New casting for shows reopening

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 5:32pm

Im curious to hear if there are new castings coming out or if theyll be returning casts. Or a stunt casting upon openings.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 6:02pm

As far as I'm aware there has been no news whatsoever on this front, with the exception of those who have publicly re-affirmed their commitment, or otherwise - for example, I follow a couple of Company cast members on social media who have posted throughout the pandemic about how excited they are to return. And on the other end of the spectrum, you have cases like with Karen Olivo, and Armie Hammer (not that I'm comparing these 2 in any way, except that they are both leaving their respective shows - for completely different reasons, obviously)

Personally, I'm most curious about Eliza Scanlen - she had joined the cast of Mockingbird, but she's become such a breakout film star over the past couple years that I wonder if she has conflicts / better offers. Not to mention she's Australian, though I don't know if she's based there. And unlike Hugh Jackman, Sarah Jessica Parker, etc. the production was never marketed heavily on her name. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 6:10pm

I haven't really seen any public audition notices for any of the shows that have announced a return. My guess is they'd have to secure a cast within the next month or so, for the shows opening in Sept. 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 6:39pm

Whole article here about the recent Christine Daae open call:

https://www.playbill.com/article/what-the-phantom-of-the-operas-open-casting-call-means-for-broadways-return

[rkade21]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 7:02pm

Adrienne Warren has recently been very adamant she’s “not signing any contract” until there are serious changes in the industry.

Ryan Vasquez states he won’t be back to Hamilton.

Haven’t seen any other news.

[stoptheworld38]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 8:47pm

I’m wondering if Jenn Colella might return to Come From Away for a limited run, considering she was just with the cast to film the proshot, and Rachel Tucker (who was with the show immediately pre-pandemic) went back to the UK and I could imagine might not want to come back to NY right away. I know a lot of people in the past went to Come From Away with the main focus of seeing Jenn, so if she were to return I could definitely see it boosting ticket sales.

If Jenn doesn’t return or Rachel doesn’t come back, I would love to see one of the standbys take over that role full-time :)

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 9:51pm

Julie Reiber is amazing as Beverly/Annette. I'm sure if they had to they'd offer her the role for a limited time.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 5/7/21 at 10:02pm

I feel like new shows would keep the same cast since they've mostly been around for the development process and everything. But older shows seem more likely to have turn over, though possibly not right away. I heard something about how the opening date of Broadway is positioned right around when a lot of contracts expire so it could be a way to recast (though I don't remember the particulars)

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 12:18am

I was checking various show websites for castings, and Chicago has this under their cast header:

“CHECK BACK SOON! A real bombshell announcement is right around the corner.”

[alex814]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 12:24am

Ginna Claire Mason recently gave birth at the end of April. I wonder if she will be returning to Wicked.

Elizabeth Stanley is pregnant. I could see JLP promoting Laurel Harris and promoting a swing to her ensemble track.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Ashley Loren took over for Satine in Moulin Rogue.

I wonder how many of the Chicago Broadway cast will return.

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 1:37am

Many restaurants are hiring.

[bway0]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 4:46am

I remember Hadestown was bringing in a few new people in March/April 2020 because a few people were leaving. Nothing was officially announced from the show, just via their personal Instagram accounts. It is also heavily rumored that Kimberly Marable was to take over for Persephone since Amber Gray was leaving in the spring of 2020.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 12:06pm

Broadway was just given the green light. It's going to take a while to get replacements hired.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 1:56pm

Yeah in the grand scheme there haven’t been that many shows that have announced back. It’ll def be a process.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/8/21 at 6:18pm

I wonder if Erika West would be a suitable replacement for Karen Olivio. Maybe would benefit Aaron Tveits chemistry. Having his real gf opposite him

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 1:57am

rkade21 said: "Adrienne Warren has recently been very adamant she’s “not signing any contract” until there are serious changes in the industry.

Ryan Vasquez states he won’t be back to Hamilton.

Haven’t seen any other news."

