Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET

WHOA!

Comet's Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/GreatCometBway/videos/687999821361257/

NYTimes article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/15/theater/hamilton-star-is-to-replace-josh-groban-in-natasha.html

Updated On: 2/15/17 at 11:42 AM

I guess he now won't be playing Kristoff in Frozen.

Updated On: 2/15/17 at 11:44 AM

Wow!

He specifically says in the NYT article he isn't continuing as Kristoff.

I am a little surprised that producers didn't get someone with more name recognition, but he's a really interesting choice for the role- I'd love to see him! I also appreciate that the creative team isn't rigidly adhering to the racial breakdown of the original cast.

My thought too, neon. I'm seeing that he's currently scheduled to perform in Comet from July 3 to September 4. From the response I've been seeing on social media in the past 20 minutes alone, it looks like there's certainly an audience for Oak who'll easily fill seats for those two months (I'm among it!). Maybe he's only going to be there for those few months before a more commercial name takes the role?

Definitely going to head back to the show to catch him. Awesome news!

BroadwayConcierge said: "My thought too, neon. I'm seeing that he's currently scheduled to perform in Comet from July 3 to September 4. From the response I've been seeing on social media in the past 20 minutes alone, it looks like there's certainly an audience for Oak who'll easily fill seats for those two months (I'm among it!). Maybe he's only going to be there for those few months before a more commercial name takes the role?"



Yeah, I think so too.

Between the Hamilfans, a few (assumed) Tony wins, and the summer tourist crowds, I think Oak will do just fine filling the room for the 2 months. This is inspired casting, and I am going tor revisit the show for this.

They are going to need a bigger name to make it through the fall-It's not a cheap show to run, and Oak doesn't have much name recognition outside of the theater community.

haterobics said: "81,936 people are already committed to going according to social media?! Wow!"

I was referring to the Facebook comments on Comet's video and the replies to its tweet about the news. People are stoked.

Who is this guy?

neonlightsxo said: "As much as I am a fan of Oak's...I think they're going to need someone with more name recognition and box office $ to keep that Comet running."



Nicely put, Neon. Couldn't agree more...

Oak is fine but I don't see this selling tickets...

MinnieFay said: "Regardless of how good the guy may (or may not) be --- if they don't get a "name" lined up for one of the other roles, the closing notice will follow shortly after Groban leaves. It's not a cheap show to run and even with Groban --- they're barely covering expenses during some weeks.



"

What are the operatiing costs? Haven't they been well over a million dollars most weeks? I can't see it costs that much to run, even with groban.