Cavenaugh Offered the Role of Tony in WSS- Page 4

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 9:35am

TooDarnHot, it's funny that you say Tveit was "in the FINAL round of callbacks."

When he posted here via Marc Shaiman after you said he was cast, he said that he never even had a callback:

"I auditioned for WSS over a month ago and haven't had a callback. I haven't said anything of the sort about me getting it to anyone."

I don't want to be rude, but you really should just quit while you're ahead.

[AntonEgo]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 9:47am

If they were going to cast somebody to old for the role, why couldn't they cast Cheyenne Jackson? I'd love to see him as Tony even if he's too old.

I hope it's true that Curtis Holbrook will be Action. After seeing him in Xanadu, I was thinking, I hope they cast him in West Side Story and the first role that came to mind was Action.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 9:47am

I am not supporting what TDH said, but perhaps he got a callback sometime after?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:05am

Or perhaps TooDarnHot is a patholigal liar?

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:12am

Ehhh, Matt Cavanaugh maybe be 30 and look 30 in life, but onstage he'll be fine I guess. I hear talk about being an actor and singing beautifully. That's generally what I want from a Tony. My issue is that Matt Cavanaugh has never really been known for his stellar acting abilities...which worries me. He also isn't known as a powerhouse tenor. He has a beautiful voice and look-wise (depending on who you cast around him) could be a perfect Tony. I say get thee to an acting and voice teacher. I hope by then he's able to hold a B flat (I'd be happy with lowering the key to an A). I SOOOOOO hope he proves everyone wrong and is completely compelling and stellar.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:29am

The last time Matt played a leading role was Urban Cowboy, in which the material was less than stellar. Since the material for West Side Story is some of the best ever written for the stage, this role will be a true test for Matt's abilities. I personally think he will knock it out of the park...I will be seeing this out of town and many times in NYC.

[Weez]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:35am

I like that he's been offered the role. Not accepted, not will be playing, just... offered. He'd be mad to turn it down, but it still tickles me. ^_^

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:50am

Jerby, you're right, although I don't think saying someone doesn't seem like the could bring the requiste whatever (toughness, etc) is all that insulting.

Songandanceman, thanks! We all thought that every actor on Broadway only played roles that were their specific age.

Smaxie, I don't see this as literalism. I just expressed a raised eyebrow at the casting choice with all the talk of this being "radically different from any other production of West Side Story ever done."^* So far nothing seems radical about it. Perhaps we'll all be surprised.

At any rate, I still think some of you are way touchy about this.


*Arthur Laurents
Updated On: 8/13/08 at 10:50 AM

[landryjames2]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 10:56am

I have no problem with his age, but with Matt's stage presence/charm/appeal. He was so very boring and unexciting in both shows I have seen him in.

However, He seems like a nice person, and I wish him the best.

[AngusN]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:02am

Casting a 30 year old as Tony is like casting a 38 year old as Cinderella. Oh wait, they did, Lea Salonga.

I do agree that Arthur Laurents had built the production up as a radical new version, with authentic casting; only to disappoint. While I think Matt has a great voice, he looks quite weak and vulnerable. Not a murdering member of a tough gang. Oh well. Perhaps they'll cast Britney as Maria, or even Paula Abdul. Haha!

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:03am

I very much doubt the role of Maria has been cast, as there will be an open call next Monday.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:03am

I very much doubt the role of Maria has been cast, as there will be an open call next Monday.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:10am

Laurents said the Maria they cast will have Latina blood in her. I'm thinking we should expect the announcement of Megan Hilty as Maria any day now.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:11am

open call...LOL.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:17am

Maybe the "new take" on the show will be that instead of getting shot, Tony is arrested for sleeping with an underage girl and for being a 30 year old guy who hangs around and plays with teenage boys.

That made me laugh, because in a way it's true. What's a 30 year old doing hitting on a 17 year old? And why is he hanging around teenagers?

If they were going for authenticity, why not just get James Barbour???

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:36am

Bwahahaha.

How old is Aaron Lazar? I was rooting for him, personally :/

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:37am

Laurents said the Maria they cast will have Latina blood in her. I'm thinking we should expect the announcement of Megan Hilty as Maria any day now.

Silly, Phyllis, Megan Hilty is gonna be in 9 TO 5, she can't do it... Expect Katie Clarke or Jill Paice. I hear Jenny Powers has been offered Anita.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:38am

Oh dear God, if they cast Katie Clarke, I will declare shenanigans.

(Disclaimer: Though Katie Clarke is in my avatar, I do not like her singing).

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 11:46am

Jill Paice is with Ace

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:03pm

Phyllis Rogers Stone

"Songandanceman, thanks! We all thought that every actor on Broadway only played roles that were their specific age. "

Hmm sarcasm, and yet a stupid statement since if that was true this thread wouldn't be so bitchy about his age would it?

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:09pm

I'm a lover, not a liar!

Spread the joy of peace on Broadway World.

[BrianS]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:10pm

what's with all this talk about him not looking "tough enough"? This is a freakin MUSICAL about gangs. Did anybody see the SNL skit where a real gang was confronting the WSS gang and every time a WSS gang member went "ka-pow" or started dancing, the other gang would say "what the f*&^ was that?" Then the WSS gang got their asses kicked. Still makes me laugh.

It doesn't matter who you cast in any of the roles cause as soon as they start singing and dancing, none of them feel dangerous the way they would in real life. What that role needs is Tony's vulnerability with Maria and making us believe that he is finally feeling like there is something that makes life seem worthwhile. That's where whoever plays the role needs to hit it out of the park acting-wise.

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:11pm

I'm a lover, not a liar!

Spread the joy of peace on Broadway World.



never mind about the pm

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:12pm

He'll be swell. He'll be great.

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 8/13/08 at 12:18pm

They're holding more callbacks for Maria and Anita in September. Maria definitely has not been cast yet.
Updated On: 8/13/08 at 12:18 PM