All those poopooing this seem to only know the Eddie Murphy version of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR. If you take a look at Jerry Lewis' original 1963 film, a musical adaptation is believable. No, Jerry Lewis didn't turn into a fat man in the original version of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR.
The original Nutty Professor is a classic and I wouldn't underestimate Jerry Lewis, who actually wrote a definitive textbook on filmmaking which is still being read today.
The key to making this work is casting someone who's comically briliant as the lead. Sean Hayes could really do wonders in this role!
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
What self-respecting gay theatre professional would want to work with Jerry Lewis considering his history of making homophobic comments? They'll have to cast and staff the show with straight people who don't care. That might be difficult.
Jerry Lewis is a well documented egomanic, who would be obscure if it wasn't for the French and his telethon. I sing his praises and respect him, for what he's done with regard to MD, however; The Nutty Professor on Broadway is a big snooze, just like Mr. Lewis.
That said, I think Martin Short would be a good choice.
Hunter Foster would be terrific, I'd say. Sean Hayes would be catastrophically miscast, as he is utterly unable to portray heterosexuality in any way shape or form.
I'm not exactly in a hurry to see it, but good people seem to be involved. The wild card is Jerry Lewis himself as director, which could be the show's biggest liability or it's biggest asset. It could be another HAIRSPRAY, or it could be another CRYBABY.
"If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about the answers." Thomas Pynchon, GRAVITY'S RAINBOW
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Philip K. Dick
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Vespertine1228, they won't have any problem casting this show. Business is business. Jerry Lewis won't be the first person who's made anti-homosexual comments before to direct a show.
Not a bad idea, though I haven't been impressed with a Hamlisch score in a very long time. I don't know how I feel about Jerry Lewis directing, but as long as it stars anyone BUT Martin Short, I'd be willing to give it a shot.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
I love Hamlisch. SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS is one of my favorite scores of the last twenty years. He used to be so daring and audacious and now... LIBERACE and THIS?
BULLETS OVER BROADWAY. Not this. Please.
I am usually open to any ideas for a new musical... but this sounds like such a dud. Of a property I can't stand.
Pippin, Norbert Leo Butz is the very first person I thought of also.
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. "
--Sueleen Gay