Patrick R. Brown opens as Scar in The Lion King on Broadway, January 16 2012

I'm glad to see that they are atleast trying (even though barely) to keep the show fresh with bringing in new cast members. The problem with shows like this that are successful and running forever is they tend not to change cast too often. Some in the company have been there forever. It is great that they have a steady job and all, but as one of the few fans of the show on here, I probably wont go back to see it again until there are major cast changes, no point going to see the same people over and over, and unlike some other long running shows that I am into, they dont have any cheap-o tickets.

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Wow, the days must be long when you live like you do.

It's my friend's Broadway debut in the principal (top billing, more stage time than any other character) role which has been played by maybe five or six other actors in New York.

Maybe, just maybe, he really deserves to have this recognised.
MAYBE he's a terrific guy (I can tell you, he is).

Maybe you are as well.

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That's nice. But Scar is a supporting role. And, despite your commendable and faithful friendship, replacements in the 15th year of a show that has multiple productions and tours just aren't news.

No one is saying you can't shill for your pal; but getting snarky when you get called out for it isn't attractive either.

Updated On: 1/17/12 at 01:14 PM

Newintown - seriously get over yourself. There was absolutely no point in your message other than to knock someone - if you don't think it's news, don't read it.

tim - please give Patrick my best wishes. It is still a Broadway debut, and definitely something to be immensely proud and excited about!

Tim - tell your friend congratulations! Broadway debuts are huge accomplishments for any individual regardless of how major the role is. I don't think anyone suggested this should be front page NYT news. This is a site to discuss theatre and this is far more relevant that many threads that pop up here. Thanks for the announcement. Nothing wrong with "shilling" for a friend.

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newintown - Super ****y, no?

Congrats to your friend, I'm sure he must be great! Just because it's not Hugh Jackman taking over, it doesn't make it any less worth reporting.

Actually, it's not the same at all. One is a compliment. The other is showing support. Regardless, announcing someone is starting a role on Broadway on this board, no matter who the actor may be, who knows them, or how long the show has been open, is entirely relevant. It's a gesture of enthusiasm and kindness. And if being newsworthy was a criteria for posting on this board, it would be mostly empty. I don't know who Patrick R. Brown is, but I'm sure he must be thrilled at this opportunity and it must be nice to have a friend showing support. The fact that newintown doesn't know who this actor is and feels the need to insult him and his friends must mean that the announcement has caught his attention and provoked the expected snarky (and thus, unattractive) response. By contributing to the thread, he has drawn more attention to it, so congratulations!

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I haven't seen this in too long!! I think it's time to revisit!

As non sequitur non-replies go, yours isn't a bad one, Matt.