What the hell is Neil Patrick Harris doing to RENT? — Page 2

PiraguaGuy2 - don't forget the one everyone laughed at when it was announced: Lou Diamond Phillips in THE KING AND I.

...and then he got rave reviews and a Tony nomination.

How could he do this to Saint Jonathan's Vision???

---

spacedog-

Did you *actually* see any of those? Reba was a breath of fresh air to that revival. Harvey was beyond brilliant as Tevye (and almost one the shortlived replacement Tony for it).

Something tells me you're more sockpuppet than real poster.

---

husk_charmer

From your youtube link it seems the only one around here that has anything to do puppets is you, and yes i have seen all but two of the people listed. I have not see Antonio in Nine nor Clay in Spamalot. I did see Debbie in Beauty but not in Gypsy. And I am sorry but Harvey was good in Fiddler but I wouldn't say brilliant. Reba singing and acting techniques erks me!

In my opinion, when it comes to film and TV stars (as well as recording artists) being cast in Broadway shows it takes a role from a deserving actor or actress who may have gone to college for MT and/or worked countless hours to obtain any role in a Broadway show. When a 'star' is cast in a show, it takes that chance away from the deserving actor/actress. That's my beef with the casting of film and TV stars. I am in no way saying that the film and TV stars are terrible in the roles they were cast in, I just believe they took a part from a more deserving person.

When it comes to the Hollywood Bowl, I could careless. Yes, it's aggravating that they were cast; however, like many have said, it isn't a Broadway production. Had this been a revival on Broadway, then I think there would be just cause for complaints.

So Spacedog, from your own view, "ugh" translates to good but not brilliant?

"Harvey Fierstein in Fiddler on the Roof------UGH" and then "And I am sorry but Harvey was good in Fiddler but I wouldn't say brilliant."

I am guessing that "blah" = fantastic, "terrible" = memorable (in a good way), Not Bad = Tony worthy.

Why don't you stop and actually listen to what people here are telling you?

I saw Neil Patrick Harris as Mark a bunch of times when the national tour played the Ahmanson in L.A. for several months in 1997. I, too, was a bit wary, well, because all I could think of when I heard his name was DOOGIE HOUSER (sp?) as MARK???

But he was brilliant in the role. His acting is still the best I've ever seen for that role and his singing was fantastic. I say give him a chance and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

---

keatyjoe- In a lot of cases, a "star" being cast often helps the show to run. For example, I don't think the cast members of A Little Night Music are complaining that CZJ took away a job from another actress; rather, they know that her being cast allowed them to have a pretty good job. And I'm sure many people in Chicago have held jobs because of that show's stunt-casting.

Like it or not, actors in theatre realize that productions will sometimes be cast with stars. They may have worked countless hours, but it isn't as if the movie actor or recording artist hasn't. And besides, the people cast are also actors, so how is their being cast taking a job away from another deserving actor?

---

Gielgud has an Emmy? Do tell.

---

If you don't like it the director or the cast, for whatever reason, then don't go and see it.

You've all ready decided that you don't like it.

The full company casting was recently announced. Did you audition for it, and not get cast?

In my opinion, when it comes to film and TV stars (as well as recording artists) being cast in Broadway shows it takes a role from a deserving actor or actress who may have gone to college for MT and/or worked countless hours to obtain any role in a Broadway show. When a 'star' is cast in a show, it takes that chance away from the deserving actor/actress. That's my beef with the casting of film and TV stars. I am in no way saying that the film and TV stars are terrible in the roles they were cast in, I just believe they took a part from a more deserving person.

So someone having substantial TV or film credits mean they're less deserving? Just because someone is a star doesn't mean they don't deserve to be on stage. If someone has only Broadway credits, should they never guest on Law & Order? Should they never be given the chance to headline a TV show? Hmm, someone didn't tell Lea Michele or Matt Morrison that...

---

I love people complaining about actors in a show they are NEVER GOING TO SEE.

Thanks Phyllis! I actually meant to ask about Gielgud's GRAMMY not Emmy....so your link proved to be doubly helpful!


To the OP....I suppose that it's not so much that you don't LIKE the casting, but that you pretty much are just assuming it will be a train wreck.

And they are not taking jobs from anyone...they are showcasing their talents. The big part of the appeal of the HB concerts is to see these stars in a different light.

---