Good Luck Broadway's newest stuperstar TAYLOR HICKS- Page 4

Posted: 6/11/08 at 5:07pm

Honestly, there are crazy fans for a lot of famous people... people who are in denial about if their favorite actor/singer/dancer/whatever is not right or just isn't good. He was pitchy... he is probably still adjusting to the role. I can understand that, but extreme pitchiness doesn't come with the territory, IMO. Being in the right key would help too.

If that has been the tempo since the beginning of the run, then you can't really blame the tempo can you? They shouldn't slow it down for him just so he can "milk it". Clearly you care about Hicks and he may have made his "Broadway debut" but everyone knows it is only because he has American Idol fans behind him. While I know there are some people from that terrible show who may have good voices & acting chops to be on Broadway.. they obviously got special treatment making their debut as a starring role or supporting.

Leave Broadway for Broadway actors. It shouldn't be a place that ex-AI people or other people can go because they can't make it anywhere and can be used for publicity.

[sweetsmoke]

Posted: 6/11/08 at 5:25pm

Your comment "leave Broadway for Broadway actors" is odd. Don't be naive. If they were so good, there wouldn't be a need to bring in someone like Taylor to spice up the show. It's all about $$$$$$ and filling seats and yes, he is doing just that. If the cast isn't doing it, then they call someone who CAN.

Don't forget Taylor Hicks is and was a singer and musician long before AI. That was only a vehicle to get his name out there and low and behold he won they entire pie. People like him and Fantasia did wonders for their respective Broadway shows and you, as a fan of Broadway, should be thrilled at the great talent it's bringing in. If you can't see that, then you have a hidden prejudice that you're not honing up to.

Last year his tour brought in almost 4 million dollars. His ability to control a stage, whether it's on Broadway or at the Beacon Theater is brilliant. Next time he's in town on his own, I suggest you do yourself a favor and buy a ticket.


Updated On: 6/11/08 at 05:25 PM

[MassiveMeGo]

Posted: 6/11/08 at 5:45pm

I hope Taylor doesn't skip 50+ shows like Fantasia did. At least with Taylor they can't get a refund if he doesn't show up.

Posted: 6/11/08 at 7:48pm

Did you just read the post you wrote? It's all an oxymoron. I'm not naive... I just wish that Broadway actors would not be out of a job as much because people that "bring in more money" want to be onstage to have something to do.

And excuse me?
"If they were so good, there wouldn't be a need to bring in someone like Taylor to spice up the show."
Right after you stated that... you state how it's all about $$$$ as the reason as to why they choose people like Taylor Hicks. EXACTLY. I completely realize why they choose Hicks because they want to rake in the money. I mean, take a look @ Grease. They took the two main characters from a reality tv show. Did it go well for them financially? Absolutely. Do I still think there were more qualified people for the job? Probably.

"...thrilled at the great talent it's brining in."
If you are talking about AI people and the like... clearly, I'm not the naive one.

[dominique]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 10:03am

I like Taylor but I'm not an uber fan. I check one of his webpages once a month or two to see what he's up to. He's not the greatest vocalist in the world but he has energy and charisma and he's been working as a performer/musician for a long time.

I understand there's a bias here against stunt casting and singers from American Idol. It's understandable but also not becoming. People like Taylor are just like anyone else on Broadway, they are people with talent who scrabble their way to the top, one way or another, trying to make a living doing what they love to do.

Not everyone can live in New York and follow theater as avidly as some of you do. This board is fascinating for people like me who do love theater but have not seen a Broadway play (yet). American Idol is a stupid cheesy manipulative show, but many of us watch it for the talented kids and not-so-young-anymore-kids who get to the top 12. Some great talent has come out of the show so it might behoove some people to stop acting so elitist.

Taylor wasn't exactly dropped from his label, it was more of a mutual decision because he wants to make his own kind of cd. If he comes out with a good cd, his label still wants to be involved with it.

