Riedel: Arthur Laurents turns on Matt Cavenaugh — Page 3

Natalie is a BRILLIANT Anita. Her dancing is truly kicking "America" up a notch. Even the other dancers seem to be trying harder. Not to mention her beautifully acting and signing the role. I hope if/when Karen leaves the production Natalie is chosen to replace and lets the world see what she can really do.

I am not bashing Karen, but either through my own bad luck or her poor attendance (not saying either is true) I have never seen her live. I tried to see her twice in ITH, she was out both times and twice in WSS and she was out both times. I just found Natalie so much more appealing than I imagine Karen to be.

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Pardon my ignorance but did Natalie just join the cast recently? When I saw WSS she wasn't listed as part of the cast either time, unless i missed it. I would love to see her version of Anita.

I can't decide if it's sad or funny that Matt is getting grief on this board for praising his director in interviews. Is every other actor "conniving" when they do the same in every interview ever given covering every show that has ever opened?

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http://www.broadway.com/buzz/matthew-hydzik-tapped-play-tony-west-side-story/

Tony is always a really hard part to cast. Not that many gang member types can sing that score. Does anyone recall ever seeing a Tony who really seemed right for the role?

Does anyone know what Cavenaugh is doing next? I actually did not see WSS, but thought he was good in "A Catered Affair" and "Grey Gardens." I wish him well.

I went to college with Matt. I worked on the school newspaper and he was always very accommodating and just seemed like a nice guy who wouldn't let fame go to his head. I wish him the best.

Being a Broadway geek I should know this, but did Laurents also have a love/hate relationship with Larry Kert, the original Tony?

And even if you despise Laurents with all your being, at least give him credit for calling the cast members out about their apparent shoddy attendance record. They are doing what thousands of other aspiring actors can only dream of doing... dancing on Broadway in one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time. Unless they had legit reasons, poor attendance is down right disrespectful to this iconic show and Broadway as a whole. Perhaps they needed a wake up call. Merm hardly ever called off. Harvey also has a stellar attendance record, and has rewarded fellow castmates who did also. We can all learn a thing or two from their example.