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Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

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#1

Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

You'll have to pardon me if this has been discussed. I did a search and found nothing.

From Playbill.com PRELUDE TO A KISS Opening Night Notes:

"Director Taylor Hackford went stag to the play and party, sans his lately much-celebrated wife — the Best Actress of 2006, regardless of what poll you read ("The Queen"-ly Helen Mirren). He's preparing a career switch — from film to theatre — with a Broadway musical based on a 1992 Steve Martin movie about a traveling evangelist conman, "Leap of Faith." "I'm doing a reading in the next two weeks here," he said, "and Raul Esparza is doing the Steve Martin role." Glenn (A Class Act) Slater, whom Alan Menken tapped to write the new songs for The Little Mermaid, will do lyrics to Menken's music and co-write the book with Janus Cercone, who wrote the original screenplay."
Third to Last Paragraph
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

Updated On: 3/13/07 at 09:32 AM

#2

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

Wow. They really fast tracked this thing.

It wasn't long ago I was reading about them beginning to write it. Unless it just seems like it was not that long ago to me.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#3

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

It's been about 2 years. I've heard several numbers from the show and will confess it's probably some of Menken's best work ever. Definitely looking forward to this one...
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" - Willy Wonka
#4

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

Menken sure is busy nowadays.

THE LITTLE MERMAID coming to Broadway this year.
SISTER ACT in it's "pre-Broadway" tryout.
LEAP OF FAITH in workshops.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#6

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

According to Kelli O'Hara's official website, Hugh Jackman was supposed to do the workshop with her this week. Hugh must have backed out - I know he was filming his TV pilot last week so presumably it went into this week also.

http://www.kelliohara.com/events_page.html

>>Kelli's workshop of "Leap of Faith" opposite Hugh Jackman
and directed by Taylor Hackford will be March 12-16.
#8

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

Last week Hugh was filming his TV pilot in Laughlin, Nevada so perhaps he's also doing that this week. It's been reported that he's returning to Australia next week to start preparing/filming the Baz Luhrmann movie "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and that should take them through September.

Updated On: 3/13/07 at 10:39 AM

#9

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

I'll take Raul over Hugh any day.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#11

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

I think it will be a long time before we see Sister Act on Broadway. That show needs a star. Period.

Back to topic, Raul would be great in the role. This show has been worked on for year, so I'm hoping this is some kind of breakthrough workshop for them.
#14

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

While I'm always iffy on screen to stage. The thought of hearing Raul get to use his rock/soul voice again for the revival meeting numbers is enough to sell me on this.
I got rid of my teeth at a young age because... I'm straight. Teeth are for gay people. That's why fairies come and get them
#15

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

I haven't seen the film, I just read a general synopsis so pardon my question but how is this Broadway show going to be different from THE MUSIC MAN?
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#17

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

Any more information on this reading? Is there any chance that it will be open tp the public?
"I'll cut you, Tracee Beazer!!!! ...Just kidding. I'd never cut anyone." -Tina Maddigan, 9/30/06, WS stage door
Avatar: JULIE "EFFING" WHITE, 2007 TONY WINNER. Thank God. I'm thinking about legally changing my name to Lizzie Curry...
#18

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

I highly doubt it will be a public reading. These readings happen for a purpose. And one of the purposes, aside from creative advancement, is to pitch it to prospective investors.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#19

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

I was at Chelsea Studios today.. where they were rehearsing.. It sounds good.. Kelli Ohara.. looked hot as she walked by.. woo.. And Raul stoped to talk to a friend of mine.. so I was introduced and of course listened in.. I'm sure it will be a long while before Leap Of Faith is anywhere where anyone could see it.
#20

re: Raul Esparza to Star in Reading of New Musical LEAP OF FAITH

Nothing new -- just another piece about Hackford's involvement.
___________________________________________________

According to The New York Post's Liz Smith, award-winning filmmaker Taylor Hackford will direct the upcoming Broadway musical Leap of Faith.

Hackford, who is married to Oscar-winner Helen Mirren, will make his Broadway debut as the director of the musical, which will feature music by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), lyrics by Glenn Slater (Disney's Home on the Range, with Menken) and a book by James Cercone (Leap of Faith screenplay).
____________________________________________________

Smith reports that Kelli O'Hara (The Light in the Piazza) was involved in a recent read-through of the musical. Casting, as well as theatre and dates, have not been announced.
'Ray' Director Hackford to Helm Bway-Bound 'Leap of Faith'
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

Updated On: 3/18/07 at 01:41 PM

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