Why isn't Spencer Liff a leading man?

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:47am

I am a huge Spencer Liff fan and as he is always amazing and perhaps the best male dancer on Broadway today, I wonder why he hasn't been plucked from the chorus and given a leading role. He has amazing stage presence, so I can only imagine that his voice is limited, or perhaps his acting skills. Anyone care to speculate?

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:49am

Because someone can't just ask for a leading role and get one...?

[B3TA07]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:50am

He should do a show at Birdland. That made Nick Adams a star. Right?

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:54am

Clearly someone can't just ask for a leading role... The obvious wasn't the point of this thread. I truly believe that he has continually proven his dancing skills, so I was curious if someone knew if his voice or acting talent was lacking. The man is a brilliant dancer, gorgeous and a delight to watch. I am just surprised that he hasn't been given an opportunity to play a more featured role.

[blaxx]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:55am

Nick Adams and Spencer Liff in the revival of Mame.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:00am

He was, sorta, in
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE,
and than the
Viet Nam War killed Him.
Damn that war!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:25am

Who else thinks Scott Briefer is really Spencer Liff? Is it just me?

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:26am

I think so too.

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:32am

..uhmmm...cuz he's a young ensemble player.

[ZiggyCringe]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:32am

"I am a huge Spencer Liff fan and as he is always amazing and perhaps the best male dancer on Broadway today, I wonder why he hasn't been plucked from the chorus and given a leading role. He has amazing stage presence, so I can only imagine that his voice is limited, or perhaps his acting skills. Anyone care to speculate? "

I am a HUGE Spencer Liff fan as well.

I have NO IDEA why Spencer Liff has no career.

Especially, when I suspect Bernie Liff or Vinnie Liff is related to him.

Spence? You rock. Regardless of your ancestors.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:32am

I believe Spencer Liff plays the leading man of 'Far Out,' a sci-fi musical that's playing the Fringe. His character is terrorized by a bad boy played by Nick Adams.

For the record, in the past three years, he's been in 3 Broadway shows; assistant choreographed 'Cry-Baby,' for which he won the Astaire Award for Best Male Dancer, and was scheduled to be the assistant director/choreographer of a revival of 'Brigadoon' until that got canceled. And Spencer's only 23 (if not 24). Give him time!

[little_sally]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:44am

Does he even have a very strong singing voice?

I do think he's extremely talented. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him during Cry-Baby and Equus.

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:45am

because he is an amazing dancer/ensemble player. Not everyone is destined for stardom (or leading player) despite their amazing talents. Their is NO shame in being a working performer...

[bjh2114]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:47am

Does he even want to be a leading man? Maybe he is happy where he is.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:51am

i'm guessing vocally limited. he was the only ensemble member in wedding singer and crybaby not wearing a mic.

[bethnor]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 2:42am

if one digs up his dance spirit interview (the video), if memory serves, he voices a slight disdain for singing.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 6:10am

NO ONE could keep their eyes off Spencer Liff in Cry-Baby b/c he bared all in the lake scene. And what a view it was!!!

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 11:56am

How about that there are just not that many leading roles out there in general, so why not develop a reputation as a go-to ensemble/featured player? He will get more work like that anyway, no?

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:04pm

Things I wish to clear up... I am not Spencer Liff. I think he has a glorious career. He's a brilliant performer and is working regularly. I was just curious if he could sing and act. He is one of the best dancers on Broadway today and his stage presence is magical.

Spencer Liff, if you read this, you rock!

[little_sally]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:36pm

He wasn't wearing a mic in Cry-Baby? But I do recall he had one speaking line at the very end.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 1:18pm

That's a question for producers and folks who cast. He is already esteemed and respected as a dancer and will no doubt work continuously. Not every ensemble member will become a lead. Matt Risch who I ADORED in Pal Joey was pretty much hung out to dry by critics. Now he was a dancer and ensemble member who was very dynamic, sexy, and talented but it did not translate into leading man level panache. I saw Pal Joey twice and just thought he was perfection. I hope he gets more leads.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 2:42pm

Another cheer here for the much-maligned Matt Risch.

There seems to be a nasty backlash on BroadwayWorld toward kids in the chorus who venture up and out. They should be applauded.

Where would Shirley MacLaine and the plot of 42nd Street be without kids stepping out of the chorus line?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 3:57pm

Nick Adams is a 'star'? He is basically known in the industry and thru his fans. Heck... he's yet to land ANY role on Broadway, aside from dancing in the chorus. Even his stint as Larry in A CHORUS LINE can't even be considered a role as the character isn't even developed in the plot.

Only a selected few of my gay friends knows who he is -- even some Broadway know-it-alls have no clue who he is. And of course... anyone else who doesn't follow Broadway has never heard of him in any way shape or form.

He's going to have to work harder at his internet self-promotion if he wants to expand himself to other markets... not just Broadway and his fans.

2 simple words come to mind: Leslie Kritzer

NOTE: my personal career recommendations for Mr. Adams: Sean Cody, Corbin Fisher or Falcon Video. They can sure make him the star he thinks he is.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 4:21pm

What do the two words, Leslie and Kritzer have to do with anything,
I am confused.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 4:43pm

Leslie Kritzer. Insanely talented in every account. Spotlighted in a few Broadway shows (including 2 original casts) even Off-Broadway (THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, ROOMS) . Has had several great showcases: Encores! ON THE TOWN; Papermill Playhouse's FUNNY GIRL; her well-received gig at Joe's Pub LESLIE KRITZER IS PATTI LuPONE AT LES MOUCHES.

... and yet nothing has developed worthy enough of her talents in any market. No films. No TV. No recordings (aside from her appearance on those Original Cast Recordings).

Wow!