According to Telecharge, Adam Pascal starts playing the role of "Billy Flynn" beginning April 8th. Honestly, I'm not too familiar with him. For those of you who know his work, thoughts? from RC in Austin, Texas
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
weird to watch a pseudo heart throb ("rent" days) age into a Billy. but I think he will be great!
According to everybody; the press release went out this morning.
Helpful link! http://playbill.com/news/article/176628-Rent-Star-Adam-Pascal-Will-Join-Cast-of-Broadways-Chicago
Well, between him and Christine Pedi...I may just have to get back there.
I don't understand all the comments I'm hearing about Pascal's age. Billy Flynn does not have to be a certain age. He's been played by everyone from Usher (age 27) to George Hamilton (age 63).
Yes, it's weird to see a former heartthrob age into a role that...could be the same age as the role he became famous for.
That said, I love Adam and will definitely be making a return trip to CHICAGO to see him. I think he could be good, but very different than most of the Billys.
This would definitely get me to see Chicago again. I think he'll be great. In an interview, Christine Pedi talked about a new Billy coming in, but at the time she couldn't say who just yet. This is very exciting news.
I don't think the idea of a "hearthrob" "aging into" this part is weird -- no matter his age, Billy has to be charming, no? Plus, Taye Diggs played the part. If Taye ain't a heartthrob, I dunno what is. If anything is weird about it it's just that seeing an actor "age into" a new set of role options forces us to think about how old we've all gotten.
(But at the risk of negating all of of that, yeah, Billy can really be any age so whatever.)
Anyway, I think Adam is one of those actors who is always full of surprises, and often proves wrong ideas people have about what he can and can't do. He's been wanting to play this part for a long time, so more power to him. I'll get my ass there eventually.
But also sad.
I think this is good casting. Im more surprised that such a regular poster on here and broadway fan isnt familiar with adams work
I think he'll be great. He surprised me in Cabaret. He blew me away in Memphis. He'll make a good Billy.
Amy Spanger, Adam Pascal, Amra Faye Wright, and Christine Pedi will all be in CHICAGO by the middle of next week. It's been six years since I last saw the show, but it sounds like the time has come.
Ahhhh this is exciting! I bet his Razzle Dazzle will be spectacular!
I've always thought he would be great in this role, but never thought it would really happen. So glad to hear this, I will definitely see him!
I know that Adam Pascal has been in "Rent" and "Aida", but I've never seen a performance of his. Also, to be quite honest. I'm not a fan of "Rent." But, I'm aware that he's a very talented person. I remember listening to him from a Seth Rudetsky interview. I'll get a chance to see him in person when I see "Chicago" on Fri. June 7th. from RC in Austin, Texas
I don't think his age is a problem, I think the fact the role is supposed to be funny would be my reservation. But I'm just not a fan. I saw Spanger about a month ago and she was great though and Amra Faye-Wright was too, would love to see Pedi, I bet she'll bring down the house with her two numbers.
Amra is the weak link here. She's been walking through that role for years. They should bring someone back like Luba Mason. Her dancing wasn't spectacular, but she was fresh and sexy in the role. At the time, I was enthralled seeing a Velma with long blonde hair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dKwpRlRPw
Updated On: 4/5/13 at 09:53 PM
I was a big-time RENThead in high school, but I think Pascal's best recorded work is his performance as Freddie Trumper on the "Chess" DVD. He'll certainly bring a new edginess to Billy Flynn. Wish I could see it!
Broadway Star Joined: 12/7/05
Well said, Emcee, I agree. He's a year or two older than me, so his age and charisma make him a great choice for the role. Anyone know how long the contract is for? I have a feeling I won't get back to NY til later this year, if at all. Something tells me it's designed to be a limited engagement.
This is great news
Lovepuppy, Adam Pascal's contract is from April 8 -- June 16. I'm sure the producers of "Chicago" are counting on Pascal's fans & Rentheads to see him in the show. from RC in Austin, Texas
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Broadway Star Joined: 4/3/10
Didn't he close Aida, Memphis and Cabaret? I'd be wary of anyone hiring him every again! LOL
No, I mean good for him. I mean why not.
Can I ask where that end date is coming from?
Nevermind, Google told me. That's weirdly short, even for Chicago. I hope he extends cause I've been waiting over a decade for this and I don't think I can get to NY by June 16.
Okay wait, edited AGAIN because Theatermania says Christine Pedi's run ends June 16. No date for Adam. I'm awaiting a response from a real-life person I trust on the same info, but in the meanwhile I'd love to know where that's coming from.
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