Pop Stars on Broadway- Page 2

[JakeB]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 1:15pm

Jrb_actor sums up my thoughts entirely. The theatre industry is far too precious about its stage and yet they forget that many of the returning pop stars / film stars were trained in theatre. Amanda Holden currently in Thoroughly Modern Millie in London did some stage work before she became a household name, Martine McCutcheon who played Eliza in the revival of My Fair Lady trained at theatre school, Britney Spears was in an off-Broadway show.

Some people on this board don't realise how unstable the industry is financially - for every hit there's 50 flops. If Madonna in a 16 week season sells every seat, what's the problem?

Posted: 4/28/04 at 1:31pm

Updated On: 10/27/05 at 01:31 PM

[~*Triple Star On Broadway*~]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 3:11pm

The one and only problem I see with putting "Pop-Stars" on Broadway is that they are put there JUST because they are pop-stars. If they can do complete justice to a character and make it something special, I think they should go for it. Its the people that decide that they just want to try broadway out just because they know they can, and do a god-awful job that I can't stand.

[robbiej]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 3:43pm

'If they can do complete justice to a character and make it something special, I think they should go for it.'

Triple Star,

The only problem I have with this statement is how many times have I seen 'Broadway stars' (some very beloved on this board) give medicore to terrible performances on Broadway stages. Just cause they have 'trained' in theatre doesn't mean they are actually any good.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 3:44pm

"The worst thing is that I heard on the boards that Britney Spears is being considered for the role of Eliza Doolittle for the possible revival of My Fair Lady."

Briteny Spears wouldn't be able to sing ANY role on Broadway.

Posted: 4/28/04 at 3:51pm

..and as Bernadette proved, at least two shows were beyond her vocal means..

Can it be possible???! Can A BROADWAY LEGEND not be suited to some BROADWAY music...???

Say it ain't so!???

so leave freakin' Britney out of this because ya know what..I have heard the most beloved Broadway star sound like crap on a bad day..and in dire need of one OUNCE of Miss. Spear's charisma and showmanship..

My all time favorite "Broadway performer - in concert" DVD stars a certain beloved leading lady who LOOKS AT THE CEILING THE WHOLE CONCERT....

Oh, the chills!


Updated On: 4/28/04 at 03:51 PM

[Plum]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 5:09pm

xanado_girl- I'm very sorry if I sounded mad at you. I'm pretty new here myself. :)

But since the subject of "non-theater" people going on Broadway is constantly being argued on this board, and I've already given my two cents on the subject several times, I just thought I'd jump ahead and ask another question in turn.

The line between theater and other entertainment mediums isn't a line at all- it's a blur. That's why this argument will never end.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 5:26pm

I've never been a fan of stunt casting, but the fact is, if they can do it well, I don't really care who they are.

The problem is, I've never seen stunt casting that has been good. (joey fatone, toni braxton, all of them...YUCK)

Posted: 4/28/04 at 5:33pm

and all those shows with all that stunt casting kept HUNDREDS of people from wardrobe women to chorus boys...WORKING and earning a living!!!! Updated On: 4/28/04 at 05:33 PM

[Plum]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 5:56pm

I hate to begrudge anyone employment, but there is a point where art has to supercede commerce. Not always, mind you- but some "stars" are just disasterous on stage and have no business being there. I realize it sounds snobby, but it's the truth. There are many great straight actors, for example, who you'd never put in a musical. Why? They can't sing. And all the acting talent in the world won't let you hit those high notes. It should go the other way, too. Even if some pop stars, with plenty of miking, can sing for the Broadway stage, they can't act to save their lives. Is it being snobby to ask for double threats?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 9:17pm

BUT, the problem is that this board attacks before a star has even stepped foot into rehearsals. And, usually without knowing that stars' roots.

[Plum]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 10:10pm

Agreed. I'm not against casting "stars" on principle, and I don't like to judge performers before they actually, you know, perform.

But to be honest, sometimes people with the "right" roots, whatever that is, don't do that well themselves. Like everyone has already said ad nauseum, casting should be based on talent and suitability for the part. But this is the real world; very few things happen as they should.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/28/04 at 10:16pm

Agreed! Sing it, sistah! =)

Posted: 4/28/04 at 10:24pm

Hugh Jackman was a HUGE star in Australia and in London before he ever got his time on Broadway. He has been in many shows. Middle America is only learning about him due to X-Men and now Van Hiesling (Heisling) ---

[DSTSocrates]

Posted: 4/29/04 at 5:23pm

Jake said it right.

[DSTSocrates]

Posted: 4/29/04 at 5:23pm

Jake said it right.

[dramaqueen]

Posted: 4/29/04 at 9:35pm

and mandy moore in Wocked-blech!

[nystateomind04]

Posted: 4/29/04 at 9:54pm

there are some stars who would be great on broadway, and if they can do it, then by god let them! however, i take extreme issue with the idea that a star could just come on in and take over a role, without the singing or acting ability which is neccessary for that particular part. i'll not judge scary spice because i havnt seen her (well to be honest, a spice girl in rent kinda creeps me out, but she may be good, and if she is then why cant she play mimi?).

of course we are all going to take issue with some of these "stunt casting" decisions because we are so aware of what we think their talents are going into the role- we have a preconcieved notion. sometimes these notions are justifiend in my opinion (britney as eliza? please) but sometimes they are not- whatshisface from 98 degrees could make a good mark in rent- if so, he will bring audiences in and thats great, if not- he shouldnt get the role.