Friday 5: 5 Replacements I Missed

5 Replacements I Missed 

Since you asked, we are bringing back our Friday 5 feature! Broadway Games fans, not to worry, we'll have those on alternating Fridays.

This week, I'll get things going again with a look at five replacement performances I am still regretting!

1. Betty Buckley in Song and Dance

Any time I get to see her perform, I always leave the theater better off than when I arrive. I was particularly smitten with her in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, so when she left that show to replace Bernadette Peters in Song and Dance, I knew I had to get tickets. I mean, I was sure her "Tell Me On a Sunday" and "Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad" would be epic and life changing. Well, I had tickets for the first Saturday after the show closed...

2. Darren Criss in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!

As a huge fan of this musical, and this production, I had to see it again, and when he was announced to replace Daniel Radcliffe and make his Broadway debut, I had to be there! Well, a short run (less than 3 weeks) and bad weather at home scrapped those plans, and I missed him...

3. Nick Jonas in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!

Okay, so I missed Darren, I couldn't miss Nick! Heck, I saw him on Broadway before he was anyone famous...he was just a little boy when I caught him as Chip in Beauty and the Beast. In the intervening years, he got a wee bit more famous, so I knew he'd be great as J. Pierpont Finch. Apparently, a lot of others did, too, since tickets were hard to come by...

4. Reba McEntire in Annie Get Your Gun

My love for Reba has been a long affair. Her TV comedy is still one of my comfort shows, and I enjoy her music, too. I am not a fan of Annie Get Your Gun, per se, but videos of her now legendary turn as Bernadette Peters' replacement really have me kicking myself for missing her...

5. Lola Tung in Hadestown

So, I discovered her in the series The Summer I Turned Pretty, where she is quite a charming and captivating actor. When it was announced she'd be in Hadestown, I was very curious. Nothing from her show indicated that musical theater might be part of her repertoire, but why not? Alas, her pretty short run and a crowded season of new shows to see conspired against my return to the Walter Kerr Theatre...

Share: What are some replacements you regret missing? Did you see any of the above, and if so, did I miss out? Tweet me, IG me, Threads me! (all @jkstheatrescene)

Broadway in a Box CD Review: How to Succeed... (1961 OBCR)

At Christmas a few years ago, Jeff gave me a copy of Broadway in a Box: The Essential Broadway Musicals Collection. He has now given me the opportunity to use his blog to share my impressions of each of the 25 cast recordings contained in the set, in alphabetical order. 

This week’s entry is about the 1961 Original Broadway Cast Recording of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

   

Broadway in a Box CD Review:

How to Succeed... (1961 OBCR)

I am a fan of How to Succeed as a stage show, but I try to approach each CD in the collection as a new thing unto itself rather than a secondary version of something else (that I may or may not be familiar with). In this case, that’s an extremely rewarding approach, because this CD is probably the best of the bunch so far. In this review I’ll run through some of the reasons why this one stands so tall on its own as a cast recording.

First, the sound of the recording is astonishingly good. Even on the little boom box in my bedroom, every word is perfectly clear. The balance is also perfect: voices are given extra prominence when they need it, but they never drown out the orchestra (or each other). I was not at all surprised to learn that this flawlessly engineered recording won the Grammy Award for Best Cast Show Album.

Beyond the technical achievement, this is also a show that, to a large extent, can be understood and appreciated by way of the songs alone. How to Succeed, of course, boasts a wonderfully satirical book with some hilarious dialogue, but the broad developments of the characters and their relationships - if not all of the details - can readily be tracked by listening to these carefully crafted Frank Loesser songs. Focusing on the romantic leads, Finch and Rosemary, we start out with a vivid “I Want” song for each of them (“How to Succeed” and “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm”), then trace their relationship through dating (“Been a Long Day”), falling in love (“Rosemary”), and possible joint world-conquest (the finale version of “I Believe in You”). 

The songs are also just very enjoyable on their own. Typical of a Loesser score, there’s a lot of variety, including the jaunty title number, the smarmy big-band sound of “The Company Way,” and the operatic heights of “Rosemary.” There are also some vividly designed comic numbers that stand on their own without any visuals, like the back-and-forth perspective of “Been a Long Day” and the absurd comedy of “Paris Original” - which comes across perfectly well on the recording without benefit of the funny stage joke that accompanies it.