I have a feeling that Adrienne Warren and Ryan Hamilton will be surprised to learn how little clout they have; both of their shows will roll right on without them and whatever unspecified changes they are demanding happen. (and i say this as huge fans of both of them talent-wise). 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 2:37am

I, for one, would love to see Nkeki Obi-Melekwe succeed Warren. She's just incredible from what I've heard.

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 10:56am

JDonaghy4 said: "rkade21 said: "Adrienne Warren has recently been very adamant she’s “not signing any contract” until there are serious changes in the industry.

Ryan Vasquez states he won’t be back to Hamilton.

Haven’t seen any other news."

I have a feeling that Adrienne Warren and Ryan Hamilton will be surprised to learn how little clout they have; both of their shows will roll right on without them and whatever unspecified changes they are demanding happen. (and i say this as huge fans of both of them talent-wise)."

I love that actors are taking a stand for what they believe in but I don't understand how leaving your job brings about significant change. The process of changing Broadway (and all areas of art for that matter) is going to take years. Keep working in the industry so you can keep fighting. We need these voices amplified and the best way for them to do it is from a position in a running show. Adrienne mentions she won't sign a contract until there's "serious change" but what does that even mean? She might be waiting until 2050 for that to happen. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 11:05am

HenryTDobson said: "I love that actors are taking a stand for what they believe in but I don't understand how leaving your job brings about significant change. The process of changing Broadway (and all areas of art for that matter) is going to take years. Keep working in the industry so you can keep fighting. We need these voices amplified and the best way for them to do it is from a position in a running show. Adrienne mentions she won't sign a contract until there's "serious change" but what does that even mean? She might be waiting until 2050 for that to happen."

Wonderfully said, Henry. I concur.

 

[IAMREADING]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 1:07pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "I was checking various show websites for castings, and Chicago has this under their cast header:

“CHECK BACK SOON! A real bombshell announcement is right around the corner.”"

Megan Hilty and Kat McPhee as Roxie and Velma?

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 1:40pm

Agreed. I’d thinks 2 POC actors in high profile roles on Broadway is already a pretty great start so... what’s the change they want...

[JayElle]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 2:10pm

SouthernCakes said: "Agreed. I’d thinks 2 POC actors in high profile roles on Broadway is already a pretty great start so... what’s the change they want..."

A pretty good start?  Why in 2021 are we only at a "pretty good start?" I'd suggest that many actors who are POC would find that statement rather offensive.

How about a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment?  How about proper salaries for all?

Ray Charles was sued when he refused to play at a segregated southern concert. The Beatles also refused to play Jacksonville to a segregated venue.  Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster threatened to quit unless changes were made.  Change happens when all make a stand.

 

 

[Jaxson2]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 2:59pm

Gee, I hope Amber Grey & Adrienne Warrant return, at least for awhile.  I had a ticket for Hades for June 1, but got a refund because...obviously....there won't be a June 1 show.

 

[Dollypop]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 3:12pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "I was checking various show websites for castings, and Chicago has this under their cast header:

“CHECK BACK SOON! A real bombshell announcement is right around the corner.”"

 

Loretta Swit is the new Velma Kelly?

 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 5/9/21 at 3:17pm

JayElle said: "SouthernCakes said: "Agreed. I’d thinks 2 POC actors in high profile roles on Broadway is already a pretty great start so... what’s the change they want..."

A pretty good start? Why in 2021 are we only at a "pretty good start?" I'd suggest that many actors who are POC would find that statement rather offensive.

How about a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment? How about proper salaries for all?

Ray Charles was sued when he refused to play at a segregated southern concert. The Beatles also refused to play Jacksonville to a segregated venue. Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster threatened to quit unless changes were made. Change happens when all make a stand.



"

Totally! Maybe a poor choice of words.  But I’m sure both are getting paid VERY well. Again, if you want to talk about front of house, etc we can but actors on Broadway are getting paid pretty dang well compared to the rest of the staff. And the stagehands are making a mint. 
 

and yes I agree about an inclusive environment but what examples have their been that Broadway hasn’t provided that already?