Actually, the casting of this show has been downrigh brilliant. They first overlooked Harvey. Just passed him over. And hoped America would not be bothered. They figured the Broadway community would be angry but if they let that one pass, the producers would have free reign to do anytyhing else they wanted to. And sisnce there are no picket lines or skywriting for Harvey, I guess we have rolled over. With John Travolta, the producers went for a superstar who (1) can sing and dance and has done so in HUGE hit films, (2) will probably turn in at the least a very interesting performance, (3) actually gives the film Academy Award buzz if he does (4) will get the film MILES of free press. Then they VERY wisely cast the other roles from each of the food groups: an unknown for Tracey (Nicki Blonsky) who has the requisite voice in spages and is the right size, backed her up with a very well-known young commedianne (Amanda Bynes) who has a huge tween and slightly older following - don't discount her ability or popularity, a veteran comedian who can sing and dance passably (Billy Crystal) as Wilbur. It would make total sense, from their viewpoint, to cast a kid from High School Musical. The film is a phenom. I just hope he has the chops because, frankly, it's a key part and the other cast are pretty strong.
I have always said Hollywood - where I work, BTW and I admit to being as guilty as anyone - almost always screws up musical adaptations. Maybe this time they (we) got it right.
As long as they don't cut "Timeless To Me."
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699