This recording is also made particularly enjoyable - and comprehensible - by the casting of very different voices for all of the main characters, each of them perfectly suited to their respective roles. Robert Morse, as Finch, with a slightly thin voice, comes across as apparently shallow but lovable (this would seem to be Morse’s stock in trade). Bonnie Scott’s soprano voice is a touch more “comic” than some other romantic leads in classic musicals; her Rosemary is alluring but down to earth. The other characters are basically comic background, but each makes a unique impression: Charles Nelson Reilly as a ridiculous Frump; Claudette Sutherland as a sweet Smitty; Rudy Vallee as an imperious Biggley; and Virginia Martin in the funny (but admittedly somewhat trite) role of Hedy LaRue.

Finally, although the show itself enjoyed a first-class revival fairly recently, it strikes me that its caustic themes of romantic and professional exploitation (to use modern terminology) are even more current and vital now than they were a few years ago. A director in 2022 would have to be very careful, on the one hand, to cast a white-hot spotlight on the satirical nature of songs like “Brotherhood of Man,” and, on the other hand, to prevent a song like “A Secretary is Not a Toy” from trivializing what we now realize is a sickening phenomenon in many workplaces. I wonder if Diane Paulus, who has a track record of making decades-old classics seem new and vital, might be interested. 

Next up is the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Into the Woods.

One of my all-time favorite shows! Thanks, Mike. Looking forward to your thoughts on another favorite next week! --Jeff

JKTS INTERACTIVE: HOT and HOTTER Round 5: Fighting Finches

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE IN THIS MONTH'S BROADWAY POLL 

(LOOK TO YOUR LEFT!)

This week's round of HOT and HOTTER probably should called HOT, HOTTER and HOTTEST.  Why?  Because this week all three of How to Succeed's J. Pierrepont Finches are facing off against each other for a spot in the quarter finals!

First, let me clarify something about these "competitions": the idea is that we are celebrating the Broadway male form in all of its varieties.  To that end, consider that ALL of the guys in each round are HOT!  You are deciding which is HOT and which is HOTTER (or in this week's case, hot, hotter and hottest)!

REMEMBER: You are NOT voting for who gives the best performance as the ladder climbing imp!  Though his performance might play a part in your choices, you are looking simply at his relative sexiness!


Please rate EACH of the THREE candidates.  (Need help deciding?  Scroll down and check out some photos of Daniel, Darren and Nick!)

"PHOTO ALBUM" ARRANGED IN ABC ORDER: CRISS, JONAS, RADCLIFFE

HEAD SHOTS

CANDIDS

ON THE RED CARPET FOR HOW TO SUCCEED

IN PERFORMANCE

Darren Criss: As Blaine in Glee

Nick Jonas: As Link Larkin in Hairspray

Daniel Radcliffe: As Finch in How to Succeed

SHIRTLESS (HOW COULD I RESIST?)

 DON'T FORGET TO RATE ALL THREE "FINCHES"!

(Photos from Joan Marcus, Playbill Online and Getty Images)



Jeff
3.181

TheatreScene: February 5, 2012

Look to your left!  Rate the guys in Round 2 of HOT/HOTTER!  

And vote on Broadway's most romantic couples in the February poll, also to your left!

THIS WEEK (SCROLL TO FIND EACH!):

• Video of the week: An Evita preview...kinda...
• How to Succeed contest winners and trivia answers revealed!
• Recent Broadway openings...what did StageGrade give them?
• January Poll results... how many of you couldn't care less about Porgy and Bess?
• HOT/HOTTER Round 1 results:  Which "Jesus of Suburbia" is hotter?
• This week's WINNERS: Jordan Roth, the asses of Jersey Boys fans... LOSERS: Scott Rudin, Sat. Mat. Evita ticket holders.
• Best Broadway News of the Week!

BROADWAY/WEST END VIDEO OF THE WEEK:  
Elena Roger and the London Company of Evita: "Buenos Aires"






HOW TO SUCCEED CONTEST WINNERS AND TRIVIA ANSWERS

Congratulations to Brennan L. from Rochester and Jessamyn D. from Medford!  Their entries, with all 5 answers correct, were selected as winners for a pair of tickets each to see Nick Jonas in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!

