King and I Casting Notice

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:00pm

I just saw Playbill's casting notice for Lincoln Center's King and I.

http://m.playbill.com//news/article/191956-THE-CALL-BOARD-Upcoming-Audition-Listings

It says they are seeking the Anna character. I don't know much about the nature of audition postings. Could they still post that they are seeking someone to play Anna (maybe an understudy?) even though Kelli O'Hara is probably set to do it, or does this indicate she might no longer be attached?

[Jonwo]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:08pm

I imagine auditions are required even if Barlett Sher has Kelli O'Hara in mind for the role of Anna.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:13pm

I think Jonwo is right; it may be a formality, and the OP is right as well--they will need an Anna understudy, and perhaps even a standby.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 2:19pm

Usually, Equity audition notices state that they are seeking every role unless the person is confirmed and officially signed on to do it. Until there's some kind of contract or other written agreement, I believe they have to act as though they haven't cast the role (because technically, they haven't).

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 3:42pm

A role is not listed as cast until a performer has closed their deal and signed their contract. Kelli O'Hara has stated numerous times that she's "in talks" for this revival, which means that her contractual negotiations are still ongoing. As such, the role is Anna is not yet listed as cast by Equity terms. The same applies for the other roles- offers may be out for them, but until deals are signed, they are not listed as cast.

[gabrieljwickedone]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 4:30pm

Broadway World sure has the hard hitting breaking news.

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 4:51pm

Thanks for the responses. I figured the reason was something along those lines.

[mikem]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 5:37pm

I'm surprised that they have 10 principals, including a bunch of parts that don't really deserve that designation. I don't think of LCT as usually doing that.

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 6:04pm

I would imagine that you would still need to audition someone on their ability to be Anna, even if they will end up as the understudy/ensemble for most shows. Otherwise, you'd have to think they cast the whole ensemble and then figure out which is their best bet to understudy for Anna, which seems backwards.

I don't know if Kelli is the same, but Idina seems to have the same understudy that she did in previous shows, so not sure if that is usually done as a package deal, especially when you want a specific vocal type?

[Jon]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 6:31pm

whatever

Updated On: 6/20/14 at 06:31 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 6:43pm

I imagine they'd have an off-stage standby for Anna.

And the role is "open" until a contract is signed. Maybe they're still negotiating. Maybe they haven't even begun the process as Sher is doing Women in London.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 7:54pm

If they bow to PC pressure, all of the women in the ensemble will be of Asian ethnicity - therefore, not suitable to understudy Anna.

Are you ****ing kidding me? PC pressure? Yes, God forbid they cast ethnically appropriate actors for roles written specifically for Asian actors. Because, gosh, we know how many of those poor white actors' jobs are being taken by those over-represented, greedy Asian actors.

And if you even try and trot out that "well, then, they better cast actors only from Myanmar and Thailand or it doesn't count" bull****, I swear to God, old man, I swear to God...

Updated On: 6/20/14 at 07:54 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 8:31pm

Jon has been making discreetly offensive posts for years on here.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 9:03pm

That's a great way to describe his post, ljay. Sorry if you thought that ridiculous statement was going to slip right on through without anyone commenting, Jon.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 9:46pm

Smaller roles like Louis, Orton and Ramsey are considered principals. I think it has to do with the number of lines they have.

Updated On: 6/20/14 at 09:46 PM

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 6/21/14 at 2:11am

O'Hara may be the frontrunner for the role, but she could get offered another show or book a TV show and become unavailable in the next 6 months. But I doubt they're seriously seeking an Anna from this round of auditions.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/21/14 at 10:28am

Smaller roles like Louis, Orton and Ramsey are considered principals. I think it has to do with the number of lines they have.

Wouldn't it be because they only play one role throughout the show?