Andy Karl Question

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 9:57am

Andy Karl has gotten excellent reviews and Tony nominations for his last two roles in "Ground Hog Day" and "Rocky". Unfortunately, both of these shows will be considered flops. I was wondering if the commercial  failure of these two shows will hurt him in the future for getting new roles on Broadway. I would think his excellent performances would be the main factor but did not know if actor needed to also be in successful shows also.

[Malka2]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 11:38am

He was also nominated for his role in On the Twentieth Century. 3 noms in 4 years? Not bad at all.

In my very inexpert opinion I'd assume he'd be less likely to be cast as a lead, which is really sad because he's so talented (and seems like an actual great person too, which isn't a given) and more than capable of helming a show.

Even though his two leading-role shows haven't been financial successes, they're quite remarkable in terms of the work he's put into them... I know Ben Platt is getting hunched shoulders, but Andy was taking punches to the face in Rocky, and in GHD worked straight through a torn ACL... guy's a beast. 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 12:00pm

yankeefan7 said: "Andy Karl has gotten excellent reviews and Tony nominations for his last two roles in "Ground Hog Day" and "Rocky". Unfortunately, both of these shows will be considered flops. I was wondering if the commercial  failure of these two shows will hurt him in the future for getting new roles on Broadway. I would think his excellent performances would be the main factor but did not know if actor needed to also be in successful shows also.

 

"

Just my opinion (and I'm certainly not an expert), but neither Rocky nor GHD have really tried to bill Andy as the solo/celebrity draw.  I mean, he's certainly a lead and is on all the marketing, but it's not like he's being billed like Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard.  (Yes, I'm aware the marketing for Groundhog Day does highlight his Olivier win). 

I'm hoping the lack of financial success doesn't reflect on him and he continues to get good roles - he's extremely talented, puts an incredible amount into his roles, and is very kind to his fans.

[Valentina3]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 12:09pm

I want to see him in less puff-piece roles. Haven't seen Rocky so that might be where I'm lacking, but his character in On The Twentieth Century, Legally Blonde, and GHD were all really comic roles. I want to see what his Bruce Bechdel would be like, for instance.

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 1:42pm

I can see it having an effect on what he's offered, which is very disappointing.  I just hope the first call he gets after GHD isn't from Wicked asking him to come back as Fiyero, because that would be adding insult to insult and injury.  Nothing against Wicked, he's just moved beyond it.  And is too old.

After this, I could see him taking a break from the stage.  Hopefully he'll get another TV opportunity like Law & Order.  Although, I'd really like to see him in a straight play.

Updated On: 7/18/17 at 01:42 PM

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 2:29pm

I don't know the business well enough to opine, but given his looks (and talent, yes) I would assume he'd make the leap full-time to film and television if he gets blackballed by the lackluster showing of Rocky and GHD. 

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 2:35pm

Oh he'll get his Tony when he plays Nathan Detroit in the next revival of Guys & Dolls or some other revival.  he's getting to old to appear in new productions especially when it's bad material so his best chances are in a revival.

[froote]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 2:39pm

Too old to appear in new productions? You do realize that new productions have older characters too?

Anyway, anyone with a brain can see that Rocky and Groundhog Day were flops in spite of Karl's involvement, not because of. In both cases, his performance was the most acclaimed aspect. No theatre actor would have made either of these shows a success, they would have had to bring a celebrity in if they wanted to do so from the casting alone. 

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 2:40pm

froote said: "Too old to appear in new productions? You do realize that new productions have older characters too?"

Case in point:  Rachel Bay Jones - 2017 Tony Award Winner for Dear Evan Hansen.

Updated On: 7/18/17 at 02:40 PM

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 4:02pm

I think he's viewed as a talented actor, easy to work with, great with fans, dependable and will do whatever he needs to, to stay on stage. I'm sure more than one producer noted what Karl did to work through his injury and miss as few performances as possible. To use a sports analogy, a great player on a bad team is still in demand by better teams. He'll be fine.

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 5:31pm

Coincidentally, Andy signed with ICM today. From the article: "Look for ICM to urge him further into work in film and television."  

Whatever happens, I hope he finds work that he enjoys and showcases his talent.

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 5:33pm

I'd actually love to see Andy Karl in The Music Man. He has that slick snake-oil charmer act down pat.

[Skimbleshanks2]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 5:43pm

If anyone needed proof GROUNDHOG DAY is dunzo...

 

http://deadline.com/2017/07/groundhog-day-star-andy-karl-signs-with-icm-partners-1202130923/

[Margo319]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 6:22pm

That's ridiculous.  So, he signs with a place that does "Television; Motion Pictures; Concerts; Publishing; Theater; Branded Entertainment; Production Arts · Broadcasting" and Groundhog Day is done?  Stupid.  

[Malka2]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 6:55pm

I really enjoyed his run on SVU. It was the first I'd ever seen/heard of him. Having been a fan of the show for several years, I  was actually disappointed with his character when it was introduced - just not my 'type' of guy - but the heart and soul he displayed completely won me over and I was in complete tears at his finale episode (won't spoil it in case someone hasn't seen it).

I wouldn't be disappointed to have him do more TV, but I'd be disappointed if it was a move he was 'forced' into for lack of success on stage... I mean, audiences love him, he's been pretty steadily cast, and he has 3 tony noms and an Olivier win - if that's not success...! 

[Malka2]

Posted: 7/18/17 at 6:59pm

By the way, from the ICM website page about theater: "...the agency continues to seek out diversified theatrical opportunities for its clients in new and emerging markets in live entertainment wherever they arise."

Signing with a new agency, especially as impressive as ICM, seems like a good sign - they wouldn't take on Andy if they thought his star was falling. And they'll be giving him new opportunities - I don't think he needs to pull out the rocking chair just yet!

[Skimbleshanks2]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 7:16am

Margo319 said: "That's ridiculous.  So, he signs with a place that does "Television; Motion Pictures; Concerts; Publishing; Theater; Branded Entertainment; Production Arts · Broadcasting" and Groundhog Day is done?  Stupid.  

 

"

Did you not read the end of the article?

"Look for ICM to urge him further into work in film and television."

Updated On: 7/19/17 at 07:16 AM

[Gilly1732]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 7:30am

Skimbleshanks2 said: "
Did you not read the end of the article?

"Look for ICM to urge him further into work in film and television."

"

Does it say they will do so today or tomorrow? It doesn't, so Margo is right... It's absolutely no indication that the show is done, like you said.

I'm not arguing that the numbers don't look good for GHD but just the fact that Andy signed with a different agency doesn't have to mean he'll leave the show soon. 

Why are you always so negative? Shouldn't you be a little bit more supportive if you love Andy Karl as much as you always claim to do? 

[Jodi Goldsmith]

Posted: 7/20/17 at 3:21pm

I thought "Groundhog Day" would reopen in the West End, and perhaps Andy Karl would star in that London production as well? Seemed better received in the UK and I think operating costs are a third of weekly costs in the USA. Seems to me the play could have done with less flash and costly production numbers and gone over even better as the songs and performances are so strong. Various promotional performances of Barrett and Karl seems to me more engaging and intimate than the full scale production. Showcases some of the songs better.