wonderful-world-louis-armstrong-broadway.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V04.VCpW.pYWLQoc19461

ACL2006 said: "the early word-of-mouth on this is that James T. Lane is giving a better performance than James Monroe Iglehart."

Saw the show this past weekend and can confirm, he was brilliant. Enough energy and charisma to carry the entire show. The matinee audience was mostly deeply geriatric, however I think this musical is a great show for the whole family, especially during upcoming holidays. I was pleasantly surprised by it, being a formulaic jukebox. Loved the stage sets!

Went back this evening and it’s in MUCH better shape. They’ve shaved about 20 minutes off, including deleting the entire opening number and removing most of the “comeback performance” framework (It’s now just Louis and the pianist reminiscing). The pace is also MUCH tighter.

The book still has problems when it comes to moving between the wives (Kim Exum is still barely given a character), but at least it was more palatable fare. Plus, the cast at the stage door are happy that the show is running shorter now as well and anticipate only a slight few more tweaks before opening.

Also, if anyone was curious as to how JTL is as Louis - here’s a little sample of “Hello Dolly”

https://streamable.com/8xzb4a

RippedMan said: "Does Act 1 still end with the two wives giving a vocal powerhouse performance? I loved that in Chicago."

Oh yes. Very much so