Why do we have so many London 'stars' opening on Broadway? — Page 2

To put some perspective, I have been told that British Equity is not nearly as concerned about the "exchange" system. It is fairly one sided, with AEA (US Equity) being the enforcer and "watchdog" over foreigners stealing work from US citizens.

And yes, the uproar over Miss Saigon was much more over the idea of a caucasian playing an Asian role, as Jonathan Pryce was considered an established enough star at the time that he would have qualified to come over with the show otherwise.

I assume that Richard Fleeshman -the male lead in GHOST- is appearing on B'way in exchange for Caisse Levy originating the female role in the West End. Adequate though he is, it really isn't a great performance, or at least it wasn't when I saw it in previews (Sharon D Clarke as Oda Mae is terrific and would have been far more deserving of being seen in NYC and one can only assume that there are personal reasons why she isn't making the Transatlantic crossing). There are surely countless NYC-based actors more than capable of doing what Fleeshman does; I suspect the critics/opinion boarders will have a field day with him....and quite possibly the whole show.....

Adam Godley who isn't a star, but he absolutely nailed the part of Sir Evelyn Oakleigh,in Anything Goes and that's what matters.

Musicals tend to take 2-3 years, Ghost is the exception as is Hairspray as that was delayed due to lack of theatres. Plays tend to transfer a lot quicker.

But it seems even plays take awhile. Or maybe they are just less publicized. Has "August: Osage County" played over there? Or any of the big plays of the last few years. Did "God of Carnage" make its way over?

August: Osage County played at the National Theatre with most of its US cast intact.

God of Carnage played the UK first, but was recast for Broadway.

Because it was felt that she was depriving an Asian-American actress of the role...

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Spare a thought for poor LORETTA ABLES SAYRE who did two and half years as Bloody Mary with South Pacific on Braodway. She is halfway through a substandard, crappy cast,piss poor tour of Lincoln Center's South Pacific here in the UK. She is a star turn but I'm sure it ticks boxes for Equity on both sides of the water. A bit like Bonnie Langford doing Chicago in the middle of nowhere USA.

So that we Americans get the chance to experience the amazingness. Like Patina Miller in Sister Act and the Ghost cast. And the British had the chance to experience the OBC of Hair. So it's fair.