Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET- Page 2
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#25
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:27pm
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.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/14/17
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#26
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:29pm
Let's not forget Great Comet could still win best musical, which would sell the show for another 9 months or so.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/11/15
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#27
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:35pm
They might as well change the lyrics in the opening number to, "And the audience isn't here..."
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#28
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:42pm
Skimbleshanks2 said: "They might as well change the lyrics in the opening number to, "And the audience isn't here..."
"
Wow so clever.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#29
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:43pm
"Let's not forget Great Comet could still win best musical"
Nah.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/11/15
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#30
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:43pm
Also Broadway is so blinded by HAMILTON.... People don't want to see HAMILTON stars in something else (unless it's LMM) -- they just want to see HAMILTON...
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#31
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:44pm
I'm just happy he'll be in the role -- he'll be wonderful. No matter who they put in there, we are going to see if the show has legs or it was just about Groban. That people are swapping their seats when he's out isn't necessarily any proof. When they purchased their tickets, they expected to see him -- and wanted that honored. That doesn't mean no one other than Groban fans want to see this.
Time will tell.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#32
Posted: 2/15/17 at 12:49pm
Skimbleshanks2 said: "They might as well change the lyrics in the opening number to, "And the audience isn't here..."
I love the show. I love this casting. But that made me LOL.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#33
Posted: 2/15/17 at 1:30pm
This was super unexpected but I'm all about it!!
And no he won't be in frozen...at all, because the try out conflicts with his time in "Comet". The run in colorado starts in late August but ends early October. I didn't even have to see his quote saying he's not continuing with it to know that, just these conflicting dates alone were enough for me to connect those dots.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#34
Posted: 2/15/17 at 1:33pm
Why would Oak give up a place in Frozen for taking over a role in Great Comet? I'm not that familiar with Frozen. It is a small part?
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#35
Posted: 2/15/17 at 1:36pm
macnyc said: "Why would Oak give up a place in Frozen for taking over a role in Great Comet? I'm not that familiar with Frozen. It is a small part?
"
Not super small, it's more like major supporting size of a role.
Other question, where are you al finding the source that's he's only in it for those two months? No shade, just asking.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#36
Posted: 2/15/17 at 1:37pm
JennH said: "macnyc said: "Why would Oak give up a place in Frozen for taking over a role in Great Comet? I'm not that familiar with Frozen. It is a small part?
"
Not super small, it's more like major supporting size of a role.
Other question, where are you al finding the source that's he's only in it for those two months? No shade, just asking.
"
NYT article
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#37
Posted: 2/15/17 at 1:50pm
While it would be good to originate another role, replacing Groban is a big deal, and being the technical lead of the show instead of a supporting role in a Disney musical is very good.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#38
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:00pm
JennH said: "
Other question, where are you al finding the source that's he's only in it for those two months? No shade, just asking. "
The New York Times article.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#39
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:10pm
macnyc said: "Why would Oak give up a place in Frozen for taking over a role in Great Comet? I'm not that familiar with Frozen. It is a small part?"
He may not have given up anything. The part had to have been offered to him in the first place. Doing one reading/workshop does not guarantee continued casting as the work goes forward.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#40
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:11pm
I've seen this musical twice, and enjoyed it very much, but I don't see it making out of 2017
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/19/05
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#41
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:24pm
What a unique way of posting a closing notice! 
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#42
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:26pm
neonlightsxo said: "JennH said: "
Other question, where are you al finding the source that's he's only in it for those two months? No shade, just asking. "
The New York Times article.
"
Well...I'm an idiot. I read the article, I just didn't read it carefully. Carry on.
As it's been said, as Frozen was technically still a lab contract, there never was a guarantee of anyone moving forward. And they were looking for "everyone" these last slew of auditions so who knows who or IF anyone in that cast is moving forward. I think him originating another role, especially in what is the highest profile Disney musical since Lion King, would have been just a big a deal as replacing Josh. Replacing someone on that status is by no means something to sniff at. Plus I feel this is great casting ingenuity and opens bigger and better doors for minorities!
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#43
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:31pm
I expect to see the show do quite well at the Tonys. I see it probably recieving the most nominations out of everything this year and it will probably win in a few major categories. Also, it is possible that it will take Best Musical with Dear Evan Hansen winning book and score a la Ragtime vs The Lion King. Honestly anything is possible at the Tonys, but with a large number of nominations plus strong reviews plus an even somewhat big name, The Great Comet will probably be just fine. After Oak, I'm sure they'll find a larger and more recognizable name to those not in the theatre community. I've heard a lot of people throw his name out there as an example of what would be bad stunt casting for Pierre, but Darren Criss would do quite well in the role. He has quite a dedicated fan base.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#44
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:50pm
I think there are two possibilities in play here:
1) They are taking Oak on for a few months with potential for extension based on how he impacts the box office.
2) A La "HEDWIG", he's a bridge to a bigger replacement down the road. (They had Andrew Rannells, far from a name outside the theatre community, bridge the gap between NPH and Michael C. Hall.)
I have my money on #2.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#45
Posted: 2/15/17 at 2:51pm
"I've heard a lot of people throw his name out there as an example of what would be bad stunt casting for Pierre, but Darren Criss would do quite well in the role. He has quite a dedicated fan base."
He. Cannot. Sing. The. Part. And is not right for the part to begin with. I wouldn't mind seeing him as Anatole eventually (which he also cannot sing as written) but probably has enough charm to make up for it.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#46
Posted: 2/15/17 at 3:06pm
there are a higher than normal percentage of delusional comments in this thread.
There is no groundswell of demand to see him.
There are no significant Tony in the show's future.
etc etc
Understudy Joined: 6/14/16
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#47
Posted: 2/15/17 at 3:07pm
Back in November Oak said, "I, unfortunately, am no longer with Frozen." Around minute 17 of this interview:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n5BbR9THtGY
I saw Great Comet with Josh Groban, loved it and thought he was wonderful, and I would totally see it again with Oak if I could.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/14/17
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#48
Posted: 2/15/17 at 3:11pm
Look, I wouldn't recommend anyone put money on Great Comet winning Best Musical but much stranger things have happened at the Tonys than a super critically acclaimed show winning that award. Let's not act like DEH is Hamilton levels of undeniable here.
Okieriete Onaodowan to Replace Josh Groban in THE GREAT COMET#49
Posted: 2/15/17 at 3:12pm
Valentina3 said: ""I've heard a lot of people throw his name out there as an example of what would be bad stunt casting for Pierre, but Darren Criss would do quite well in the role. He has quite a dedicated fan base."
He. Cannot. Sing. The. Part. And is not right for the part to begin with. I wouldn't mind seeing him as Anatole eventually (which he also cannot sing as written) but probably has enough charm to make up for it.
"
He can't sing the part, but a non trained singer like Dave Malloy or Scott Strangland could give a great performance? Hmmm something doesn't add up my friend. With a beard and the fat suit, he would look just fine. I DO think that he is absolutely terrible for Anatole.
Hogan, are you saying that the show has absolutely no chance at winning a significant Tony award and that anyone who says that is delusional or are you saying that anyone who says the opposite is being delusional?
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