Will Swenson starring in Encores' ...SUPERMAN

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 11:48am

Why hasn't Will Swenson been featured in the ads or write-ups for SUPERMAN? Will is a star, and he has the lead (or the most showy role and the most songs) as Max, the role originated by Jack Cassidy in the 1966 production.
And I see Jenny Powers is playing Lois Lane, but she is still featured in DONNYBOOK as the lead. Is she taking a break for SUPERMAN or being replaced permanently? I'm going to DONNYBROOK in April and was hoping to see her. Anyone know?

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 11:54am

I don't think Will is the star you think he is. Obviously the major draw there is Superman and they probably didn't want to distract from that with someone who probably won't make that much of a difference to most people.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 12:18pm

I adore Will Swenson, but he is hardly a star.

[adam.peterson44]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 12:22pm

Wasn't Ed Watts previously announced as starring in Superman? What happened to him? (I remember being so sad that I couldn't come to town to see him, as I have been impressed with his performances in the past.)

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 1:22pm

Swenson is Max. Watts is Superman. They're two different roles.

[adam.peterson44]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 2:46pm

Thanks for the clarification. I thought "starring" meant as the lead role in this context. All clear now.

[latitudex1]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 2:57pm

This would be a question better suited for the City Center and Will's agent.

[jbm2]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 9:55pm

Will is not a star- his wife is.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 10:25pm

As you'll see when you see the show, the "star" part belongs to Will Swenson, although arguably it's an ensemble show. And as he proved in HAIR, Will has true star power.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 3/10/13 at 10:29pm

[nsguy45]

Posted: 3/11/13 at 1:09am

Will Swenson was the weakest link in Priscilla . . . friends saw a performance with his u/s and thought the u/s was far better.

[Leadingplayer]

Posted: 3/11/13 at 6:21am

Who will sing the song "Possibilities?" I love Linda Lavin's version.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 3/12/13 at 3:57pm

Alli Mauzey, who last appeared on Broadway in CRY-BABY in 2008, plays Sydney, originated by Linda Lavin. She has two of the best songs, "Possibilities" and "Ooh, Do You Love You"

[darreyl102]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 2:09am

I saw Will in Priscilla many times as well as his understudy Gsvin Lodge- who was much much better. Wade McCollum who is playing the role on Tour is truly incredible- light years better!!
- I wish Cheyenne Jackson was playing Superman LOL

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 11:54am

I saw Will in Priscilla and thought he was lovely. A wonderful performance and touching chemistry with the boy playing Benji.

[showinoff]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 12:36pm

I saw Will in Priscilla and did not think he was a great great fit. However, he was no way the weakest link. Did anyone see Nick Adams? Dreadful.

[sparrman]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 9:16pm

I would suggest that if Will's involvement has been underplayed in the press, it's because it is not absurd to assume (as some in this thread have done) that he would be playing Superman. That's what I assumed when I first heard he was in it.

[sally1112]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 9:22pm

I would absolutely love to see this show!!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 9:52pm

I betcha he was called in for Superman before getting cast as Max--same with Jenny Powers as Lois Lane, as she played Sydney in the Dallas version.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/13/13 at 11:33pm

Wonder if it gets good reviews if it might transfer to Broadway

It would make sense with Spiderman packing them it. It is a better all around show.Add to that the new Superman movie comes out in June. The original got great reviews but never found an audience.

Updated On: 3/14/13 at 11:33 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/14/13 at 12:03am

^If they didn't transfer the Dallas revisal version I can't see why anyone would risk transferring a production utilizing the original libretto.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 3/14/13 at 9:10am

It's a mixed bag of a show, the book is problematic, the Superman character is under-developed, etc., etc. A perfect show for Encores! but transfer to Broadway in this day and age? I don't think so.

Posted: 3/14/13 at 9:16am

Did I miss a memo about will Swenson being a big deal?

Everytime I see him before its like he wants to jump out of his skin and run off stage. So uninspired.

Maybe he will surprise me.

[After Eight]

Posted: 3/14/13 at 10:00am

-" I wish Cheyenne Jackson was playing Superman LOL"

He played it at the Musicals in Mufti some years ago, and he was excellent in the part.

As for Will Swenson, I thought he was great in Hair and Rock of Ages (OB), not the perfect fit for Priscilla, and as best as he could be in the ghastly Murder Ballad.

I think he has what it takes to be a fine Max, and I'm looking forward to seeing him, and the show as well.

Updated On: 3/14/13 at 10:00 AM

[JayG 2]

Posted: 3/14/13 at 5:47pm

I think Cheyenne Jackson would have made a good Max Menken this time around. He's a little slicker - closer to the idea of Jack Cassidy - than Swenson.