Movie actors on Broadway

[EnyaWeiss03]

Posted: 7/22/03 at 8:21pm

Perhaps this topic has been done already, but I'm relatively new here and I'm curious to know what people think about film actors playing Broadway roles? Examples are of course, Melanie in Chicago, Renee in Chicago (the movie), and of course, Antonio in Nine.

I guess I'm inclined to say that it's not fair to actors that have trained for Broadway their whole lives. On the flip side, I can see that having big names in shows is probably good for attracting people who wouldn't normally attend a show to see one...

What do ya'll think?

[Sunfish]

Posted: 7/22/03 at 8:28pm

If they are able to do it well, and handle the demands of live performance, then more power to them. I don't think it should be handed to them on a silver platter...they ought to be required to audition and prove they can do it. And if they can't, the producers should hire someone with the talent and training. Putting a show out there that is not the best it could be just to have a movie star on the stage is a dis-service to all, I think.

[Amy Archer]

Posted: 7/22/03 at 8:40pm

Check the thread below: Film Actors on Broadway.

My opinion: if a film or TV actor can meet the demands of the role without any substantial loss in quality of performance, then there is nothing wrong with it. Broadway is considered to be of little importance by the people at the television networks. Even though people from around the world come to New York to see a Broadway show, some 18 year old on a sitcom on the WB carries more name value with the bookers of television shows than any actor that may have spent their lives on the New York stage. Producers, particularly of long running shows, want to keep their shows fresh in the mind of potential audiences. The only way to do that is by casting a big name TV or film star. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's the way things have to be when viewing the theatre as a business venture.