Now I realize I shouldn't have said anything...but the guy WAS joking around...he was nervous and knows that this show is a big risk...he's leaving a popular musical to take a chance with something different...and people are constantly leaving and coming back to the Rent cast from other projects. Sorry.
I'm still interested in seeing how they've "adapted" it for American audiences. I really enjoyed it when I saw it in London, but my first thought was that it wouldn't do well if they ever tried to bring it to NY.
I could be wrong, but I don't believe there were workshops of Taboo. Chris Sieber was involved with readings of the show, which don't actually take that much of a time commitment. They're just a way to see how the new script is taking shape.
I don't know that they've necessarily adapted it for "American audiences", I think they've adapted it to make it better. The consensus among professional critics in London, was that the performances and the score were the "stars" of the show, but the book was the weakest part.
Just my two cents. It's impossible to judge any show that opens on B'way no matter WHERE it began. I admire Rosie's support because she's one of the few who truly puts her money where her mouth is... and from what I saw on B'way on B'way the show has potential to do well. That gentleman playing Boy George (sorry, don't know his name) has a beautiful voice, looked great as BG and the song was pretty decent. I wish them luck.
I know, I meant that at least with Rent, he had a leading role and a steady pay check...with Taboo, he has a supporting role and the show has an uncertain immediate future. Maybe it WILL close in two months. Who knows? But I'll be giving it a chance.