Norm Lewis and Tamyra Gray to Join the Cast of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND- Page 3

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 12:53am

^Which is probably the correct response. I mean, they’d have to have had auditions during the whole Opening Night/end of previews, etc. So I’m sure it’s been a stressful time. But also seems odd they’d cast someone knowing they were going to be gone for the majority of the show? I mean, these couple of months are kinda important for sales, awards, etc.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 11:07am

I am sure that Norm Lewis was not required to audition for his role. Tamyra Gray probably wasn't either. Many roles in professional theatre are precast or cast based soley on the director already being familiar with the actor's work or having worked with them before. Equity Principal Auditions are AEA's way of trying to combat that, but most directors and producers will hold as few auditions as they can get away with.

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 1:02pm

oh-bwayhereicome said: "If they expect to sell tickets, maybe don't double the prices to the show out of nowhere! The minimum price is now $119, not $59 like it was just a few weeks ago. A group of like 10+ friends and I were going to go, but are now opting for something more affordable like Spongebob or Kinky Boots. If they expect the Glee generation who know Alex Newell to come see this, make tickets somewhat affordable for teenagers and people in their early 20s!"

The "Glee Generation" didn't see Darren Criss in Hedwig a few months after Glee ended - and he was shirtless. Newell isn't a name, but has a good shot at a Tony nom/win.

[jkstheatrescene]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 1:39pm

Alessio2 said: "Still don't understand why they pulled discount codes for this the day the reviews came out...are people flocking to this?"

FYI: Here's a discount code: http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/once-on-this-island_319606/?cid=hp_discounts

[leighmiserables]

Posted: 12/20/17 at 2:07pm

[deleted]

Updated On: 1/4/18 at 02:07 PM

[leighmiserables]

Posted: 1/4/18 at 2:37pm

Thought this would interest everyone to know: 

In Hailey's most recent Broadway.com vlog, she mentioned that Q is leaving the show to get a surgery (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdymBRA0TPk), so he wasn't "asked to step out" or anything for Norm. 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/4/18 at 2:49pm

leighmiserables said: "Thought this would interest everyone to know:

In Hailey's most recent Broadway.com vlog, she mentioned that Q is leaving the show to get a surgery(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdymBRA0TPk), so he wasn't "asked to step out" or anything for Norm."

 

Considering who the producer is, I'd take anything you read (or see) connected to this show with a LARGE grain of salt.  

 

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 1/11/18 at 9:44pm

Has anyone here seen Norm or Tamyra yet? How are they?

[natashalost]

Posted: 1/15/18 at 2:02pm

I've heard some good buzz about Norm's performance. Not so sure about Tamyra. She looks pretty good in the costume.

I'll update when I go within the next two weeks.

[Littleshopofcarrie]

Posted: 1/15/18 at 2:33pm

I thought both were great. Although at times Tamrya Gray was almost impersonating Merle Dandridge’s performance and it came off at unnatural. But overall I really liked both.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/15/18 at 3:20pm

I saw the show on Friday, and I thought both of them were very good. I didn't realize it was Tamyra at first.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 2:01am

I've been twice on this island with both and loved every second of the show. Both Norm and Tamyra and amazing and they've settled quite well in their roles. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 2:16am

DottieD'Luscia said: "I didn't realize it was Tamyra at first."

At first, it wasn't. They use a younger girl in the first scene or two.

[rjm516]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 5:40am

^ that's for Ti Moune not Tamyra

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 9:56am

rjm516 said: "^ that's for Ti Moune not Tamyra"

D'oh! heh

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:34pm

I just saw this tonight. Norm and Tamyra were both stellar and fit in perfectly with the uniformly excellent cast. He ripped Rain a new one and she was absolutely terrifying. I can't say enough about this brilliant and beautiful production. I basically was teary from start to finish

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:58pm

I saw the show this weekend and Tamyra and Norm were excellent. This really is a special show. I really hope it lasts.

Also, Alex Newell's performance brings the house down every night. Makes me wonder if he may be the favorite for the Featured Actor Tony this year.

[BJR]

Posted: 1/16/18 at 11:39pm

Also, Alex Newell's performance brings the house down every night. Makes me wonder if he may be the favorite for the Featured Actor Tony this year."

When I saw it, I was thinking the whole time, he had better be nominated. A warm, funny, fantastic turn.