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

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

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.

"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.

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

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

---

"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????

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.