Doug Hodge Maybe Not Renewing?

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 4:18am

Hello everyone. I saw this article in Roger Friedman's Showbiz 411 column.

So you’ve won a Tony Award? What next?

You leave Broadway.

As a bunch of actors won Awards last night, they are also planning their exits from the roles that just made them the objects of affection.

“”Fences” closes in two weeks, for example. Catherine Zeta Jones will be packing up soon from “A Little Night Music.”

What about Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge in “La Cage”? They’re scheduled now to stay with the show through September. Grammer will likely continue, and he wants Hodge–who won Best Actor in a Musical last night–to stay on.

But that may be not be so easy. For one thing, Hodge says, it’s a financial matter. And a practical one, what with taxes in two countries involved. “They’re going to have to pay me a bit more money, I’m afraid,” Hodge said at the “La Cage” after party at Hurley’s. (Actually several shows were scattered through Hurley’s. Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds led the “View from the Bridge” gang in another area.)

Also, Hodge has written a musical that he wants to try and mount on Broadway. It’s called “Meantime.”

“It’s set in airport, and it’s about love,” he said, trying not to give too much away.

H e also told me that his whole bit last night of fearlessly going through the audience was very scary. “When we rehearsed none of those people were sitting in the seats. They’d never seen me before. It was frightening!”

As for Hodge and Kelsey Grammer switching roles, something they’d originally discussed when the show opened: “That’s not going to happen now,” said Hodge. “I don’t even think Kelsey wants to play my role.” And as for meeting the former Frasier Crane on Broadway: “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Hodge.”We want to do a sitcom together. Kelsey wants to produce it.”

So will David Hyde Pierce, now a Broadway star, replace Hodge if he leaves? Fans want the Doctors Crane to reunite, but Grammer told me it won’t happen. “Too much television,” he said. Also, brothers playing long time lovers is kind of…ick.

from Roman in Austin, Texas P.S. I'll be arriving very soon in your fair city. The shows I'll be seeing are:
Tues. June 15th: Addams Family
Wed. June 16th: Dietrich and Chevalier 2p.m.
: La Cage Aux Folles
Thurs. June 17th: Leslie Jordan: My Life On The Pink
Carpet
Is anyone seeing these showing during those days? Say "hi" if you happen to recognize me.

‘


New Dance Partner?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 5:19am

It happens. And as a revival...it probably won't be around forever....unless they keep finding "stars" for replacements.


Additionally, something missed in the article: EQUITY. They get to decide how long an actor from another country can perform here. (Well, that use to be true -- I'm assuming it still is.)

Updated On: 6/15/10 at 05:19 AM

[silversurfer2]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 8:04am

On a recent NY 1 ON STAGE interview, he said he would like to stay a year, but it was in the hands of EQUITY. But I am sure, if it's a matter of money as well, he will get it. The producers would be smart to keep a TONY winning actor in the show.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 8:07am

He is a bit full of himself, he must have caught the bug that CZJ, Viola, Denzel and Scarlett have!

[mikem]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 8:11am

I get the impression that Equity has relaxed somewhat over time. If they are letting Alexander Hanson stay, I can't see a reason why they wouldn't let Hodge stay as well.

And I don't know if the rules are different with non-Brits, but Josefina Scaglione has been with West Side Story for over a year already.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 8:49am

If he's saying its about money - its about money. Equity wouldn't object to his staying. Those rules have largely been done away with and even if they hadn't, his Tony win qould have qualified him as having 'star status.'

[Princeton2]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 9:20am

I dont blame him, like he says he has two amounts of taxes, plus you dont know his personal financial circumstances back home. And lets face it, if you had just won the Tony would you not be asking for more money?!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 9:26am

Doug?

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 9:29am

Will he be here through the summer?

[carriesparkle]

Posted: 6/15/10 at 10:45am

He said in the press room that it's also dependent on his kids and partner, who are based in the UK.