i was at a meeting recently where the idea of this musical was being thrown around. people of interest for casting were matthew morrison, jonathan groff (hercules); sutton foster, kelli o'hara (meg); nathan lane (phil). people like that, so dont be surprised if you hear more about this as an upcoming show.
It can't be that upcoming, Kelli has South Pacific and Sutton just started Young Frankenstein. Unless those two are both cut. I can't see Jonathon Groff as Hercules, and Susan Egan is too old to play Meg IMO. Nathan Lane is a great choice but Hades, I have no idea.
Hercules-Josh Strickland Meg-Susan Egan Hades-John Hickok(ONLY as a LAST RESORT if they can't get James Woods...) Young Hercules-Lucas Grabeel Phil-Nathan Lane Pain-Lance Bass Panic-Tyler Maynard Zeus-Brian Stokes Mitchell
"I am the Phantom of the Opera! I'm the gayest supervillian ever! OoooOOOooooOOOoooh...Beware of my scented candles...OoooOOOooooh...Scented!"
My choice would be not to attend. Yeah, that would be a good choice after all these crazy and impossible cast lists.
I bet this would be a good one:
HERCULES - Brian D'arcy James MEG - Kerry Butler HADES - John Hickok YOUNG HERCULES - Ricky Ashley PHIL - Michael McGrath PAIN - Tyler Maynard PANIC - Derrick Baskin ZEUS - Devin Richards
"How could she just suddenly, completely disappear into thin water?" - The Little Mermaid
I think Leslie Kritzer (I hope I spelled that right) would make a great Meg
"If we don't live happily ever after at least we survive until the end of the week!"
-Kermit the frog"I need the money... it costs a lot to look this cheap!" -Dolly P."Oh please, Over at 'Gypsy' Patti LuPone hasn't even alienated her first daughter yet!" Mary Testa in "Xanadu""...Like a drunk Chita Rivera!" Robin de Jesus in "In the Heights"
"B*tch, I don't know your life." -Xanadu
After that if he still doesn't understand why you were uncomfortable and are now infuriated, kick him again but this time with Jazz Hands!!! -KillerTofu
The only two who LOOK like a Hercules are Cheyenne Jackson and Burke Moses. Anyone who's seen pics of Cheyenne in Rocky Horror Show or saw Burke in The Frogs will know what I'm talking about. However, the idea sounds horrendous and I wouldn't wish it on either one of them.
As much as I'm against this (and if it does happen, no way in hell is Michael Rupert right for Hades), I'd say Drew Sarich would make a great Hades.
Butters, go buy World of Warcraft, install it on your computer, and join the online sensation before we all murder you.
--Cartman: South Park
ATTENTION FANS: I will be played by James Barbour in the upcoming musical, "BroadwayWorld: The Musical."
I actually think this would be the best Disney property to be realized as a Broadway musical if they are going to continue doing so. I'm surprised how much resistance there is to the idea of Hercules as a stage musical. The story, artistry, characters, and phenomenal Menken score (only to be added to if turned into a show) lend themselves perfectly to the stage. While they would never ask her or get her, Julie Taymor would do amazing things with this piece. But then again, she should have been begged to do The Little Mermaid, too.
In terms of casting, I can't think of anyone who would be a more perfect match for Hercules than Cheyenne Jackson. Vocally and visually, he just IS the part. I can think of several women that I would love to see as Meg, including Sutton Foster, Laura Benanti, and, obviously, Susan Egan. I think Rob Bartlett would be inspired as Phil and I would want Douglas Sills to finally come back to Broadway as Hades. And as for Zeus, George Hearn comes to mind. God, imagine that brilliant baritone booming down from Mount Olympus =)