Thanks to all of you who entered!  Look for a new contest very soon!




Here are the answers to the trivia contest questions:

1. C - Kevin (Joe, as some of you answered, appeared in Baz Lurman's La Boheme.)
2. B - La Boheme  (That was Joe, not Nick.  And Nick appeared as Link Larkin in the Hollywood Bowl presentation of Hairspray.)
3. A - TRUE (Nick was Gavroche in the original production of Les Miserables; he played Marius in the London production, as well as in the Anniversary Concert presentation.)
4. D - Darren Criss (Darren Criss replaced Daniel Radcliffe; Nick replaced Darren.)
5. A - TRUE  (Robert Morse (30), Matthew Broderick (33) and Daniel Radcliffe (22) were all older than 19 when the played Finch.  Darryl Hickman (31), John Stamos (32), and Darren Criss (24 - he turns 25 TODAY!!) all replacements on Broadway, were also all older than 19.)

CLICK THE HOW TO SUCCEED ICON TO YOUR LEFT FOR A DISCOUNT TICKET OFFER!


RECENT BROADWAY OPENINGS

• The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on January 12, following previews from December 17.  Its StageGrade average is a B+.
• The Road to Mecca opened at the American Airlines Theatre on January 17, following previews from December 16.  Its StageGrade average is a B.

• Wit opened at the Samuel Friedman Theatre on January 26, following previews from January 5.  Its StageGrade average is a B+.
• Venus in Fur reopens February 7 at the Lyceum Theatre, following a hiatus from December 19.  Its StageGrade average is an A-.

JANUARY'S POLL RESULTS:

Question:  Why have you seen/are you interested in seeing The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess?


Results based on 72 votes:

• 55.6% - The Casting (I'm a big Audra and Norm fan!)
• 22.2% - I have no interest in this production
• 11.1% - Fandom (I see every musical that opens each season.)
• 5.6% - The Score (George and Ira Gershwin are amazing composers/lyricists!)
• 5.6% - The Controvery (I want to see what the big deal is!)
• 0% - The Show (Porgy and Bess is one of my favorites!)
• 0% - The Scuttlebutt (Is it is good/bad as the chatrooms say it is?)

(Thank you to everyone who voted from Maine to California and even Toronto, Canada!)



ROUND 1 of HOT/HOTTER RESULTS:

Question: Who is the hottest "Jesus of Suburbia"?


Results based on 115 votes:

• John Gallagher, Jr. : 7.92 average rating
• Van Hughes: 8.02 average rating

It was so close!  Van Hughes goes on to the quarter finals in 11 weeks!


RATE THE HOT/HOTTER "GEEKY GUY" - Nick Blaemire (Godspell) vs Adam Chanler-Berat (Peter and the Starcatcher, RENT)  CLICK HERE.




THE BROADWAY WINNERS AND LOSERS OF THE WEEK:

LOSERS

• Scott Rudin, former producer of Clybourne Park on Broadway: I have four words for you.  Nanny. Nanny. Boo. Boo.
• Fans of high class cabaret: The Oak Room will not re-open after renovations to the Algonquin Hotel are complete.  Another tradition gone...
• Elena Roger fans who already purchased Evita tickets for Saturday matinees and Wednesday evenings:  She won't be there.  Alternate Christina DeCicco will be.  Sorry.

WINNERS

• Jordan Roth, new producer of Clybourne Park on Broadway: Thank you, Mr. Roth for remembering that good plays still need to be seen on Broadway.
• The asses of Jersey Boys fans: Looks like that $2 restoration fee really does go for improvements.  There are new ergonomic seats at the August Wilson Theatre.
• Fans of Idina Menzel: She is heavily hinting at a return...
• Those who haven't seen or want to see Other Desert Cities: Tickets are on sale through June 17!
• Fans of The Goodbye Girl: Rumor has it that a Bernadette Peters/Martin Short revival of I Do!  I Do! is really going to happen!  They are magical together!

BEST BROADWAY NEWS OF THE WEEK:
Adam Guettel is working on FOUR new musicals!  Read about it HERE!


Jeff
3.161

CONTEST: Win Tickets for NICK JONAS in HOW TO SUCCEED!

