Who did Gene Barry Replace in La Cage?

[K-MO]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 9:45am

Reading Stephen Citron's Jerry Herman biography, he writes that "Early in the rehearsal period [of La Cage] the actor who was originally signed for the role of George was let go..." before talking about Alan Carr bringing Gene Barry in to audition.

As far as I know or has been indicated, the show went into rehearsal with Gene Barry playing George.  Does anyone have any info on this?

[nmartin]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 10:29am

I've never heard that.

If I'm remembering correctly, Arthur Laurents said in his book that one of the leads would have been fired if they could have found someone to replace him.

Anxious to hear any stories related to the original Broadway cast, which I was lucky enough to see.

I really loved Gene Barry and his "Song on the Sand". 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 10:37am

I seem to remember it being offered to other actors (including Robert Preston), and maybe someone else even did a table reading of it? But as far as I know, the show went into rehearsals for Boston with Gene in the role.

I think the author has his facts mixed up. Could he be confused with Robert Stack being fired later in the run before going on, and then Gene coming back in as a replacement?

[K-MO]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 10:44am

Yes, reading back and forth between various accounts of the show, it seems a lot of facts are mixed up.  Thank you!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:22pm

Gene Barry's REPLACEMENT was fired,  He was a real macho guy who wasn't working out in the role.  Can't remember his name. Ultimately, Van Johnson took over.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:48pm

Jamie Ross filled in as Georges when Gene Barry went on vacation in February 1984.  Ross eventually replaced Barry in July 1984 but was fired less than a month into his run.  Keith Mitchell replaced Ross for a few months prior to Van Johnson taking over the role in January 1985.

[KKeller6]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 1:03pm

Little OT, just wanted to say, watching George Hearn sing "I Am What I Am" is my favorite Broadway moment of all time. And, Im a 60 yr old straight guy. 

[Hyde Park Hildy]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 1:04pm

Robert Stack was supposed to replace Barry but was fired during rehearsals, apparently because his singing was deemed inadequate.

[tomwsjr]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 1:45pm

Why was Jamie Ross fired?  I saw him as a replacement in Women of the Year and in 42nd Street, he was excellent in both roles.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/8/23 at 11:41pm

tomwsjr said: "Why was Jamie Ross fired? I saw him as a replacement in Women of the Year and in 42nd Street, he was excellent in both roles."

Was he? For any reason other than "more famous actor is coming in to play Georges"? He played the role extensively in regional theatre for the next 20 years.

[Tsao5]

Posted: 1/9/23 at 1:00am

I don't believe he was fired. I believe there was always a plan to have a "name" come into the role.

It was more a case of the standby taking over until..........

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 1/9/23 at 8:42am

Hold on, hold on, hold on! 

You're telling me Van Johnson was in La Cage Aux Folles? at the Palace Theatre? with George Hearn?

[Strange Lupone]

Posted: 1/9/23 at 2:02pm

Oh yes. Here’s an interview of Van all about it — with footage of he and George. Van also mentions Preston.

 

https://youtu.be/sR_cWhzYh-E

[PeterC6482]

Posted: 1/9/23 at 3:13pm

Joseph Maher.

He was co-starring with Ellen Burstyn in "84 Charing Cross Road" on Broadway in the winter of 1982-83 when he was chosen for "La Cage.."

 


 

Updated On: 1/9/23 at 03:13 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/9/23 at 4:13pm

Tsao5 said: "I don't believe he was fired. I believe there was always a plan to have a "name" come into the role.

It was more a case of the standby taking over until.........."

Ross only played the role for about 3 weeks before being “let go.” His replacement Keith Mitchell played the role for about 5 months until Van Johnson took over the role.