I wonder how long Gavin LEE's contract on Broadway would be. Either six months or one year I assume. If it's six months, and they switch Lee to Creel, I'd get to see both Bert for sure.
Gavin Creel has to cut his hair though for this role (or wear a wig). There was NO long hair chimney sweeper in those days.
I was disappointed with Mary Poppins as a show, but thought the experience was worth it for the delightful and charming Gavin Lee.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
I'd suspect creel's will be as long as Lee's in NY.
Swing Joined: 6/16/06
Is this the first Gavin for Gavin trade in Equity history? In all of history? There can't be that many Gavins who played pro sports that I can recall...
It makes no sense to mee.
Lee cannot sell tickets more than Creel can.
Why not just put Creel in the Broadway production?
Creel is being given the chance to perform in the west end so that he can perfect his cockney accent before moving to New York.
And Creel's contract in London will probably be for a year, giving Lee just over 8 months to perform on broadway, and win a TONY.
Mary P x
>Lee cannot sell tickets more than Creel can
uh, this is a Disney show, they don't need a name to sell tickets. I would think they wanted to cast at least one authentic Brit in the Broadway production (as Mary is an American actress).
uh, this is a Disney show, they don't need a name to sell tickets.
Really? I guess AIDA doesn't count then.
When did Gavin Creel become a "name"?
I think I heard that Gavin Lee's Broadway contract is six months, so I would assume Gavin Creel would be similar.
>When did Gavin Creel become a "name"?
No he hasn't.
I was referring to the post that implies "since Lee isn't an actor who draws the audience (non-name) anyway, why they didn't cast Creel (non-name yet at least an American) for Broadway."
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
You can't put marketing a show like AIDA in the same league as Diseny's other shows because it wasn't a Disney film. Tarzan, B&TB, and The Lion King sold the tickets they've sold because they're familiar names to the public. AIDA was developed unlike the other Disney shows. MP will be marketed for its name...not star.
If you adjust for inflation, MARY POPPINS is Walt Disney's most successful film. More people have seen it, than any other Disney film. It needs no star, because the title is the star.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/19/04
Awesome! I'm so thrilled for both Gavins. I can't wait to see Gavin Lee again, this time on Bway and then to hopefully see Gavin Creel in the role.
DAMN IT!! i just left London...
I did, however, see Gavin Lee (that's his name right?) as Bert...so it's not like THAT was a bad thing
but Gavin Creel is my favorite male singer!
what I don't understand, pardon my ignorance, is why they are going to send an american actor to replace the english actor in london, and send the english actor to create the role in the states on Broadway?
would it be so horrible to save them some paperwork, passports, etc. and just switch them? let creel open on bway and have lee keep performing in london?
seems like a lot of unneccessary hassle to me...
"Really? I guess AIDA doesn't count then."
Nobody knew Heather Headley from Adam when she opened Aida. It wasn't until the "new" had worn off the production years later that they had to start the stunt casting - just like every other long running show....
There is no incentive for Lee to continue doing a show he has played for more than a year in London - opening the show fresh in New York is a different ball game - it's a new adventure, and he has a chance to score big with New York critics and win major awards.
It's a win-win solution for Gavin Creel, who Broadway producers concluded was not quite up to opening the show in New York. He'll have the prestige and adventure of doing the show in the UK and it will be a great training ground, and he'll get to replace Lee in New York probably after only 4-6 months.
Please dont' get me wrong - I'm honestly not trying to pick a fight or anything, but really - if it's foreseen that Creel is going to probably replace Lee...honestly, what's the big deal?
A new cast, yes, but still the same role, it's not like Lee is coming to the states to take on a new show, and it's not as if this American version won't be a replica of the London...it's mainly going to be a new adventure in figuring out working off of Ashley instead of the London (forgive me as I don't know the actress who's playing her) Mary Poppins.
I can see how it's beneficial to Lee as he'll get the opening Bert credits, including awards nods, but...it seems like a crap deal for Creel. He gets to be Lee's replacement in London and then prolly in the states. woopee.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
^A crap deal?!! That is an honor to be an visiting actor in another country.
Lee deserves the chance to be on Broadway...he was the original, and they wanted him to bring the show to Broadway and give Creel some training, I really do not see why this is so complicated. I think it's great for both of them.
I think it's a major deal for LEE b/c there may be a chance for Tony nomination? And as Michael mentioned, apparently the Producers didn't think CREEL is good enough to open a new show on Broadway but LEE has a track record in the show.
I'm curious that Creel is supposed to be on Rosie's gay family cruise this July. Will he cancel the appearance?
Updated On: 6/17/06 at 03:30 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
Is it early or late July when he'll be on Rosie's cruise?
I think it's early July. They are going to Alaska this time.
Am I the only one who saw Gavin Creel's new myspace picture? HE CUT HIS HAIR and it looks HAWT!
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
"I think it's early July. They are going to Alaska this time."
If it's then, then perhaps he will stay committed to it, as he isn't scheduled to begin in MP until, what is it?, the 25 or 26 of July?
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