I understand why stunt casting is an annoyance for theater lovers, however Taylor is like anyone else, a talented artist who wants to perform and given the chance, he will take it. Wouldn't you? I'm sorry there aren't enough Broadway roles to go around for everyone. Show business is just that way.

[dramaguru]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 12:22pm

"If that has been the tempo since the beginning of the run, then you can't really blame the tempo can you? They shouldn't slow it down for him just so he can "milk it"."

He wasn't in it at the beginning of the run, and may know the song better at its CORRECT or optimal tempo. Again, it's a crooner. It doesn't make a difference to me what the conductor chose at the beginning of the run - it's still faster than a lot of people, like Taylor probably, think it's normally sung at. I'm sure, as I said, that he'll adjust as time goes on. I didn't say it had to be changed for him.

And just so everyone knows, I picked Daughtry to win that season.

"Clearly you care about Hicks and he may have made his "Broadway debut" but everyone (?) knows it is only because he has American Idol fans behind him. While I know there are some people from that terrible show who may have good voices & acting chops to be on Broadway.. they obviously (?) got special treatment making their debut as a starring role or supporting."

How is it "obvious" that it was "special treatment" rather than their talent that got them the role? Because you say so? If they've got "good voices & acting chops to be on Broadway" PLUS they've already got a following, what's your problem? You'd rather someone else who also has a good voice and acting chops but no following got cast, even if the Idol people worked just as hard as they did to get attention and make it to the top, standing in long lines, facing possible humiliation every single week, getting no sleep because of rehearsals? What's your beef? Just 'cuz there was a camera on them they don't get our respect for working to be successful like the rest of us do? You think they were living the good life, stress free, being wined and dined and never had to exert any effort? Are you so sure?

And incidentally, I watched the reality TV show that cast Danny and Sandy. It was for them WEEKS of auditions for a worldwide panel of judges. That's not work?? More grueling than any callback process I've ever been through. And the ones that were cast are astonishingly talented. I'd have cast them if it had been a regular audition.

Stunt casting isn't justified a lot of the time. Trust me - I'm as suspicious of it as any other Broadway vet. But my thought is that if those "stars" are talented enough to be worthy of the role, aren't difficult to work with, AND can guarantee the run will continue longer so I can keep my job as a featured or ensemble player, great. Taylor will probably save a whole bunch of jobs at least for a little longer, including Teen Angel, which might itself have been lost if someone unknown had been put in it. Personally, if I were in that ensemble, I'd be grateful.

[theatrelovr]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 12:45pm

Whats next....Ruben Studdard starring in the musical version of Fat Albert? Where does it end....someone stop the boat, I must get off.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 2:46pm

More an issue is how TH's fans behave inside the theater. Flash cameras, recording his song, etc.

It's a small part and not going to make him a star on Broadway, so I don't know why anyone's panties are in a bunch over it. Stunt casting is a thing of Broadway. He'll be fine.

Updated On: 6/12/08 at 02:46 PM

[beachbaby]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 3:38pm

"Hey, life ain't fair. Taylor was hired because the producers knew he will get people to buy tickets. Period."

We'll see IF he sells tickets. I'm betting he doesn't.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 4:04pm

He will sell tickets, there is no doubt in my mind. He has many loyal followers and a few really over the top ones.

[insertclevernamehere]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 4:11pm

That's what everyone said about the Claymates and look how much that helped.

[broadwayboy522]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 4:34pm

"Last year his tour brought in almost 4 million dollars."

I'm pretty sure this production of Grease can make that in a little over a month. Aren't other concert tours making more than that????

[worrell4077]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 6:24pm

What's next, David Archuletta as Danny?

I've never been a fan of Taylor Hicks. I don't like him one bit. I watched that bootleg on You Tube of him singing Beauty School Dropout, and I thought he was horribly off key the entire time and I really hate the fact that they gave him a harmonica. If they are going to cast an American Idol winner, can they at least cast one that can actually sing and on key.

