MY NAME IS BEING DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUD! ADVICE NEEDED...

Ask your agent or lawyer for advice. I'm sure they'll be more helpful than a message board.

You could very well have a slander claim.

I'd certainly say so. Whoever is doing the talking is doing so, it seems, in an eefort to hinder you in findingf uture employment. That is certainly a thing that equity could take a stand with and also a cause for possible legal recourse. I mean, if Tom Cruise can sue someone for calling him gay (even though the supreme court just ruled that you can no longer sue someone for calling you a homosexual)..........

Updated On: 7/4/04 at 10:18 AM

the real problem here is that, unless you have something in a previous contract that hasn't been voided stating you're involved in all productions, they can get rid of you without the slanderous accusations. Perhaps they feel the need to be mean to you to give themselves a "reason." Most contracts on out-of-town shows give a right of first refusal but, even then, a producer can simply buy you out of it if they want to replace you (It's happened to me once on a show and another friend twice).

Be careful of what you do, though.
It's one thing to clear your name, but make sure it's done in a way that doesn't seem like you're out for revenge for being cut from the cast. If you do have a slander case and go forward with it, the production staff may see it as a ploy to get back into the show, which will not fare well and could very possibly come back to bite you in the ass and hard.
Don't be as vicious as they are. Keep calm and stand your ground without getting pushy. Make sure you get your point across in as simple terms as possible and without being all bitter about it. That's my two cents.

This situation is one of the many reasons you are paying an agent 10% and/or a manager 15-25%.

THEY need to get on the phone with the producer/director/casting people and tell them to "Shut the f--k up" using just those words since in the long run the show's people will look even worse than producers look which is pretty crummy to start with.

YOU take the high road. Keep your precious mouth shut in public and in private.

In the meantime get your butt in front of an audience. In a show or a cabaret act. Either one, although make sure you look good. Real good. Spend some money and get some charts (and a press agent for the gig) and put yourself in front of a crowd of professionals.

And never allude to this until you write your memoirs in which this will be but a footnote.

When you're alone, play the cast recording of Applause, the first act finale:
"Welcome to the theatre.
To the magic,
To the fun.
Where painted trees and flowers grow,
And laughter rings fortisimo,
And treachery's sweetly done.... etc."

---

Go to your lawyer now. You can always sue for false accusation that affect your ability to get work but I think it's getting harder to do it for things that just hurt your "image."

very tru about the reputation Matt. Your reputation CAN precede you

I would also encourage you to excercise discretion when posting here and on other message boards. You don't want to come off as someone who would air their grievances in such a public forum.

what kinda things were you accused of?

---

Talk to Patti LuPone.

---

Oh come on!!! You don't know about Patti getting fired from the Broadway production of SUNSET BOULEVARD? She starred in the London version and was promised the New York production as well, but Sir Andy fired her in favor of Glenn (I wish I could belt) Close. Patti sued and made a few million on the deal.

---