Breaking News: Christian Slater Joins 'The Glass Menagerie' as Tom Replacing Dallas Roberts- Page 2

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/21/05 at 5:01pm

I wonder what the "creative differences" were. It's not like they'll be dealing with rewrites or anything like that.

[MaTakeALookAtMe]

Posted: 2/21/05 at 6:43pm

Does this have any impact on his part in "Sweet Bird of Youth?" I can definitely see him more as Tom than I could as Chance

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/21/05 at 6:54pm

I'd guess they'll bump "Sweet Bird" back, maybe to the Fall or so.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 11:44am

Was this to be Roberts' Broadway debut? I feel so bad for him. I hope he gets another chance soon.

[magruder]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:03pm

Producer Bill Kenwright says in today's NY Times that Roberts was not working out in rehearsal. A pity, and I'm also rather surprised by the news, since Roberts is such a talent.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:15pm

Magruder - I looked for an article, but couldn't find it - do you have a link? Off the top of my head, what occurs to me is that it doesn't mean he was bad, just maybe not jiving with the rest of the production. It surprises me, though, to have public comments made - but that's why I'd like to read the article.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:17pm

It doesn't surprise me that it's Bill Kenwright who is making those statements though. He's the embodiment of unprofessional behaviour.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:20pm

Hmmm - found the mention in the Arts column - that's pretty terse and uncompromising. Seems a little UNseemly to me.

[magruder]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:21pm

Here's the link, for those who haven't read it. Sixth item down.
New York Times - Arts Briefly

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:24pm

All he said was, "It wasn't really working in the rehearsal room." That could easily mean that Roberts just wasn't right for the part when mixed with the other actors.

Is this an open-ended run?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:28pm

I believe it is open-ended. Telecharge has it on sale through July 17th.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:29pm

Rath - while I see your point, I do feel that if that's what it boiled down to, it didn't really have to be talked about publically - why say anything at all?

[magruder]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:29pm

I think it's just 20 weeks only.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 12:38pm

I was thinking that while it's "officially" running 20 weeks, if sales are brisk (as they should be with Lange and Slater) there will likely be an extension (or two).

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 1:15pm

Because, DG, when nothing is said, it turns into Donna Murphy.

[jim]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 2:31pm

Do you think Dallas made a mistake and asked Jessica to speak up so the other actors could hear her???

just kidding--- sorta.

[KindnessofStrangers]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 3:06pm

It's 20 weeks. Lange has a film commitment (The Mermaids Singing) in June.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 4:29pm

I'm with Razz on this one. I feel Dallas Roberts was the prime reason to see this production. I can admire Jessica Lange, but she has no inner humor and it shows. Amanda can be very funny.

On the other hand Tom carries the show. He tells the story. He is the workhorse and an interesting actor in that capacity makes the play so much better.

I am also a trifle biased about Christian Slater. I don't think there is enough of the poet in him. Maybe he will surprise me. Also it may have something to do with the fact that I met him when he was nine years old.

[kz]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 6:15pm

Dallas Roberts is one of the finest actors of our time. I had the good fortune of knowing him many moons ago when we were both in junior college together exploring theatre. Recently seeing him in A Number and A Home at the End of the World further confirmed that he is such an amazing talent. Losing him in this cast is a horrible loss. I only wish that I had not spent the small fortune I did securing the best seats in the house opening week..as he is the reason to see the show!

[KindnessofStrangers]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 7:14pm

Would have prefered Dallas Roberts to Christian Slater, but Jessica Lange is the draw for me. I disagree about her lack of "inner humour." It was certainly on display when she played the title role in the film of Cousin Bette, as well as numerous other projects.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 7:20pm

Kindness, props for remembering "Cousin Bette", one of the most underrated gems of the past 20 years! I have no doubt that she will be an incredible Amanda.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 7:25pm

We'll see. For me I was on the fence about seeing yet another production of MENAGERIE (I've lost count how many times I've seen it over the years) even with Lange until they announced the casting of Dallas Roberts. That news got me excited enough to buy a ticket the next day. Now that they've replaced Roberts with Slater, I'm feeling VERY lukewarm about this production again. I'll still use the ticket, but my expectations are decidedly lowered going in.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 7:27pm

I've been in love with Jessica Lange since 4th grade. I bet Dallas would have been great, but what can you do?

[KindnessofStrangers]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 8:26pm

Can anyone describe the process for replacing a major role like this just before previews begin? It seems that the new actor would require Lange's approval, right? Was Slater secretly auditioned? If not, how do the producers know he can pull off a role like Tom?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 8:37pm

Well, in the case of someone like Slater who has dozens of films to his credit that are available on video and hwho as done acclaimed turns in "Side Man" and very recently "Cuckoo's Nest," I'm not sure there would be the need to audition him -- they could see what he the gamut of his abilities through a couple of trips to Blockbuster.

Lange would certainly have casting approval (along with Leveaux and the producer). I would guess that Slater was first approached a couple of weeks ago to determine his interest and his availability and apparently he must have expressed interest.