Jason Donovan in 'Sweeney Todd' - What a catastrophe!

[AngusN]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:30am

OK, I may be jumping the gun a bit. But Jason Donovan is a washed up pop star who I've only ever seen play the same type of role- boy next door, who pulls in the ladies. I fear for this production. I just don't think that Jason will attract the kind of audience that will appreciate this Brechtian style production. Nor will they like to see their (once) teenage pin-up playing this demonic, eerie and slightly possessed barber.
Who will play Mrs Lovett? Kylie Minogue?

[Khashoggi]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:32am

What the hell are you talking about?

[AngusN]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:39am

Check the news desk matey.

By the way, 'Good day to you too'. Do you have to be so rude?

[Khashoggi]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:45am

Meh. He'll be horrible. Its a stupid idea. But I'm seeing him in a Melbourne Theatre Company show this year, so time will tell. Festen, for those who are interested.
J.

[Copeman63]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:45am

Pot, this is kettle...You're black. After bashing someone, and then you say someone else is rude???

[AngusN]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:49am

I've not bashed him at all. I've just stated that I don't think he is suitable for the role and that he will not draw the correct audience to suit the production.

[Copeman63]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 6:55am

Oh sure, I always use the word "catastrophe" to state my opinion... And I don't know how Mr. Donovan will be in the role, I was moreso talking about you being hypocritical to Khas.

[IssaMe]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 7:12am

Have you seen him perform lately? He no longer looks like the pop idol boy nextdoor as he was in "Neighbours" and in his pop days.

He no longer looks or acts like the kid that he used to be at the height of his fame both with and without Kylie.

It is an unexpected casting, to be sure...but, having seen him recently (both on and off stage), it is at least within the realm of possibility because he sure ain't what he used to be!!!

[fiatlux]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 7:25am

It might well be jumping the gun. As has been mentioned already, he'll be in Festen later in Melbourne and has certainly matured in his roles. Might be worth giving him the benefit of the doubt. Updated On: 12/30/05 at 07:25 AM

[AngusN]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 7:32am

Yes, I agree he doesn't look like he used to in Neighbours. He looks similar to Michael Cerveris infact, however, the point I was trying to make (Copeman63 take note) is that I don't think it will atrract an audience that will appreciate the Brechtian element of the show. And this may by a catastrophe because the show looks superb and I don't want it to fail. The fans of Jason Donovan, the popstar, are not going to appreciate their teen idol portraying a deranged serial killer, they are used to him singing fluffy songs about falling in love and having a coat of many colours. I did see him play against type when he played Frank n Furter. Although it was a decent production and Jason sung it well I didn't enjoy his performance, I don't think he was charasmatic enough, nor did he loosen up enough to make the role his own. (plus, I thought it was a bizarre choice of role seen as though he was so angry for The Face magazine suggesting that he was gay, he sued them for a lot of money)
I hope he proves me wrong because I really ant this show to be a success.
Updated On: 12/30/05 at 07:32 AM

Posted: 12/30/05 at 9:20am

There were some nude pictures of him floating around a few years ago in gay magazines so maybe that's where tht rumour came from!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 10:59am

So...um...what the #%&@ are you talking about? Is this about the current Broadway revival or another production? And which role would he be playing?

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/30/05 at 11:30am

It's the London tour. He will play Sweeney.

Its on all the Broadway news sites.