Matthew Morrison Confirms He Will Be Back On Broadway This Season — Page 3

Looking at it in retrospect, this has probably been a virtual done deal since before Jordan even got involved. (whether are not Jordan knew all this when he took the job is not so obvious) The only sticking points regarding Morrison may have been availability, salary, and time commitment. Perhaps they still are, and that's why there has been no announcement yet. Jordan's performance in Cambridge put Weinstein in a stronger bargaining position with Morrison, but if Morrison wants to come to Broadway badly enough, or if Weinstein wants him badly enough, it looks like the job is his.

It is a physically and vocally demanding role. The Barrie character is on stage for virtually the entire show. I'm sure that adjustments will be made to tailor the role to Morrison's talents (more dancing, less vocally challenging), but carrying an entire show on his back for eight performances a week will still be something that is new for for a guy who earned his Broadway bona fides in featured roles, and it's not going to be a cakewalk regardless of what adjustments are made. I can certainly understand why ironing out the details may be taking some time.

I don't think Morrison will be able to pull off the accent.

"Morrison had the male lead role in 10 million miles in 2007 so he has had to carry a heavy role before."

I wasn't questioning his ability to take on a lead role. I was merely pointing out that this role presents particular physical and vocal challenges that would cause any actor to examine his own ability to be at the top of his game eight times a week. Jordan had faced similar challenges in a lead role twice before, and even he thought this role was difficult. And I wasn't questioning Morrison's conditioning. He's a dancer. Of course he's in shape. However, being on stage for virtually the entire show, under the lights, can drain the energy out of you when you are in the best of shape.

I'm a huge Patty Griffin fan and I wish I had been able to see 10,000,000 Miles, but part of the appeal of her music is that it is so accessible and easy to sing. That is not the case with some of the more emotional songs in Finding Neverland. It will present some challenges that will be new for Morrison.

My point is that this is not an easy role, and that I'm sure Morrison recognizes that and is considering the obvious physical and vocal demands before making any long term commitment for eight shows a week. He may try to talk them down to six shows a week. It's all part of the negotiations. If all this was a slam dunk, he would already be signed, sealed and delivered.

Updated On: 10/29/14 at 08:14 PM

Or like how Elena Shaddow stood by for Kelli O'Hara in 'The Bridges of Madison County'?

Updated On: 10/29/14 at 08:54 PM

I am wrong in feeling that it isn't unusual that office casting hasn't been announced yet? It's only been a month since the preview ended. Kelli o hara was first attached to King and I in early April and was officially cast in mid June. The workshop/preview interim stages delays things particular when cast changes are involved. The casting for several spring 2015 productions haven't been announced yet either.

Usually afterwards.

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What do you think Jeremy Jordan will do next? More TV?

I have never used the name " saranoh" in my life and I am sure that she (?) wouldn't want to be associated with what I visit on the net.

Guess that's one less show I'll be deciding between when I go to NYC in March. Jeremy Jordan was my only draw to see this, so I'd been hoping he would do the transfer, too.

I'd be very surprised if she doesn't get it. She was phenomenal in Cambridge.

I'm wondering what they'll do with the casting of the boys- wether they'll have alternates taking several shows a week or keeping it as it was at the A.R.T and just having child swings nearby. I do hope they keep the same kids that they had- Aiden Gemme in particular was fabulous.

I'm curious about the kids too. Anyone of their voices could start to change at any point. I wonder how Broadway shows handle trying to predict that.

I'm hoping Carolee Carmello stays, and most of the ensemble. Gaelen Gilliland is doing Honeymoon in Vegas, but most of the ensemble at A.R.T. was so astonishingly good that I hope they continue if they want to. I'm thinking especially of Thayne Jasperson, Josh Lamon, Melanie Moore, Mary Page Nance, Stuart Neal, Emma Pfaeffle, Jonathan Ritter, and Ron Todorowski.

I just read that Carolee Carmello will be doing Tuck Everlasting until February 22 as well.