You may have heard the news... there's a new guy cleaning the windows at World Wide Wickets (aka the Al Hirschfeld Theatre)!  He's teen heartthrob Nick Jonas, and he just put on the green bow tie this week as J. Pierrepont Finch  in the hit 50th Anniversary revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.


He and his family were on hand to celebrate his opening and his new giant billboard in Times Square.



To help celebrate hie return to Broadway - and to also welcome his new co-stars Beau Bridges and Michael Urie - JK's TheatreScene is giving away tickets to the show!  And they are pretty easy to win, too!

THE PRIZE:

• Win a pair of tickets to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway, starring Nick Jonas.
• The winner will receive a voucher good for two tickets to a performance during February or March.  Some blackout dates will apply.  
• Winners must reserve tickets at least one week in advance in accordance with the guidelines set by management of the production.
• There will be two winners of a pair of tickets each.

JUST FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:

• CLICK the How to Succeed logo to your left, just above this month's poll.
• ANSWER the 5 How to Succeed trivia questions.
• E-MAIL your name, city and state, and the 5 answers (letter AND answer or TRUE/FALSE) to jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com.  
• TYPE NICK JONAS HOW TO SUCCEED CONTEST in the subject heading.
• All entries must be received by NOON Eastern time on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

THE FINE PRINT:

• ONE entry per email address.
• Entries that do not meet all of the requirements will be disqualified.
• Contributors to this blog, How to Succeed company members, and anyone who WON tickets from THIS WEBSITE for Follies, Lysistrata Jones or the previous How to Succeed contest are ineligible for this contest.  IF YOU ENTERED BEFORE AND DID NOT WIN, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER THIS CONTEST.
• This blog and its writers are not responsible for entries that do not arrive on time, entries that are not received or do not meet all requirements.  Further, this blog is not responsible for the location or availability of the seats for the prizes.  Finally, the blog is not responsible for actors who are not in any given performance.

REMEMBER:

• Click the How to Succeed logo to your left to get started!
• All entries must be received by NOON on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

GOOD LUCK!


Jeff
3.149

TheatreScene Online: Gotta Dance! on Broadway.com

People ask me all the time, "Which Broadway website do like the most?"  Generally, I answer, "Playbill.com."  But more and more, lately I've come to appreciate Broadway.com.  It is newsy, just gossipy enough, and more and more interactive.  And while it seems that all of their "Word of Mouth" reviews are impossibly positive, they generally come across as sincere.  (I still don't understand why so many onliners and bloggers are against those people.  What they say is just a video version of Tweeting, blogging and fan support... ah, well. That is for another blog...)

But another really cool thing Broadway.com has is a series of features that combine artistic photography and quick, but relatively in depth interviews with Broadway dancers.  The series is called Gotta Dance!

The most recent entry in the series is Adam Perry from Anything Goes.  This episode includes very interesting photos by Matthew Murphy (a photographic exclusive for Broadway.com) and a short interview/behind-the-scenes with Perry.  I could really identify with his remembrance of being a husky little guy with an interest in the arts and the subsequent teasing that goes with that in small town America.  You can find that interview and link to the photos HERE.

How to Succeed's Shannon Lewis was up first.  Her career began when Susan Stroman discovered her at an audition for Crazy For You.  She talks about being in a Broadway show before she ever saw one (lucky girl!) and how she's a part of history and tradition (smart girl!).  Her interview and photo shoot is HERE.

The second Gotta Dance! subject was Preston W. Dugger III who is currently in Memphis.  His interview could be straight out of A Chorus line, with his insecurity about dancing, falling in love with the applause, and the surprise it is that he has gone from ballet to Broadway.  His outlook on the future is really very nice, too.  Read, see and hear all about him HERE.

And the subject of the series just before Adam Perry was Follies girl Kiira Schmidt.  Here she talks about growing up in a dancing family, falling in love with musical theatre in high school, and knowing in her heart that dance is her truest expression of self.  Oh! And she's an assistant choreographer on SMASH!    She's no ghost in real life... read about her HERE.


I can't wait to see who's next in the series!  


(Photos by Matthew Murphy.  No copyright infringement intended.)


Jeff
3.136

CD Review: How to Succeed... (2011 Cast)

I know I am WAY behind on my Broadway CD collection - I don't even have the OBCR of The Book of Mormon!  And here I am giving you my two cents worth on a CD AFTER the big departure of its two stars... ah well.  It is still a great production, is as relevant as ever, and all of the supporting cast is still with it (for the time being).  So, without further delay...

