Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

#1

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:16am

I realize BroadwayBuzz isn't always accurate, but I figured I'd share this. If it does happen, I'm happy for Darren, but isn't he a little young to be playing Billy?
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=370472839636118&set=a.204186612931409.63017.201211969895540&type=1&theater

#2

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:19am

Wasn't Joel Grey a little old to play Amos?

#3

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:20am

You gotta be F'in kidding me.

#4

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:23am

Wish I was Jordan.

#5

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:36am

I'll believe it when I see it. Sorry.

I actually really like Criss, but he is not appropriate for this role.

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"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#6

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 12:03pm

I see this "possiblity" in two ways: one. While Darren Criss is exceptionally talented, I don't think the role of Billy Flynn suits him. He doesn't have the voice for it. Also, to be quite honest, I don't think he has the proper stature (i.e. height). Many of the Ladies of Chicago are tall, so it wouldn't look all that great to have a fairly short Billy Flynn. Two: If the Weisslers can convince Criss to take on the role of Billy Flynn, it would be great for them and for the show as well. Darren Criss is a musical theatre "rainmaker" (he'll bring in the crowds). I would be intrigued if this particular rumor turns out to be true. We shall see. RC in Austin, Texas

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#7

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 12:17pm

I agree, I am a fan of Criss but he just isn't apporopriate for this or really any other major male role in Chicago. If he were joining something like Rock of Ages I'd be excited, but this just seems "ehh..." Btw, doesn't Chicago do fairly well without putting big stars in the cast?

#8

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 12:18pm

Agreed. Love Darren, but I just don't think this is a good role for him. And yes, he's a bit young anyways.

#9

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 12:35pm

Why wouldn't he just go back into H2$?

#10

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 12:46pm

A bit young?

He isn't even old enough to have graduated from law school.

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#11

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 1:08pm

The real buzz is that Criss (along with managers and agents) has been approached to take over at the end of Nick Jonas' contract. This was in the works while he was still doing the show.

Glee may be at a longer hiatus at that point.

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"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable." --Carrie Fisher

#12

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 1:34pm

I hate Crisstians.

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#13

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 2:30pm

I think with some vocal magic he'd score as Mary Sunshine.

#14

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 2:47pm

I can see it happening, just for the fact that Chicago doesn't care who they cast, as long as it brings people in (Usher, Jerry Springer, Melanie Griffith) But god, what awful casting. Darren really needs to stay away from Broadway. He's more suited for a non-equity tour of RENT...

#15

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 2:49pm

Why does he keep getting picked for belty jazz scores and not pop or rock based work? If he's gonna do something and not get ripped to shreds, he's got to get his agent to pick more appropriate roles for him.

#16

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 5:45pm

His pop voice is pleasant enough, but is there any evidence that he could do rock?

#17

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 6:24pm

When does Jonas' contract end? He doesn't seem to be quite packing them in.

#18

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 6:26pm

I hope this is true. Sounds terribly amazing

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Without bread we'd just be hungry but without theatre we'd be dead

#19

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:06pm

Since when does the casting for Chicago have anything to do with what's appropriate?

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A work of art is an invitation to love.

#20

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:25pm

I highly doubt this is true. Criss is relatively high profile at this point in his career. Going in as the first replacement in the lead role of HOW TO SUCCEED... for such a short stint was one thing, but why on earth would he ever want to be the one millionth Billy Flynn in CHICAGO? It would be a terrible move for him.

I would say it's much more likely he'll do another film on his hiatus this summer, just like he did last year (when he shot IMOGENE opposite Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening.)

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Updated On: 1/27/12 at 11:25 PM

#21

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/27/12 at 11:26pm

"I think with some vocal magic he'd score as Mary Sunshine."

Curtain, surely you know that Chris Colfer was BORN to play Mary Sunshine!

(Although that was meant to be a joke, I can almost see the Weisslers casting Colfer as Mary, oh gawd)

#22

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/28/12 at 12:21am

My bad, matt2,
I get those gay Glee twinks all mixed up.

#23

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/28/12 at 3:44am

They had better get a young Roxie and Velma then. Maybe they can go to the local high schools to get them.

#24

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/28/12 at 6:43am

Darren Criss as Billy Flynn.

Santana as Velma.

Brittany as Roxie.

Kurt as Mary Sunshine.

Tell the Weisslers they'll have lines around the block.

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#25

Darren Criss in talks to join Chicago this summer as Billy Flynn?

Posted: 1/28/12 at 7:47am

WHY? $$$$$$$$$$$ On everyone's part. It's obvious that the producers don't care about anything but bringing in a name. They'll advertise the hell out of it and rake in the bucks.

BUT....how many of the same screaming mimi's that already saw him in How To would also spring for tix this summer? don't know.

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