I don't know him and can't say anything about him as an actor, singer etc. if he does have 2.2 million followers, that may have had an impact on casting. I've heard it can make a difference for TV/film.
I hope it isn't crossing over to theatre now. Though we've had tv "stars/celebs" stunt casting for a long while so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at social media 'stars' coming over. Ah well.
I know nothing about him but sat not far from him at Tuck Everlasting awhile back. (I had no idea who he was but my friends solved the mystery through Twitter.). Sooooo many people came up to him at intermission. He seems very popular. And he was incredibly sweet to all of them. Best of luck to him.
NotTheComfyChair said: "I don't know him and can't say anything about him as an actor, singer etc. if he does have 2.2 million followers, that may have had an impact on casting. I've heard it can make a difference for TV/film.
I hope it isn't crossing over to theatre now. Though we've had tv "stars/celebs" stunt casting for a long while so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at social media 'stars' coming over. Ah well.
I've seen a lot of hate on FB about him and I haven't a clue why. Do people think it's stunt casting? I mean, sure he's a YouTube sensation, but it's for the music and videos he's created, not like just for unboxing videos. And a lot of people seem to relate to him. And as a few people mentioned, it's not his first Broadway credit. I'm more than happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
I'm kind of hazy on the exact details, but a few years back he created a Kickstarter for some big project which got funded but he apparently didn't end up delivering the product and effectively bilked a lot of people out of their money. Personally, I don't really find his parodies enjoyable (and there are a few that I've found kind of questionable, but he's not without charisma, so it's not the worst marriage of performer and character.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
If they are bringing him in because he's a Youtube star (God do I hate that phrase.) then it it is stunt casting. However, if they brought him on because he's someone with Broadway talent who deserves a break because they are that talented etc. Well, that's clearly a different reason. My gut says that they are bringing him on because of his youtube fame status and to help sell tickets. So, yes, at least to me it's stunt casting.
And Kinky Boots will be his third show he has replaced in, so what's the big deal? He has previous Broadway credits and the chops, so I fail to see what's the issue about him having never originated a role when he's replacing again.
I didn't realize to have your talents considered on a real spectrum you MUST have originated a role.
"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.
Islander_fan said: "If they are bringing him in because he's a Youtube star (God do I hate that phrase.) then it it is stunt casting. However, if they brought him on because he's someone with Broadway talent who deserves a break because they are that talented etc. Well, that's clearly a different reason. My gut says that they are bringing him on because of his youtube fame status and to help sell tickets. So, yes, at least to me it's stunt casting. "
the reasoning doesn't matter. he's been in two Broadway shows before, showing that he has the ability to perform on Broadway. The fact that now he is a moderately well known youtube personality probably doesn't hurt him in the eyes of the producers or casting directors. I don't think he's anywhere near as well known to imply his casting is a stunt in any way.
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
gypsy101 said: "Islander_fan said: "If they are bringing him in because he's a Youtube star (God do I hate that phrase.) then it it is stunt casting. However, if they brought him on because he's someone with Broadway talent who deserves a break because they are that talented etc. Well, that's clearly a different reason. My gut says that they are bringing him on because of his youtube fame status and to help sell tickets. So, yes, at least to me it's stunt casting. "
the reasoning doesn't matter. he's been in two Broadway shows before, showing that he has the ability to perform on Broadway. The fact that now he is a moderately well known youtube personality probably doesn't hurt him in the eyes of the producers or casting directors. I don't think he's anywhere near as well known to imply his casting is a stunt in any way.
I think this whole conversation is amusing. I only know of him through my daughter (she has shown my some videos of him), but I do know he has been on Broadway (before his YouTube fame), so someone feels he has actual talent. People expect theatre actors to do nothing else, and just wait for work on Broadway? These people need to make money! I agree with those saying he's not well-known enough for this to be considered true stunt casting. I would think Wayne Brady would have fell into that category more (and I like him, so I'm not insulting him, just being objective). I know a lot more people who know his name (but I am an adult, sigh).
the producers are clearly trying to keep the show open with Hall. If he does well, I'm hoping his replacement if either J. Harrison Ghee from the tour or Matt Henry from the West End. Then close the show by Labor Day 2017.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
Shaunthedog said: "Crazy, why did not get Matt Henry to come to the usa. Or I would have rather someone that is more suitable"
Matt Henry was amazing, but I doubt he's any better than Todrick Hall will be. I've seen 5 different Lolas so far and I fully expect Todrick to be my second favorite (after Billy Porter). It's long been a dream of mine to see him play this role and now that it's happening I couldn't be more thrilled!
I've seen 4 Lolas, and J. Harrison Ghee was my second favorite one (after Porter duh). There are some things which Ghee did which I liked way better than even Porter. I'm definitely looking forward to Todrick Hall's take on it. I think he has the perfect attitude to pull off the character.
And hey, it could have been worse. They could have gone with Taye Diggs.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
I'm shocked no one in this thread has heard of Google. For those wondering why he's so disliked, it's primarily due to his long history of scandal, controversy and fraud. A simple Google search provides the following results. If you were actually curious about wanting to know the answer, these links should make it very clear:
I find his videos to be hit or miss. Beauty and the Beat was hilarious, and I enjoyed his Disney villains Cell Block Tango. The bizarre Wizard of Oz stuff he's done recently...not so much.
adamgreer said: "I find his videos to be hit or miss. Beauty and the Beat was hilarious, and I enjoyed his Disney villains Cell Block Tango. The bizarre Wizard of Oz stuff he's done recently...not so much. "
I actually enjoyed the song he did with Bob The Drag Queen. Don't know how basic that makes me, I just love me some Bob. And the trailer with Todrick in costume and makeup actually makes me want to see the show, they've done a good job with it.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
Sadly, I didn't like it at all. He kinda lacks energy and fabulousness of Lola. Considering that All Stars were filmed more than a year ago, I'm surprised they have booked him so much in advance though.