Phillipa Soo to lead AMELIE on Broadway — Page 4

I don't know what Samantha's ethnicity is but she made Eponine bland and would certainly do the same with Eliza.

@Gypsy101 "what's she so busy with that this isn't good enough for her?"

It's not that this isn't "good enough," it's that she is at a stage where the window has opened for her to have a film/tv career, and it may never open again. It's the opportunity cost she cannot afford. You assume everyone prioritizes working in the theatre at the top of their list, and that is not the case; some people want the big bucks. Personally I am not convinced we know that she has what it takes to reach the top levels of theatre performers.

@Pauly3 "I have no opinion as to who decided what. However Soo was obviously not passed over in favor of Barks, so what do you mean by "the other way around"? Did you mean Barks turned down the first offer - or let it be known she wasn't interested, and then the role was offered to Soo? If yes, how do you get to obvious? Are there other known cases where young actors, who have yet to make his/her Broadway debut, have passed on a leading role set to play a major market within six months and then open on Broadway shortly thereafter? In favor of what? Specifically regarding Barks, in favor of what?"

Yes, I meant that Barks passed on Amélie. And to me it is obvious because it is the wrong time strategically for her to take herself out of play. She has a bunch of film work in the pipeline and she also appears to be pursuing a music career but it is more generic than that-I am saying she passed on the show in favor of the prospect of casting her lot in the film/tv/music industry. The issue is not "other known cases where young actors...," it is someone in her present circumstances and no I cannot think of one. I'd also note that it is not a snapshot 6 months from now but a commitment of basically 2 years after which what casting agent is expected to remember who she is. And finally, it is not a foregone conclusion that the show will come in, will come in as advertised or will succeed if and when it does. As I said before, I think people here have a tendency to elevate Broadway above its rightful place in the minds of many, including especially a woman from the UK in her 20s whose career to date has not revealed a strong interest in doing theatre as opposed to screen and music projects.

Hogan -- I agree with this argument in theory, but not necessarily as it pertains to (how I'm speculating at any rate) the details in this situation. First off, if Soo did the early readings and workshops of AMELIE she probably had a first right of refusal option. Yes, the producers could have paid her off if they thought Sparks would be a better draw but I doubt they felt that. Soo isn't a household name, but I would think it would be easier to raise money on the name of the current star of the biggest musical in ten years than the name of a British actress who played a secondary role in a movie musical several years ago.

But as conjecture, I also don't think if Sam Barks were offered AMELIE on Broadway she would have passed on the opportunity. The truth is, Sam has had three years to capitalize on her surprise casting in the LES MIZ movie. She has had three years, with a likely open door, from casting directors who I'm sure have been willing to have her come in for countless projects. If she hasn't been able to convert that into other A list roles and opportunities, than if she had the opportunity to star in title role in a major Broadway musical - especially one with a tryout in Los Angeles, AKA the film and TV capital of the world -- I can't imagine her management wouldn't think that would potentially be a wise move for her career.

But at any rate, that's neither here nor there, because I truly would be surprised if the producers wanted Samantha Barks over Phillipa Soo for all the reasons outlines above.

Updated On: 6/18/16 at 11:24 AM

Thanks Lizze- let's hope critics like "Amelie" better than spell check does.

QueenAlice said: "First off, if Soo did the early readings and workshops of AMELIE she probably had a first right of refusal option."

Not that it matters, but she would have waived any rights she had when she did not participate in the Berkeley production (and it is obvious she would not have at the time since Hamilton was already the biggest thing since sliced bread).

"Soo isn't a household name, but I would think it would be easier to raise money on the name of the current star of the biggest musical in ten years than the name of a British actress who played a secondary role in a movie musical several years ago."

I agree.

"But as conjecture, I also don't think if Sam Barks were offered AMELIE on Broadway she would have passed on the opportunity."

On this we disagree.

"But at any rate, that's neither here nor there, because I truly would be surprised if the producers wanted Samantha Barks over Phillipa Soo for all the reasons outlines above."

I agree with the conclusion if not all of the paths you followed to get there. Note however that Barks would have had rights to the casting and would have had to be bought out if she had not declined. I am saying that I am confident no money exchanged hands (and I recognize you see it differently).

She's pretty well known...in the UK??!

I'm not in the UK. International media is much more accessible now.

I like Samantha Barks - I don't have major feelings either way, and I felt like she did a nice job in the Les Mis movie. I do however love Phillipa Soo, and I'm excited to see this when it makes its way to Broadway.

hork said: "John Adams said: "gypsy101 said: "was she ever here to begin with?
and did Barks become a big star while I wasn't looking? what's she so busy with that this isn't good enough for her?"
Barks has been a household name for a very long time - at least since she was 17 years old and appeared weekly on ALW's "I'd Do Anything" reality show to find the next Nancy for his production of Oliver.


You just made all that up, right?"

Yeah, sorry, but in no way is she a household name by any means. If I ran into some random person on the street I'd probably give myself a headache trying to explain who she was.

She's not a household name in the UK either.

LizzieCurry said: "Oh, poor misguided hork...



I was joking, but okay.

Lea Michele should have played Éponine. unfortunately Glee was shooting at the time. I was upset about it at the time but now I'm like eh, who cares.