Posted: 2/20/26 at 12:07am
They’re slapping a big Broadway credit onto this musical so they can license the hell out of it to colleges and community theatres all over the country.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 6:37am
I wonder how many people they tried to get before Melissa.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 7:10am
The Melissa casting makes no sense. Saw Lindsay perform the role (yes she showed up) thought she was beautiful and great in it.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:08am
If this doesn't start selling tickets this will hurt licensing.
TotallyEffed said: "They’re slapping a big Broadway credit onto this musical so they can license the hell out of it to colleges and community theatres all over the country."
Updated On: 2/21/26 at 08:08 AM
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:09am
WldKingdomHM said: "The Melissa casting makes no sense. Saw Lindsay perform the role (yes she showed up) thought she was beautiful and great in it."
What is that supposed to mean? I’ve seen Lindsay in multiple shows and she has always been on. I don’t think she has a track record of calling out?
Anyway, I had no plans on seeing this but I’m a huge fan of Scream, so I would like to see Melissa on stage. I’m sure I’ll be able to get a cheap ticket lol
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:11am
Ensemble1711444445 said: "Bombed on Broadway coming to your town soon is not the marking campaign you think it is. This is a huge risk. They were already a darling with massive awareness. If this doesn't start selling tickets this will hurt licensing.
TotallyEffed said: "They’re slapping a big Broadway credit onto this musical so they can license the hell out of it to colleges and community theatres all over the country."
"
I didn’t say it was a good idea.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:13am
Updated On: 2/20/26 at 08:13 AM
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:18am
I’m a huge Scream fan but her acting left…a lot to be desired in my eyes. I often cringed when she was on screen.
I thought she faired better in In The Heights so we shall see.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:35am
BroadwayNYC2 said: "I’m a huge Scream fan but her acting left…a lot to be desired in my eyes. I often cringed when she was on screen.
I thought she faired better in In The Heights so we shall see."
I'm a Scream fan too. The whole franchise should've died a natural death long time ago. They can cast Meryl Streep and those godawful movies would still be cringe.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:39am
Ensemble1711444445 said: "Bombed on Broadway coming to your town soon is not the marking campaign you think it is. This is a huge risk. They were already a darling with massive awareness. If this doesn't start selling tickets this will hurt licensing."
This will absolutely be a hit when it's licensed because it's a parody of a movie every person in existence has seen at least once and features music by an artist every person in existence has at least heard of. On top of that, they get to market it as being a "Broadway musical." Acting like the original Broadway cast not selling out the St. James will somehow be a detriment to a 100-seat community theatre in Ohio putting up a production of this in 2030 is actually insane.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:40am
Wouldn't have minded seeing Melissa in Rocky Horror and Stephanie in Titanique.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:41am
I’ve never seen Melissa demonstrate comedic chops, and from what I’ve seen she’s a stronger actor and dancer than singer. So it’s rather bizarre casting. Lot of different comedy and acting styles in this now (and personalities) for a green director to navigate.
Maybe it’ll surprise but my expectations are low.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:42am
Obviously best laid plans for casting don’t always come to fruition - hence Barrera and Riddle in lieu of Kendrick and Morrison. I think it will do just fine for 16 weeks, beef up its pedigree, and sail off into the sunset in July.
The only casting I question is Layton Williams. Now, don’t get me wrong - Layton is talented as hell and is a true triple threat. However, you have two perfectly capable U.S performers (and TITANIQUE vets), Avionce Hoyles and Kyle Ramar Freeman, who could’ve easily been cast, made the role their own, and maybe carved their own path to an award like Layton with the Olivier. Why the extra expenditure to bring Layton over? It seems like an odd decision since its not likely that Layton would move the needle any more than the names I mentioned.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:42am
“I'm a Scream fan too. The whole franchise should've died a natural death long time ago. They can cast Meryl Streep and those godawful movies would still be cringe. ”
Eh, I wouldn’t go that far. I’ve enjoyed every installment. I just didn’t like her.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:47am
Thanks. The parody musical gravy train eluded me....
is in 2030 is actually insane."
Updated On: 2/21/26 at 08:47 AM
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:48am
perfectliar said: "Ensemble1711444445 said: "Bombed on Broadway coming to your town soon is not the marking campaign you think it is. This is a huge risk. They were already a darling with massive awareness. If this doesn't start selling tickets this will hurt licensing."
This will absolutely be a hit when it's licensed because it's a parody of a movie every person in existence has seen at least once and features music by an artist every person in existence has at least heard of. On top of that, they get to market it as being a "Broadway musical." Acting like the original Broadway cast not selling out the St. Jameswill somehow be a detriment to a 100-seat community theatre in Ohio putting up a production of this in 2030 is actually insane."
100% correct. Broadway fanatics don’t comprehend what matters in regional/community markets. The stamp of Broadway helps advertise, not the casts that originated it. Of course “Tony nominated or Tony winning” helps too. It’s an ad language game, not always about the quality of the piece.
I will say Layton entering the chat shakes up the supporting actor in a musical category. That style performance could stir a campaign after winning the Oliver.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 8:58am
Titanique doesn’t need a Broadway credit to help get licensed- it already had name recognition, an acclaimed multi-year NYC run, multiple international productions, it’s inexpensive to produce and has an incredibly easy pitch on top of it all.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 9:02am
This season is so bleak, I think they have a real shot at Best Book. Maybe they'll walk away with the title "Tony and Olivier Award winner".
Posted: 2/20/26 at 9:16am
Ensemble1698878795 said: "I will say Layton entering the chat shakes up the supporting actor in a musical category. That style performance could stir a campaign after winning the Oliver."
The kittens across the street would like a word…
Posted: 2/20/26 at 9:31am
Unless Layton is coming in as a local hire that may be the stupidest producing decision here. That's money you could be saving not spending money to relocate a non-name...
Posted: 2/20/26 at 9:40am
quizking101 said: "The only casting I question is Layton Williams. Now, don’t get me wrong - Layton is talented as hell and is a true triple threat. However, you have two perfectly capable U.S performers (and TITANIQUE vets), Avionce Hoyles and Kyle Ramar Freeman, who could’ve easily been cast, made the role their own, and maybe carved their own path to an award like Layton with the Olivier. Why the extra expenditure to bring Layton over? It seems like an odd decision since it’s not likely that Layton would move the needle any more than the names I mentioned."
While I also question the choice to bring over a single cast member from the UK for an ultimately tiny role, of the three actors mentioned, Layton Williams delivered far and away the best performance. The only actor I’ve seen actually get laughs from the opening bit, which I usually find a deadly start to the show.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 10:01am
The insufferable arrogance of Williams is enough to put me off from returning to the show.
Posted: 2/20/26 at 10:09am
iluvtheatertrash said: "The insufferable arrogance of Williams is enough to put me off from returning to the show."
Agree… no shade, but being “known” for playing “the iceberg” isn’t exactly the flex he thinks it is. This isn’t Medea or Oedipus Rex here…
Also agree with those who said casting him is a stupid decision from so many perspectives.
This season is such a mess
Posted: 2/20/26 at 10:13am
quizking101 said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "I will say Layton entering the chat shakes up the supporting actor in a musical category. That style performance could stir a campaign after winning the Oliver."
The kittens across the street would like a word…"
Yes, DeShields is winning
Posted: 2/20/26 at 10:17am
quizking101 said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "I will say Layton entering the chat shakes up the supporting actor in a musical category. That style performance could stir a campaign after winning the Oliver."
The kittens across the street would like a word…"
Right. I’m sorry, but as dismal as this season is, I truly don’t see a world where “The Iceberg” is a Tony Award winning role…
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