Per Michael Riedel: Redgrave was offered the role but declined "at the last minute" to do it on Broadway. Hence the late casting announcement.
I do hope Redgrave is ok, but I'm glad to see the always-wonderful Lois Smith back on Broadway!
(He also confirms that Maggie Smith has decided NOT to bring "A German Life" to Broadway.)
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
I'm so so happy and relieved with this announcement. Kyle Soller & Andrew Burnap gave performances beyond anything. I completely believed they were their characters and it feels like they're in my heart forever. When I saw it I thought Burnap was a lock for supporting actor win and he wasn't even nominated so I hope regardless of where he's placed he earns a nomination, along with Soller and Hilton.
Redgrave was by far the weakest part of this so this is a really good move. I didn't love Levine in Part 1 but he definitely won me over in Part 2.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/15/07
rjm516 said: "I'm so so happy and relieved with this announcement. Kyle Soller & Andrew Burnap gave performances beyond anything. I completely believed they were their characters and it feels like they're in my heart forever. When I saw it I thought Burnap was a lock for supporting actor win and he wasn't even nominated so I hope regardless of where he's placed he earns a nomination, along with Soller and Hilton.
Redgrave was by far the weakest part of this so this is a really good move. I didn't love Levine in Part 1 but he definitely won me over in Part 2."
I felt similarly about Levine the first time I saw it, but I quickly realized I didn't like ADAM but loved Leo. The second time I saw it I really saw what great work he was doing with Adam that really sets up what he does with Leo. It also underlined my theory about the characters that I won't spoil.
I was also shocked Burnap didn't win every award under the English sun because Toby on the page is outright mean nightmare monster person but Burnap added such a charm and grace you wanted Toby to like you even though you know he's a monster.
Part of me does wish the three leads (Toby, Adam/Leo, George) were played by out gay actors, but I'm also excited to see their performances again and again.
Stand-by Joined: 8/13/11
Congratulations
You have Samuel H Levine in the cast.
Easily the glue which held this show together with his stunning performance and glad he gets to shine on Broadway.
Looking forward to reading reactions to this play and how a different theatre going crowd react to it and to see if changes have been made.
Certainly should probably get more discussion and challenges than it did in UK.
A thought provoking show
Any idea how this is selling? The discount codes don't apply over weekends, and I will be in town on a Saturday and was hoping to marathon the 2 parts. Wondering if it's worth risking TKTS/rush.
Stand-by Joined: 8/13/11
As both parts are over three hours it's worth checking seats and possibly paying bit extra to secure comfortable seat
In London they did do a good offer if you booked both parts and dynamic pricing kicked in a lot.
Is it open ended at present or listed as limited run.
In London start and final weeks were heavily booked but mid term there were lots of offers.
nasty_khakis said: "Part of me does wish the three leads (Toby, Adam/Leo, George) were played by out gay actors, but I'm also excited to see their performances again and again."
Same here. I already voiced my opinion on this on other threads before the cast announcement. Now that the cast has been announced, I am curious who the understudies are and whether they are out & proud. Would definitely buy a ticket again if they perform.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/15/11
Vanessa Redgraves attendance when the show transferred was dreadful so even if she did do Broadway, you would have been more likely NOT to see her. She missed more shows than ones she bothered turning up for.
“She missed more shows than ones she bothered turning up for.”
This statement is, in no way, based on the truth.
Leading Actor Joined: 2/1/14
Jordan Catalano said: "“She missed more shows than ones she bothered turning up for.”
This statement is, in no way, based on the truth."
Sadly it is. She missed SO many shows in London.
Now I feel more grateful that I saw Redgrave perform in part 2 last December!
I don't know how many performances Redgrave missed but she missed the second press night according to these West End reviewers:
http://www.jonathanbaz.com/2018/10/the-inheritance-review.html
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-inheritance-review
https://showbiztrouper.com/2018/11/08/the-inheritance-review/
https://playstosee.com/the-inheritance-2/
I've done more research on Lois Smith since I was unfamiliar with her work (didn't work yet back in 1996 when she was last on Broadway) and am excited to see her perform on Broadway!
I'm also curious whether parts of the play have been cut so each part would be less than 3 hours (otherwise producers will have to pay overtime...) Some West End reviews mentioned the play didn't have to be 7 hours long.
Wick3 said: "Now I feel more grateful that I saw Redgrave perform in part 2 last December!
I don't know how many performances Redgrave missed but shemissed the second press night according to these West Endreviewers:
http://www.jonathanbaz.com/2018/10/the-inheritance-review.html
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-inheritance-review
https://showbiztrouper.com/2018/11/08/the-inheritance-review/
https://playstosee.com/the-inheritance-2/
I've done more research on Lois Smith since I was unfamiliar with her work (didn't work yet back in 1996 when she was last on Broadway) and am excited to see her perform on Broadway!
I'm also curious whether parts of the play have been cut so each part would be less than 3 hours (otherwise producers will have to pay overtime...) Some West End reviews mentioned the play didn't have to be 7 hours long."
I doubt it. Usually shows that run long will move their start times back in order to prevent this. The recent Angels In America revival did this because each part is 3.5 hours long, so they started it at 1pm at 7pm
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