Brandon O'Neill Leaving Aladdin

[A1st]

Posted: 12/10/14 at 11:07pm

Anyone know where he is going? This seems very rushed, plus not that Kassim is a main character, but less than 2 weeks seems like a very short time frame to announce a replacement. I also thought contracts were for a year, and no offense intended but he doesn't seem like a big enough star to run off to star in a new show

Now I could be wrong on ANYthing I just said, but anyone know anymore details of this unexpected switch?
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Steel-Burkhardt-to-Join-Broadways-ALADDIN-Later-This-Month-20141210

[ILuv2shop531]

Posted: 12/11/14 at 12:59am

I have no idea where Brandon is going. However, regardless of how "big of a star" someone is, most people whether principal or ensemble have something called an "out" in their contract. Basically if they want to leave the show for any reason they have to give word to management in a certain amount of time-usually 4-6 weeks. That way the casting agent has enough time to replace and give 2-3 weeks rehearsal. Regardless of an out, keep in mind the show did try out in Toronto so contracts may have been signed a year from that.

Also, Disney is just choosing to announce the change now. I am sure this has been official privately for more than two weeks to his first performance.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/11/14 at 1:21am

All contracts are re-negotiated for Broadway runs.

And, yes, it is doubtful that overproduction just found out, there was just no reason to announce the switch before now.

[choitoy]

Posted: 12/11/14 at 3:38am

He is coming back home to Seattle to star in the 5th Avenue Theatre's upcoming production of "Carousel" as Billy Bigelow (he was previously seen at the 5th as sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Aimee's second husband in "Saving Aimee", the pre-Broadway tryout for "Scandalous", and in the premiere of "Aladdin" as Kassim). Rehearsals should be starting soon for a run from February 5 to the first week of March.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 12/11/14 at 9:29am

Who?

[A1st]

Posted: 12/11/14 at 1:10pm

Ahh that makes sense. Out of curiosity anyone know of any other cast replacements for Aladdin anytime soon?