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

[IGOTANAME]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 9:05am

Until recently I have been associated with a production that is now headed to Broadway in the Fall. I created a role in the production and performed it in two cities. Now that the production is headed to NY a "name" or "star" is being sought out to replace me. My work was critically acclaimed and I was even called a standout amongst the ensemble. So replacing me is based on the current political Broadway environment and not my ability to perform the role. Here's the real rub. Somebody or somebodies is dragging my name through the mud in order to justify replacing me. I have been accused of doing things while in earlier productions of this same play. They have even accused me of doing things at other theatres not even associated with this current production. Bold faced lies and false accusations. And these rumors seem to hold some weight. I have been told that part of the reason why I am not being cast is because of these rumors. Yet I have not been told who my accusors are. I am dazed and confused. And I need good sound advice.

[thebigkrakowski]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 9:27am

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

[IGOTANAME]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 9:44am

I am asking the board because there may be someone who has had a similar experience. So you are saying this is something I can take to a lawyer? My agents are aware and they are clearing my name as well as I am. But what are the legal implifications?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 9:47am

You could very well have a slander claim.

[IGOTANAME]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 10:16am

Thanks, BG2. I will investigate that. Do you think I can call on AEA for help in order to make that determination?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 10:18am

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

[ponine24601]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 10:48am

ok that's weird. i think that broadwayguy2 gave a great suggestion though. i hope that you are not replaced!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 11:00am

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).

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 12:23pm

and remember: the truth always rises to the surface

it just sucks, because it takes a long time when people spread lies like that.

[chasing_rainbows43]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 12:31pm

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.

[sean martin]

Posted: 7/4/04 at 12:50pm

1. Get a good lawyer.

2. Document everything. You can't just say, "Well, I heard such and such was being said about me." You need verifiable sources.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 10:10am

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."

[DefyingGravity2]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 5:43pm

I have to agree with sean, you must document everything! the more you have documented the more credibility you have and you are put at a better advantage.. (i hope that made sense...)

good luck with everything. i hope you get everything worked out!

[J.]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 5:51pm

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."

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 5:56pm

I would definitely talk to a lawyer and let those who are lying know you have spoken to one. It may not lead to a lawsuit, BUT it will most likely shut them up. If the lies being told they claim are reasons for not hiring you for the role, then it could easily be a slander suit. A contract does not have to be signed, but if they are making up behavior and activity that is preventing you from getting work based on the falsehoods, then it is slanderous activity and there are legal issues involved.

In most cases, an actor's reputation can be every bit as important (and in some cases, more so) as his/her talent.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 6:00pm

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

Posted: 7/6/04 at 6:06pm

Well if you do get thrown out of this show, You tell me what it is and I will boycott it.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 6:13pm

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.

[localonecrew]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 6:49pm

learn to live with it and welcome to broadway. happens every day.

[boborunstheshow]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 7:33pm

what kinda things were you accused of?

[IGOTANAME]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 8:45pm

Wow! The advice and support are so helpful. Thank you everyone! I don't intend to give the specifics on this message board but I will update on the matter. And yes welcome to Broadway! It has happened to me once before...being replace by a bigger name. The mud slinging is the difference. I will take the good, sound advice that I received from you guys and move on. Stay tuned! And again thanks. The support gives me a needed boost.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 8:47pm

Talk to Patti LuPone.

[IGOTANAME]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 8:49pm

Hey Dolly...Does Patti have a similar story?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 9:05pm

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.

[CJR]

Posted: 7/6/04 at 11:19pm

I agree wholeheartedly with chasing_rainbows on this one