GGLAM Casting

[Jason Shatz]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 4:52pm

I'd hate to say it, but I don't think that Jefferson Mays will be able to play all those D'Ysquiths forever. The show has started to sell out, largely because of the Tony Awards, but will the momentum keep going when Mays goes? Are there any other actors who can fill Mays's shoes and hats? Or will the show have to close?



SPOILER ALERT: Mays doesn't play eight roles - he plays nine.

[HighFlyingAdored97]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 5:07pm

As talented as he is, Jefferson Mays isn't the reason why people are buying tickets to this show. No one outside the theatre community knows who he is. The tourists are buying tickets because it won Best Musical this year.

The show won't close. I'm sure they can find someone to replace him.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 5:13pm

GGLAM? Seriously?

[Wickedmonkey332]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 5:49pm

Mildred, the show's marketing team refer to the show as GGLAM. So yes, really. #GGLAM

[lmaura1920]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 6:42pm

I believe the show is running until January of 2015 (unless they've extended it recently). I'm sure he'll be able to perform his roles fully through to the end, and in any case he has understudies who must be able to pull it off as well.

Another question: I've heard that the cast may make changes in October, as many signed on for a year and their contracts will be up then. As the show has stated that they will be running until January, do you believe that the cast actually will change, despite only having a few more months? I'm clearly a Broadway newbie and don't know how this stuff works haha.

[Wickedmonkey332]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 6:45pm

It is not ending in January, they are just only selling tickets until then at this point in time. New ticket blocks will be released as time goes on.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 6:50pm

So I should see this before October then.

[lmaura1920]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 6:53pm

That makes much more sense, thank you! As you can tell I'm not yet well-versed in Broadway.

Would a cast change be expected, then?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 6:57pm

It really could go any way. It depends on: how much the actors love the show/role/cast, how much the production team loves the actor, what other things the horizon the actors might have opportunities for (or not).

It's really impossible to tell. IF it was definitely closing in Jan, it MIGHT have influence on the actors' choices.

Out of the 4 leads, I would imagine at least one of them leaving.

[wonkit]

Posted: 8/13/14 at 8:21pm

As long as Brice and jefferson stay, it will be okay.I would attend every bloody (sorry about the pun) if they could get Esparza in as the D'Asquiths. Not going to happen, but he needs to come back to musicals and his performances in the early demos are so perfect and exciting! I loved Brice and Jefferson but Raul Esparza would totally expand the life of this little gem.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/14/14 at 12:46am

The show has a great advance and continues to sell very, very well. It should most certainly run past January.
I can safely say that one of the actors, not a marquee lead, is likely leaving in. October, when contracts are up. As far as everyone else, who knows?
The show is VERY well cast and you are already in safe hands, even with the covers. All are talented.. And the production would never ever put on anyone less than great. It is a very well cared for production. That lessens my concern as to replacements.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 8/14/14 at 12:56am

As long as I'll be able to see it in May.