Jordan Fisher—DEH — Page 2

bdn223 said: "I know half of you may not know who Jordan Fisher is, but this is most certainly stunt casting. First and foremost because it is being sold as a 16 week engagement with his final performance already announced. Second he’s taking over a he role during the traditionally slower period of Winter, and Dear Evan Hansen’s advance sales have softened in the past 6 months. My jaw nearly dropped when I got a mailer in September and another last month with a discount. Third is Fisher has a Gen Z following. His casting is similar to the numerous former teen Idols cast in Hairspray (Alexa Vega, Diana DeGarmo, and Ashely Parker Angel), all of which were with the show for 4+ months. He was in Teen Beach Movie, numerous other Disney Channel projects, Dancing with the Stars, Hosted Dancing with the Stars Jr, and was “famous enough” to be star cast in Rent Live. Yes, Evan is arguably one of the most difficult roles written for the Broadway stage, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stunt cast. It simply means they have to be more selective. Also of roles in the show that they could stunt cast and actually draw a name its Evan and Zoe, as Connor is too tragic/controversial for many an actor’s image, and Jared isn’t showy enough. My final point is that Fisher is the literally a complete 180 in terms of casting compared to the direction they’ve been taking Evan. Each new Evan cast after Ben has been more of a petite baby faced kid, most being in their teens or early 20s. This is not to say that Fisher won’t be great in the role, as it has a lot in common with Marc, which he performed well, for the most part. Its just I hate to break it to most of the people on this board, but we are old and Jordan Fisher is definitely Gen Z stunt casting."

Or maybe he gave a killer audition. Good for him.

Its not stunt casting simply when someone HAS a following - big or small. Thats like saying that Sutton can longer be cast without it being stunt casting....or hundreds other actors.

TobiasRagg said: "RWPrincess said: "I'm kind of surprised that Andrew didn't sign for another year given how young he is. I hope he lands somewhere else great quickly. Now I need to make sure to see him in this role before he leaves.

I do think Jordan will be great at this role. I don't consider him a stunt cast since he has theater experience already but certainly one of the bigger names they've had in the cast. He will probably only do 6 shows a week like the other main Evans."

Anyone think it’s possible that it’s not Andrew’s decision to leave the show? I originally interpreted the tweet as him beingtold that he has to leave the show. I could’ve just been reading it wrong;Not trying to stir up rumors or anything."

I remember reading right around when he was first starting that he'd only signed for a year and wasn't likely to renew so that he/the producers/etc. could evaluate how the role was affecting his voice (considering he's only 17 and his voice is still developing, he probably doesn't want to cause long term damage because the role really is a beast to sing.)

I'm predicting key changes, no way he has the chops for this role- I like the guy, but even in Grease Live which showcased him at his best, Rent not withstanding, his vocal range seemed to have a definite topping point.

joevitus said: "bdn223 said: "Yes, Evan is arguably one of the most difficult roles written for the Broadway stage"

Do you meanthisin terms of vocal requirements, acting or both?

"

Both, in terms of acting, Evan is a horrible self centered person, and somehow has to make the audience like and sympathize with him. He's literally the antagonist of the musical. In terms of vocal....doesn't it really need to be explained?

Phillytheatreguy10 said: "I'm predicting key changes"



Key changes are done all the time in MANY shows, that in itself isnt a big deal.

I think people are saying it's stunt casting because it seems like an odd choice other than he is somewhat known and has a slight following. I'm surprised Andrew isn't extending... I'm hoping to see him in the show once more before he departs, and hopefully I'll be seeing him in many future productions.

RaisedOnMusicals said: "magictodo123 said:

"While its super exciting that a person of color will be in the title role, I cant help but think...is this the beginning of stunt casting for the show?"

What a joke. Stunt casting is defined as: "a term in casting that refers to the use of a gimmick or publicitystuntto fill a role in a television series, film or theatre production.

Jordan Fisher, while perhaps known to some people here, does not come close to meeting that definition based on his "fame'.

Oh, but wait. Jordan Fisher is not white, he's multi-ethnic. Is that why you consider this to be stunt casting, in the sense that casting anyone not a pure Caucasian as Evan would be a 'gimmick" or publicity stunt?

...Are you friggin' serious?? I asked about stunt casting because I thought he was a relatively big name. I don't know really anything about him but when I read the name that's why my mind went to "stunt cast?". I guess I thought he has a bigger reputation than he actually does? And WOW I regret the way I phrased my original comment. I just honestly thought he was a big name.

Key changes are done all the time in MANY shows, that in itself isnt a big deal.

I get that key changes happen, but they're usually reserved for a "name" or someone of note- tell the actors auditioning with the original keys and getting rejected that it's not a big deal. As an Artist myself, I think it's at least worth mentioning. Elphaba has options on changes she can make as are taught to her by the Music Director (many who have played it freely talk about this), but the keys are never changed- off the top of my head, neither are Evita, The Phantom, or Jean Valjean- talent is talent, but personally, I want the whole package. A minor change to someone that doesn't know music is one thing, but again, the people who aren't getting the role because they haven't been on The Disney Channel, Dancing With The Stars, or they aren't a Real Housewife is quite another- especially when they can sing the role as written. Full disclosure, I can't so I'd welcome a key change, but, I know my limits, so why audition in the first place? The fact he's had exposure definitely helped him get this role, may not be full on stunt casting, but it sure didn't hurt.

Updated On: 12/3/19 at 03:04 PM

MollyJeanneMusic said: "Phillytheatreguy10 said: "Key changes are done all the time in MANY shows, that in itself isnt a big deal.

I get that key changes happen, but they're usually reserved for a "name" or someone of note- tell the actors auditioning with the original keys and getting rejected that it's not a big deal. As an Artist myself, I think it's at least worth mentioning. Elphaba has options on changes she can make as are taught to her by the Music Director (many who have played it freely talk about this), but the keys are never changed- off the top of my head, neither are Evita, The Phantom, or Jean Valjean- talent is talent, but personally,I want the whole package. Aminor change to someone that doesn't know music is one thing, but again, the people who aren't getting the role because they haven't been on The Disney Channel, Dancing With The Stars, or they aren't a Real Housewife is quite another- especially when they can sing the role as written. Full disclosure, I can't so I'd welcome a key change, but,I know my limits, so why audition in the first place? The fact he's had exposure definitely helped him get this role, may not be full on stunt casting, but it sure didn't hurt."

They did change one key for Andrew - “If I Could Tell Her,” of all songs, was lowered half a step. And he has spoken publicly about his audition, so it seems the DEH casting directors are more flexible about that than other shows. Has there ever been an occasion, besides a gender-swap like Patina Miller in Pippin, where a key was brought up for an actor?"

I remember watching a video of Alan Menken and Adam Jacobs where they discuss that Adam sings "Proud of Your Boy" in a higher key than originally written.