Grey gets 'Wicked' - variety.com

[KB]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 9:43pm

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=upsell_article&articleID=VR1117890659&categoryID=15&cs=1

This is a huuuuuge coup for Wicked! I'm looking forward to the show even more now.

KB

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 9:47pm

OK..must see WICKED....

[CourtneyM]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 9:52pm

i can't wait! i wish it was starting earlier

Posted: 8/10/03 at 10:41pm

81 days til I'm at the Gershwin in the best seats ever! I am sooo excited an I'm going to annoy the hell out of everyone with my countdown! Hee hee hee

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 10:48pm

(GASP)Oh My Gosh! This show is going to be amazing! I cannot wait to see it. I definitely need tickets! The stars in this show better stay in it for a long, long time!

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 11:41pm

Why are you all acting like it's a good thing that a show loses THREE performers from out-of-town to Broadway? When is the last time a show had so many cast changes and then succeeded?

Posted: 8/10/03 at 11:52pm

What actors got the boot? I only hope they keep Idina and Kristen

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 11:59pm

The girls are safe. It's Robert Morse, John Horton and Kirk McDonald that got booted.

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:10am

Joel Grey is perfect for The Wizard! The only sad part is since they are cutting out one of the Wizard's few songs, he won't be singing and dancing as much as we would like.

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:44am

wicked = doomed

[actorboy]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 1:02am

Duane, why do you always post so negatively about 'Wicked?' People seem excited about it, but you never pass up the opportunity to say something nasty about it. Why?

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 10:09am

Wow, that's great! I can't wait for this show! :)

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 10:15am

What's with Robert Morse? A beloved Broadway performer, winner of two tonys, is he ok? I know he left the Hal Prince revival of Showboat before it opened in New York too. Anyone know the story with the wonderful Mr. Morse? He was a seeminly perfect choice for the Wizard.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:08pm

amneris4ever, you go right ahead with that countdown

This is so exciting. I couldn't wait to see it before, but now I'm just getting antsy waiting for Wicked to sart.

I think we should have an official Wicked Countdown clock somewhere on the site.

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:12pm

I saw Robert Morse play the Wizard in Wicked in San Francisco and his performance as the Wizard just didn't work. However, it was difficult to assess whether the problem was with Morse or the character as written. I suspect that Joel Grey's take on the Wizard will be much more multi-dimensional and dynamic. This will most likely make a good show even better.

Also, I would ignore those who insist on posting about Wicked with an obvious agenda of "doom". These comments are comical in their predicability and ignorance.

Updated On: 8/11/03 at 12:12 PM

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 1:34pm

I'm very excited about this musical! I am disappointed that Robert Morse is no longer the Wizard, he's a wonderful, very comedic "Jerry Lewis" like actor, I love his work, especially in How To Succeed in Business... But I'm sure Joel Grey is going to be so awesome! I really want to see this show!

Posted: 8/11/03 at 1:55pm

One reviewer said something like "Kristin is known as Queen of the Flops and this show isn't any different". I thought that was cruel to say about such a wonderful person, not to mention a fantastic show THAT'S ORIGINAL (audience gasps) YES ORIGINAL!

I think they recast the Wizard because of their new approach to the character. It looks like they're making the Wizard more cynical and assertive like in the book versus their original idea.

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 3:28pm

Apparantly, Robert Morse left the production because he didn't like being away from his family for the New York rehearsals and San Francisco run and didn't think he could handle the 12 months he would have to fulfill.

[Starlight]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 3:36pm

As far as cast changes prior to Broadway-

The first one that comes to mind is Millie. They only kept 4 principle cast members - Sutton Foster, Marc Kudish, Francis Jue, Anne L. Nathan. (though Anne L. Nathan's role was not considered a principle one in La Jolla.) They kept a couple other ensemble members. So, they really only kept 3 out of eight principles in going to Broadway. From what I know of Wicked - they have 8 principles and two are continuing to Broadway. So, technically Millie has a only a slightly better track record (percentage-wise) and walked away with 6 Tony awards. So don't discount a show because they alter their cast...especially when they're adding performers like Grey.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 3:43pm

I agree, Starlight. I don't think you can go wrong with casting Joel Grey. And I most definitely do NOT think Wicked is doomed!

[OzGirl]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 6:25pm

Anyone who thinks this show is doomed from a few out of town cast changes (which is VERY common), obviously is WANTING it to be doomed. I am wondering if you saw the show in San Francisco. While both extremely talented performers, I think it was clear that both Kirk and Robert Morse were just mis-cast. It is good for the show, and down the line, probably better for them, that they were re-cast. As for Mr. Horton, I don't get that one. I thought he was very good and brought some true depth and heart to a somewhat thankless role. I wouldn't be suprised if he chose not to come to NY with the show, as he works all the time and the role proabably wasn't fulfilling for him ( I heard they cut a lot of his material in rehearsals and previews). But who knows?
All I do know is that we should NEVER start saying shows are doomed before they happen. And if you have some personal connection to wanting the show to fail, keep it to yourself. This show, even in San Francisco where it obviously still needed work, was touching, smart, beautiful, challenging, fun and original. I hope it is a huge hit. Let's give it a chance before we judge (she says, hopefully!)

[BudFrump23]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 6:33pm

Perhaps we should wait until the show opens and people see it before we consider how much of a flop it will be. There are certain shows that I thought would be definate flops even before they started rehersals, and then when I got to see them, I enjoyed them very much (such as Aida and Rent) They are still doing very well at the box office.

[MsNina]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 8:07pm

holy crap, seeing the article i did an overly theatrical GASP followed by a urinetown inspired WHAA-? the wizard was a tricky role in the show, as well as boq and the sister (what's her name? like mama rose but not), but i think the show will work out the kinks and find success, especially with grey now on board. he's another name that will fill the seats, but once the people see it they never want it to end. i can't wait to see it!

[MsNina]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 8:08pm

holy crap, seeing the article i did an overly theatrical GASP followed by a urinetown inspired WHAA-? the wizard was a tricky role in the show, as well as boq and the sister (what's her name? like mama rose but not), but i think the show will work out the kinks and find success, especially with grey now on board. he's another name that will fill the seats, but once the people see it they never want it to end. i can't wait to see it!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 8:27pm

Her sister's name is Nessarose.