KIDS ON BROADWAY

[johnsons]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 6:31pm

Has anybody else noticed how flooded Broadway stages are going to be with children in the coming months? With 13 and Billy Elliot. . . I have no problem with child performers(as long as they can give performances of comparable quality to adults) but I don't really understand what the sudden craze is. With 3 different Billies constantly changing and a stage full of children with little Broadway experience, do you think the quality of the shows can stay consistant? Maybe the no-broadway experience in 13 will work in the producers favor like Spring Awakening and maybe all 3 Billies will be equally brilliant, but you really have to wonder. . .

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 6:34pm

What do you mean?

I don't think it's a "sudden craze"

there's just a couple of more musicals, with younger kids written into the script, this season.

children have always been on Broadway. some are absolutely brilliant and some need a little work... but the casting agencies almost always get it right with casting children.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 6:52pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 06:52 PM

[johnsons]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 6:59pm

Ya I guess "craze" was a little strong of a word- but the point I'm trying to get to is that the two most hyped new musicals of the year(save TOTC) are really relying on a few select children for the success of the show. I'm so used to seeing featured children in shows- but these producers are really banking on these performances. They will really have to be amazing(especially in 13) to bring in audiences with the only really recognizable name connected to the project being Jason Robert Brown. . .

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 7:03pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 07:03 PM

[johnsons]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 7:12pm

I'm not upset at all- I'm totally facinated by 13 and I can't wait to see Billy Elliot. I was just trying to get in the producers heads. After all- Spring Awakening had terrible attendance and was basically a money pit on Broadway until Tony noms came out. And it was brilliant. It just seems a little risky. . .and Broadway is already risky.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 7:19pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 07:19 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 7:25pm

Jason Robert Brown's being "well known" is entirely debatable.

[Broadway Baby 2]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 9:24pm

Every child that I have seen on a Broadway stage has always given a wonderful Broadway caliber performance. Most are better than some adult performers whom I will not name.

[it'sjustshowbiz]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 11:19pm

I saw the BWW video on the three Billy Elliots. Each boy has more dancing talent in their pinky toe than I ever had in my younger years. I'm seeing the show specifically for them.

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 11:23pm

I think the level of talent for the kids on Broadway stage has gotten much higher over the years.

I'm excited for Billy Elliot! It's so inspiring.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 11:31pm

one of the boys playing Billy was at a master class Victoria Clark gave at the 92nd Street Y in November and he was incredibly talented and SO charming. I'm really excited for the show and I really hope I get to see him as Billy.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 8/25/08 at 11:58pm

When did Jason Robert Brown become well know?