Posted: 6/12/08 at 6:35pm

OMG DANNY ARCHULETTA IS GOING TO PLAY DANNY ZUKO? REALLY? What have you heard? THAT WOULD BE AMAZING! I am crying just thinking about it! Do you have any idea when he starts? I need to get my tickets!

[oohshizz146]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 6:38pm

Oh God he just sucks so much...

[Eris0303]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 7:33pm

I have nothing against stunt casting at all as long as the person being brought in actually does have talent. And I have nothing against him as a performer. I just think he's an ill fit with the show and based on what I've seen (youtube) I'm rather unimpressed. Maybe I'll be impressed when I see the show next week and see him live. But right now I'm not pleased with the casting.

I just read a review that discussed how people behaved while Hicks was on stage. Camera flashes, people yelling, walking around, and standing. I guess they think they're at a concert.

Updated On: 6/12/08 at 07:33 PM

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 9:24pm

When Clay was brought into Spamalot, the show was not doing all that well. The fact is that Grease has done well, week after week, for the entire run.

Of course, the proof is the when we see the gross for the weeks he is in the show.

Updated On: 6/12/08 at 09:24 PM

[sweetsmoke]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 10:48pm

Check out this 10 story Grease ad on 47th street with you-know-who's picture in BIG font - "Starring Taylor Hicks" . Yea, baby!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 10:54pm

That makes me sad

[sweetsmoke]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 10:57pm

It makes me giddy with pride! Taylor Hicks is living his dream! I'm happy for him!

[BwayBoundJoe]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 10:58pm

isnt rubin in aint missbehavin on tour, with frenchie?

[dramaguru]

Posted: 6/12/08 at 11:35pm

Spamalot was packed when I saw it two weeks ago (Clay was no longer in it - but looks like he did indeed make a difference.)

Taylor did not sing off-key on that video - he had a few pitch issues in a couple of places. Learn the difference. So do an awful lot of wonderful singers when they do a show 8 times a week.

[TheKryptoniteKid]

Posted: 6/13/08 at 12:03am

While we're on the subject of GREASE, and I don't know if this has been discussed elsewhere: would a revival of an original production of GREASE sans the songs from the film flop on Broadway? Is it possible to do this? I love the Original Cast Recording and I'd love to see those great songs reinstated, and the film songs dumped.

On the same subject, would a revival of the original version of SOUND OF MUSIC succeed?

Posted: 6/13/08 at 12:13am

Look, maybe I sounded angrier than I actually felt. I'm not denying some of the people have talent... but that's not why they get the job. It's like that poster... its' for publicity because they will bring in the money. Is it good publicity/profit? Absolutely. Do I think it's wrong? Absolutely.

And when was Broadway "Taylor Hicks' dream"?

I know people who even do basic high school/local productions of Grease that need to do it the "movie version" to not disappoint people who want to see something similar to the movie. Same goes with West Side Story. I don't think it would do well without the movie songs, it would lose it's entire movie fan base that way, and it wouldn't reap the profits.
Sound of Music would be an interesting revival. It would have to take a really strong cast, IMO, but clearly it's the year of revivals (South Pacific, Gypsy, SITPWG) so I think it can be done.

[sweetsmoke]

Posted: 6/13/08 at 12:28am

Taylor's "dream", as he has stated many times, is to be able to be a working musician, entertain people and make enough money to raise a family. He said this on his promotional tour for his book, Heart Full of Soul.

Yes, I suspect the publicity and money is one of the reason's he's doing it. In addition to that, accepting this perhaps once in a lifetime opportunity to star on Broadway is something he couldn't possibly turn down. Why would he want to broaden his fan base and expose himself to a new base of people? What's wrong with that? Where is it written that we can only do one thing in life? He said he wants to dabble in acting as well as playing music. Don't pigeonhole him. That's not fair.

He has a new CD and DVD coming out in the Fall. SMART TAYLOR.