GRADE: A

Title: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Artist: 2011 Broadway Cast Recording
Label: Decca Records
Number: B0015645-02
Format: Single CD
Case: Single Jewel Case
Booklet: Full color production photos; complete synopsis (5 pages!); essays by Craig Zadan, Neil Meron and David Chase
Bonus: Extra track of  "The Pirate Dance" (Extended Version)

Daniel Radcliffe and Tony Award-winner John Larroquette

The Top 5 Reasons You Need This CD:


1.  Completeness:  The has to be the most complete representation of the score.  Songs aside, there are extensive dance sections in the bigger numbers, a great deal of background music and short scenes that include as little as one line of a sung reprise.  Heck, not only is the finale there, but so is the bows music and the exit music!  And the Bonus Track is the most complete version of "The Pirate Dance."

2.  Restoration of the Original Score:  I'm not talking about the orchestrations (yet).  I'm talking about bringing "The Pirate Dance" and "Cinderella, Darling" to the show.  And they are terrific versions, at that.  "Cinderella, Darling" even includes the fun old-school style recording of the secretaries tap dancing!


3.  The Orchestrations: OK, purists will probably disagree with me, but I think Doug Besterman's sleek work allows the best of both worlds - modern sound quality and sensibility (fewer instruments, but fuller sound) and a very retro sound - love the verve organ and early 60's jazzy take on the music.  It's like being in a colorized episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show.


4.  The Preservation of Landmark Performances:  Both of the "above the title" stars got to preserve their performances - John Larroquette won the Tony for his over-the-top, blustery, yet smooth J.B. Biggley.  And guess what?  He sings his characterization as well on the recording as he did on the stage.  He is funny and even touching at the end!  And then there is the J. Pierrepont Finch of one Daniel Radcliffe, one of the world's most-famous film stars of all time - and he's only 21!  It is really cool to hear his flawless American accent, and his charm and "schmoozey" quality comes at you from your speakers or earbuds as if he were in the room.  His "Rosemary" and "The Brotherhood of Man" are smoothly sung and sweetly rendered - again VERY charming, even just in audio.

Track 7: Christopher J. Hanke and Company
"The Company Way (Reprise)"

Track 11: Rose Hemingway, Mary Faber and Daniel Radcliffe
"Been a Long Day"

Track 4: Rose Hemingway
"Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm"

5.  The Supporting Cast: From top to bottom this cast is superior -on stage and on the recording.  The fullness and broad strokes of their comedic and satiric characters come through, be it in full songs, like "Coffee Break" (Christopher J. Hanke, Mary Faber), Ellen Harvey's blasting solo in "The  Brotherhood of Man," and "Love From a Heart of Gold" (Tammy Blanchard is a riot).  And then there is the sublime and smart performance of Rose Hemingway as Rosemary, whose "Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm" might just be the definitive version.  And Rob Bartlett and Michael Park are a riot as the mail room's 25 year man and sexist VP of HR, respectively.  But even the one or two lines each cast member gets to preserve here are great sounding and add much to the character of the show and the recording.

Track 3: The Company
"How to Succeed"

The 3 Drawbacks of the Recording:


1.  Incompleteness: CNN's Anderson Cooper is the narrator at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.  And so he is here, too.  For a disappointing 2 tracks.  His narration could be as easily added as all of the reprises and 3 line scenes were.  His narration would not only make the recording REALLY complete, but it would help tell the story on the recording, not to mention give a fuller amount of the source material's satire.


2.  The Preservation of Landmark Performances: You get the full characterization of both Larroquette and Radcliffe, proving that they are truly very good actors.  But don't look for either of them to headline a musical that requires actual quality singing.  It is especially evident in Radcliffe's thinner vocal quality in the bombastic opening/title number.  Still, charm and genuine acting almost makes up for it.


3.  The Supporting Cast:  Actually, they are 100% great.  With the extensive amount of dance music included, it really makes you miss the brilliant staging and dances created by Rob Ashford.  Man, did he get ripped off at the Tonys!  I'll have to settle for being to totally visualize "Grand Old Ivy" which is complete with sound effects on the recording!

