Joel Grey in Cabaret

[ben1986]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 9:08pm

I was watching 'Cabaret' the other night and a question struck me that I thought some of the more knowlegdable broadway folk on this board could answer. Why was Joel Grey cast in 'Cabaret' the movie? I don't mean this in a negative way, but after Julie Andrews didn't get 'My Fair Lady' and Carol Channing didn't get 'Hello Dolly' why did hollywood cast Grey. With hollywood's track record, I thought that they would have wanted a bigger star for the role?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 9:13pm

My guess is that they didn't want a star that overpowered Liza Minelli.

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:01pm

I never really thought about that point...it is strange isnt' it? But for whatever reason, i'm glad he's in it.

[thatgirl712]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:05pm

I never thought about this either, but like what was said, it might be because of Liza Minnelli.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:06pm

I don't remember exactly, but I think one of the producers of the film insisted on Joel's being cast. Or someone insisted. I don't really remember who.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:08pm

Well, the Emcee isn't really a starring role. Grey was billed last, so I don't think they were looking for a star. If Jill Hayworth had been cast as Sally over Minnelli, that would have been different.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:11pm

Maybe because he's superb in the role. Thanks god no one else got that part.

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:14pm

Just for fun, if not Joel Grey, who would have been cast?

[ben1986]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:22pm

I agree he's great in the role and I love the fact that his performence was preserved for those of us who weren't first around to see it. Still it find it funny they didn't dump grey for someone alittle bit more hollywood. I don't know...

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:36pm

I think it's pretty clear. When you have someone who nailed a role the way he did, why even bother with anyone else? They knew they struck gold with him. Good for those producers who knew exactly what they were doing.

[heathurrr]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:39pm

Jane2, I agree. Joel Grey is the ultimate emcee. I adore him in that role.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:40pm

Oh good question

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:45pm

Agreed about Grey in the role. He is magnificent.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 12:24am

Bob Fosse did NOT want to cast Grey as the MC, but the producers (I believe) told Fosse that CABARET came with Joel Grey, it wasn't a choice.
Grey really did the role to perfection. And he has great chemistry with Liza in the scenes they share.