Chemistry: Some Got It, Some Don't!

....but why?

On another forum someone posted a link to Julia and Sebastian performing their duet at Bryant Park (the full thing). I noticed that a lot of people were commenting at how much chemistry they have together. Julia and Sebastian were my Elphie and Yero in NY, and I agree that there was definitely chemistry. I can see it on the event clip too. They are clearly having a blast together.

But my question to the actors and theatre connoisseurs is this:

What causes chemistry between actors? Why does it work so well with some, and is so horrible with others? Is it in the acting styles? Personalities? Or is it just a roll of the dice? And I'm not just talking about people who play couples or lovers, but also roles where two or more people are close in other ways (family, friends, etc).

I can't help but think about how lacking the chemistry was between Tom and Nicole in "Eyes Wide Shut", which was funny considering they were married at the time. But Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker have great chemistry in all the Rush Hour films, and they are good friends off-screen.

So what the heck is it??

Yes, I have my theories, but I want your opinions and observations on the subject.

Discuss (please).

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I'd say that it comes from the material.

I think the best example is the recent production of The Odd Couple. Look how poor the chemistry was between Lane and Broderick. In The Producers, it was there in spades.

Good point Yankee.

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I think too, it's how comfortable the Actor's relate to their characters. It's difficult when other versions of the show are fairly recent. You can't help but benefit or suffer from comparison.

I think some Actors are more intuitive than others too. Maybe experience or personality has something to do with this? Not all Actors are willing to delve too deeply into difficult characters and it shows. When it starts looking like so and so playing Romeo, for instance, than something is lost for me in their performance.

I think it's good artistically to challenge yourself. So I can't blame anyone for trying something new. It just may not work in the end for the audience and that's too bad for both of us. At least, you gave it a shot.

My big theory about "chemistry" is just how receptive an actor is to their scene partner. If you are totally aware of them and just sort of ride the vibes they are giving you, it comes off as good chemistry. Some actors go into scenes with slight agendas about how they are going t play it, and shut out the other actors slightly, and it tends to read that tey are not connecting, but when two actors are so aware of each other the results can be electric.

Akiva

"But think back of Harry and Kelli, something just happened and that stage was on fire. "

See, I thought that was over-rated. It came from Kelli only, who, in my opinion, simply has chemistry with all of her co-stars. She sparked with every leading man she has ever been onstage with. Matt Morrison and David Burham in LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. She also sparked with Chad Kimbell in MY LIFE WITH ALBERTINE and Jack Noseworthy in SWEET SMELL. She is the one who has it with whomever she is on stage with.

Harry was hot and all, but no actor (in my opinion). I wouldn't credit that chemistry with THEM as a couple, but rather that Kelli O'Hara is just one of those women who does have "it" with anyone.

Just my 2 cents. I liked THE PAJAMA GAME, but, the night I saw the show, he spent more time looking at the floor and seeming bewildered than actually contributing anything that resembled ACTING or chemistry. Good looking, somewhat charismatic to watch, but again, I never understand what all the fuss is about as an actor. He only comes alive when he sings and plays. He is often a dud as a personality (at least in my experience when I see him). Nice pecs, but no one is home upstairs.

At least Kelli's other co-stars in PIAZZA, had something else to offer (Burham and Morrison and of course Victoria Clark and the extremely under-rated Sarah Berry were all excellent in every moment they shared the stage with her).