Track 13: Daniel Radcliffe and Company
"Grand Old Ivy"

(Production photos by Joan Marcus)



Rate this blog below and leave your comments here, or email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com, or Tweet me!
Jeff
3.131

Good Bye...and Hello!

As usual, the post-holiday/winter clean out of Broadway is fully underway, as I blogged a few days ago.  In the few days since I blogged on the topic there has been much press on the topic, some of which gave me pause and new things to consider when shows close:

Good bye, Mr. Jackman!

• Upon its close, the folks over at Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway announced that the Australian wonder not only turned a profit for the show, but he also raised just short of $1.8M for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  All by himself...
• This Times article (HERE) is a reminder that there are more than just cast members out of work when a show closes.  And given that this article talks about two long-runners, Billy Elliot and The Addams Family, it is a harsh reminder that all shows close eventually, and that just like every other business these days, Broadway offers no job security, no matter the show.

And so we will have said good bye to several shows over the next weeks, there have been/will be several high profile good byes to cast members of shows that are staying put.  So with every "good bye" in these cases comes some "hellos" and "welcomes!"

OTHER DESERT CITIES - Good bye, Thomas!  Hello, Justin!  Good bye,  Rachel!  Hello again, Elizabeth!

Good bye, Thomas!  Hello, Matthew and Justin!

Recently, understudy Matthew Risch (Pal Joey) took over the role of the son, normally played by Thomas Sadoski.  Sadoski is back, but only temporarily.  He leaves the show permanently following the January 8th performance, to be replaced by Justin Kirk (Love!  Valour!  Compassion!).  Broadway cast member Rachel Griffiths (TV's Brothers and Sisters) will be exiting the drama on March 4th, to be replaced by the off-Broadway original, Elizabeth Marvel.

Come back soon, Rachel!

Welcome home, Elizabeth!

WAR HORSE - Good bye, Seth and Matt!  Hello, Andrew and Stephen James!

Good bye Matt and Seth!  Welcome to the war, Andrew and Stephen!

On January 12, 15 members of the original Broadway cast of the show, including Seth Numrich and Matt Doyle, who played the lead role of Albert and his cousin/nemesis Billy, respectively.  Replacing Numrich will be New York and London actor Andrew Durand (Spring Awakening, Yank, The Burnt Part Boys, The Umbrellas of Cherbourgh).  And taking over for Doyle will be Stephen James Anthony, who made his Broadway debut in War Horse as an ensemble member/ puppet handler (Joey as a Foal).

Also saying "hello" on the 12th will be new cast members/original cast members moving up:  David Manis (as Arthur Narracott), Andy Murray (as Ted Narracott), David Lansbury (as Hauptmann Müller), Harlan Bengel, Toby Billowitz, Lute Breuer, Hunter Canning, Anthony Cochrane, Ben Horner, Leah Hofmann, Tessa Klein, Nat McIntyre, Geoffrey Murphy, Andy Murray, Tommy Schrider and Jack Spann.  And saying "good bye" are: Zach Appelman, Austin Durant, Joby Earle, Ariel Heller, Peter Hermann, Ian Lassiter, Boris McGiver, Prentice Onayemi, Bhavesh Patel, Stephen Plunkett, Liam Robinson, T. Ryder Smith, Zach Villa and Cat Walleck.


HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING! - Good bye, Daniel, John and Christopher!  Hello, Darren, Nick, Beau and Michael!

The departure of Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette on New Year's Day was all over the news.  And the arrival of Glee's Darren Criss has garnered as much press, including this Times article (HERE).  His Broadway tenure will be short - just three weeks starting tonight through January 22.  At that point, pop/Disney star Nick Jonas will replace Criss as Finch for a longer time, through July 1.  Coming on board with Criss, and staying through July1 will be Emmy and Golden Globe winner Beau Bridges (TV: James Brady Story; FILM: Norma Rae, The Fabulous Baker Boys), making his Broadway musical debut - he's been on Broadway twice before.  He replaces Larroquette as J. B. Bigley.

Also coming on board with Jonas will be TV and stage favorite Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, The Temperamentals, Angels in America) who replaces Christopher J. Hanke as Bud Frump.


New faces, familiar places - shows to re-see until more new shows start up this spring!


Rate this blog below and leave your comments there, or email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com, or Tweet me!
Jeff
3.127