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Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

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#1

Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:01pm

Harry Haun got some juicy scoop at last night's Kiki and Herb opening. Christopher Walken is apparently playing Wilbur in the "Hairspray" film and Doug Wright talks about rewrites to Act 1 of Grey Gardens in preparation for their Broadway bow...
Playbill
"When you're a gay man, you have to feel good about yourself when a urologist says, "Yeah. I pick you". - Happy Endings
#8

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:59pm

I like the idea of him in it more than Broadbent, simply because I think think the contrast between Edna and Wilbur will be better. Hopefully Walken's oddball manner will just make the whole thing funnier rather than be distracting. William H Macy would've been a good choice too I think.

Also, what the hell is going on in your avatar Foanatic? And how can I get in on it?
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter

Updated On: 8/16/06 at 05:59 PM

#9

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 6:12pm

Oh my gosh. My mouth opened in shock when I read that Walken would be Wilbur! That's terrible casting! Walken is too confident, and speaks too sporadically, for such a character as Wilbur! Definitely an interesting choice...
#11

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 6:51pm

'Tis an odd odd thing!


Ironically I was watching Batman Returns yesterday with both Walken and Pfeiffer and said to myself... "Why isnt walken in Hairspray?'


so odd.


I also have a feeling Kathy Griffin might be in this (Prudy?)... just a weird feeling I have, since she was at the Step Up premiere.. and Adam Shankman produced it.
"Zac is sweet as can be. He's very much just a sweet kid from California who happens to have a face that looks like it was drawn by Michelangelo, (if Michelangelo did anime)."
-Adam Shankman.

"I haven't left this building since Windows 3.1!"

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-E!'s "The Soup"
#15

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:38pm

Christopher Walken looks more like he could be Tracy Turnblad's GRANDFATHER before being her father. And before you all start whipping out the birthdays, he's 63 -- which isn't THAT old. But I'm just saying he LOOKS kind of old to have a teenage daughter. But then again, Dick Latessa was 72 when he played Wilbur (but nonetheless looked liked Tracy's grandfather then as well). I liked the ideas of Steve Martin or William H. Macy. But the aim here seems to be about getting "names" from every genre to make for the biggest possible audience. I have no doubt that Shenkman will pull a performance out of Mr. Walken that no one would have expected. I like when actors are cast against type, as long as it works in the end.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

Updated On: 8/16/06 at 09:38 PM

#16

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:41pm

I am sure Travolta and Walken's dance duet will be a highlight.

Those two can seriously move.

and when they kiss.... well if that doesnt win MTV's Movie Award for 'best kiss,' then I dont know what will.
"Zac is sweet as can be. He's very much just a sweet kid from California who happens to have a face that looks like it was drawn by Michelangelo, (if Michelangelo did anime)."
-Adam Shankman.

"I haven't left this building since Windows 3.1!"

"Celebrating a birthday this week: Rene Descartes is 412! Do you know who he is? Then why are you watching this show? You could probably get into college and even get one of those job things. As for the rest of us; Amanda Bynes is 22! Yay!"
-E!'s "The Soup"
#19

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:06am

I think Walken will be great, and he has a decent-enough singing voice. At least, from what I remember of his appearances on Saturday Night Live.

At least we won't be seeing Mr. Crystal's mug in the part. Phew.
Stop looking at my charisma.
#22

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:55am

I had the great fortune to work with Walken on a film. He'll be brilliant! Strange, funny, creepy. Wilbur all the way. Not the same as Latessa, but Travolta is no Harvey!

That combo will surely be fun. And put the spray in all of our hair...
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#23

re: Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

Posted: 8/17/06 at 9:14am

Hm, I just can't imagine Walken playing the fun-loving Wilbur. Oh well, I'm still looking forward to it.

And I also thought Billy Crystal was official. I thought they listed him. Was he even offered the role?
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

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