Fraser off-Broadway did feel like a really big get, but I'm not too upset. I really do adore Samuel Hunter's work, and if this is anywhere near as thrilling as his last play at Signature (A Case for the Existence of God), I'll be more than pleased.
Not to speculate but it did seem like Brendan meant he almost stopped acting except for the whale. I think effectively this could be an unannounced retirement from acting.
rg7759 said: "Not to speculate but it did seem like Brendan meant he almost stopped acting except for the whale. I think effectively this could be an unannounced retirement from acting."
I recall his sentiment being something more along the lines of “I was thinking about quitting acting and then I got THE WHALE and it reignited my career and my interest in acting.”
His leaving the project is certainly bad for Signature which is having financial problems. Paul Sparks is a great actor but rather overexposed in New York theater and has never been a star who draws meaningful numbers of people.
I was interested by Brendan Fraser being cast in this, but my primary interest in seeing it is to see a new Samuel D. Hunter play. My excitement about seeing Brendan Fraser live wasn't that high, really, I guess. My hunch is that Paul Sparks may be a strong, if less market-friendly, replacement.
I don't think this thread reflects negatively on Brian. The current subject is the replacement, and Brian is not a part of that. I like him and think he will be very good with either. Personally, I like Sparks better than Fraser and I don't think either sells all that many tickets. I also suspect that the fingerprints of Fraser's new/old agents are on this story. But what do I know?
I think Brendan leaving RIGHT before rehearsal started is a huge blow to Signature.
But also Samuel D. Hunter is one of the most consistent writers of our time so really not sure why some people on this thread are returning their tickets (unless the plan is to buy cheaper tickets later?)
I am a huge fan of Sam Hunter and will absolutely buy tickets to this again. But I knew it would never be discounted with Fraser and so I paid full price. Now I am quite confident I can get a TDF ticket.