can gastayer sing it? chicago casting of Wicked — Page 2

I disagree that Hugh Jackman was stunt casting. Hugh has a decent amount of stage roles under his belt. That fact that he became a major movie star who returned to the stage is not stunt casting in my opinion.

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I saw here in Funny Girl in Pittsburg. She sang very well. Very nasally at some parts. But it worked.

Someone obviously thinks she can do it. She had to audition, I'm sure they didn't just give it to her. As far as it being stunt casting. It's not like she is that huge of a name.

She will probably be feirce and then people will be like, "Ana is life!"

Updated On: 3/24/05 at 11:30 AM

I would define stunt casting as hiring someone famous from TV, films, or recording (but lacking a strong theatrical background) simply because their name will sell tickets. Melanie Griffith and Drew Lachey are examples of stunt casting. It is most unfair to include Hugh Jackman in this list. He had proven himself to be not only a stage actor but an accomplished muscial theater leading man prior to his Broadway appearances. From Playbill: "Hugh last appeared on the New York stage starring opposite Audra McDonald in a concert production of Carousel at Carnegie Hall. Other stage appearances include Curly in Oklahoma! at Britain's National Theatre (Olivier Award nomination), Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard (MO Award - Australia's Tony Award) and Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (MO Award nomination)." I would hardly call someone who had had three award nominated leading roles in major musical theater productions an example of "stunt casting."

I had the pleasure of seeing Gastayer in "The Vagina Monologues" a few seasons ago. She is a fine actress. As for her singing, many of her best SNL sketches were built around her vocal abilities. I believe there is a "legit" voice there. She had the guts to do Fanny in "Funny Girl" and we all know what a treacherous course that is to navigate. I have tix for the show in Chicago prior to Gastayer taking on the role, but am already making plans for a return trip to see her. I too think she will surprise a lot of people.

I sure he could have landed the the part, but the show would never have opened without hugh. (stunt casting) Boy from oz had more problems than a therapy session with liza minelli.

for instance- i watched it thinking, who stole the scenery? where did it go? or where is peter allen's chorus. A true peter allen show would have a huge chorus of dancing girls (and boys) its sad to see a huge song about wanting to be a rocket done with 6 girls. (and mirrors to try to mask it?- please) If the producers hadnt shelled out so much money paying hugh's sallary, im sure that they could have affrorded the much needed set and chorus.

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Updated On: 3/24/05 at 12:10 PM

Actually, with her look and demeanor, she may give us something closer to the MaGuire Elphaba. A strong face, and a bit of edge that oddly enough pays homage to the Margaret Hamilton character MaGuire's book makes no bones about that sort of 'look' -- so that her emerging as a witch felt plausible. She was never a typical heroine, or a 'babe.' -- Idina, wonderful as she was, is a babe. Gasteyer will be a commanding presence, no? As for her age, she's probably not way older than Menzel (5 years?) And the role might benefit from some well used comic energy.

And maybe it's just my taste, but since she's striking but not pretty,' she'll contrast even better with Glinda. AND: doesn't it make the late-bloming romance with more typical Fiyero more poignant? Kinda of Fanny/Nicky's it, which helps, to me. He will fall for this woman because of who she is.

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Updated On: 3/24/05 at 12:22 PM

i want to say that, by in no means am i employing the idea that Anna can't sing and act the part, i actually think she can... i just cant remember how well she sings. For me that's a totally different issue than stunt casting.....I actually believe in stunt casting, on certain terms.

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Sorry

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I'm sure she'll be great. She has a lot of power and I thnk will act it well. I think being older will give us a different take on the role. I would not be surprised at all to see her move to the Gershwin when Shoshana leaves. She is well known in NY.

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"Er, NSync, whatever, sorry but the idea's the same."

It's like saying that Stephen Sondheim sucks since he wrote Cats.

you guys are f*cking HILARIOUS!