I Wish James Marsden Would Do A Broadway Musical- Page 2

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 8:08am

Tom Cruise is not a stage star. The point of the height argument is that the stage doesn't usually have the luxury of having the leading man stand on a box all night.

Mike, in my first post, I talked about how much I like the musical James Marsden in the HAIRSPRAY film. I absolutely agree I would like to see him on stage. I was merely questioning some of the casting choices here.

As those who have done it know, casting is more complicated that merely putting a cute guy into every romantic role. (This last comment isn't directed at Mike or anyone in particular.)

Updated On: 6/29/14 at 08:08 AM

[mamaleh]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 8:56am

I believe Marc Shaiman once described Marsden's voice as "ice cream." I agree. Reportedly years ago Hugh Jackman, about to prepare for THE BOY FROM OZ, asked his then X-MEN co-star Marsden if he'd be interested in the role of Greg Connell, Peter Allen's longtime significant other. Marsden kibboshed the idea; I wish he hadn't.

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 9:05am

The problem with Marsden is that he seems to have leading man looks and talent, but lacks the undefinable star quality. I think the same could be said about Laura Benanti. On paper, both should be huge stars. Shows almost never seem to be written 'for' specific stars anymore, but it would be great if someone could write a show that could take advantage of their abilities.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 8:13pm

Just so I don't seem completely negative, I think Georg in SHE LOVES ME might be a great role for Marsden. He might also make a good lead in PROMISES, PROMISES. (I didn't see him in the part and I'm sure he was terrific, but Jerry Orbach has always struck me as an odd choice for a "Jack Lemmon" role.)

I read an interview with Marsden that said he did a lot of stage musicals in college. Maybe he got burned out on the whole medium. Or maybe a Broadway run would take him away from his kids for too long. Who knows?