Understudy Joined: 10/11/04
I am psyched about this! He was a great Roger in the Rent Live special on Fox. Will be cool to see him on Broadway.
https://ew.com/theater/2019/05/22/pretty-woman-broadway-brennin-hunt-jillian-mueller/
Not sure why the writer chose to say that Barks and Karl are departing after "just a year in the roles". A year is pretty standard for a Broadway lead.
Broadway Star Joined: 1/12/17
carolinaguy said: "Not sure why the writer chose to say that Barks and Karl are departing after "just a year in the roles". A year is pretty standard for a Broadway lead."
That's what happens when non-theatre outlets cover theatre.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/10/19
Well, I guess his legs better.
He is only 34, not an actor and is only known as the guy who killed Rent. Weird casting.
Isn’t the part suppose to be an older man? Bad casting.
Please God, no one tell him to break a leg!
He must have some chops to keep getting cast in things - or he's fresh enough from Rent that people know his name - so good for him I guess.
When are Samantha and Andy’s last days then?
I'm sure when he struck up a friendship with Adam Pascal, it helped him out a lot. The character is supposed to be in his 40s/50s. It's not believable that this man would be a hugely successful business tycoon.
I had to google to work out who he was , is he or both of them big enough names to head line this?
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/08
rosscoe(au) said: "I had to google to work out who he was , is he or both of them big enough names to head line this?"
No. I’ve never heard of either of them. It’s an odd casting for a show that’s already struggling to sell.
I think this one is counting on the title to sell. Probably Barks and Karl had limited b.o. impact and the show burned through the theater cognoscenti audience months ago.
carolinaguy said: "I think this one is counting on the title to sell. Probably Barks and Karl had limited b.o. impact and the show burned through the theater cognoscenti audience months ago."
I don't think Barks & Karl were hired because of their box office power. (Neither has ever had any.)
Richard Gere was 40 when the movie was released, FWIW. But even without a broken leg, I think Brennin would have been pretty dreadful in Rent.
Is Jillian Mueller related to Jessie and Abby?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Understudy Joined: 10/21/17
Brennin has a fantastic voice, so I'm sure he'll be able to carry the score without any issues. His voice is comparable to Andy Karl, in my opinion. Brennin is, though, definitely too young to be playing the part of Edward because I agree with previous posters that Edward is supposed to be a much older man (to Vivian's early 20s) but I think that can be addressed with a well-tailored suit and a salt-and-pepper wig. Especially for fans seated more than 6 rows back from the stage, I'm sure he'll look the part just fine. I'm excited to see what he does with the role!
People have asked two questions that have always been answered in the article. Read it maybe?
I’m surprised Adam Pascal didn’t join after his week stint!
Brave Sir Robin2 said: "I’m surprised Adam Pascal didn’t join after his week stint!"
Same. I was totally expecting that they were setting up Pascal to take over during Karl’s time off. Maybe he’ll do the national tour?
Also, at least on Barks’ end, she’s been doing this show for almost two years (since Chicago) so I think she might be more than ready to move on.
Well, I'm glad that Andy Karl is finally leaving an original role because his contract is up and not because the show's closing.
Broadway Star Joined: 1/12/17
thealtoslament said: "Well, I'm glad that Andy Karl is finally leaving an original rolebecause his contract is up and not because the show's closing."
Don't speak too soon. With a poor advance post-July, they might wrap things up at the end of his contract.
I'm willing to bet they'll try to eek out a run until New Year's Week, but then again, it could run out of steam by Labor Day.
Question though, is there something specific in the dialogue about age? Richard and Julia were 18 years apart, Andy and Samantha are 16 years apart, and I think Brennin and Jillian are 10 years apart? I don't know. I think making them closer in age makes the whole story a little less creepy than it already is.
Nothing creepy about an 18 year old age difference. If it was an older woman and younger man, you wouldn't even mention it.
The character is supposed to be in her 20s and he is supposed to be in his 40s. His story makes no sense without him being older.
everythingtaboo said: "I'm willing to bet they'll try to eek out a run until New Year's Week, but then again, it could run out of steam by Labor Day.
Questionthough, is there something specific in the dialogue about age? Richard and Julia were 18 years apart, Andy and Samantha are 16 years apart, and I think Brennin and Jillian are 10 years apart? I don't know. I think making them closer in age makes the whole story a little less creepy than it already is."
There's nothing specific in the dialogue about their ages. Mr. Thompson tells Vivian she "must be his...niece?", but it's supposed to be a stretch.
I believe Jillian Mueller is in her early 20s, and according to Wikipedia, Brennin is 34. So there's still a good 10 years of an age gap, even if Edward is younger.
I was lucky enough to see Jillian Mueller as Vivian in February, and she's fantastic. I'm really happy to hear she'll be taking over the role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
LuPita2 said: "I'm sure when he struck up a friendship with Adam Pascal, it helped him out a lot. The character is supposed to be in his 40s/50s. It's not believable that this man would be a hugely successful business tycoon."
And once again, you are incorrect or several points. Richard Gere was 40 when the film was released. Also, are you not aware that there have always been young billionaires? Do the names Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos or Steve Jobs ring any bells?
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