Yahoo! News: One was waiting tables at a Times Square seafood restaurant. Another was in Disney films and on tour with the Jonas Brothers. A third had performed at Carnegie Hall, but wondered when she'd land theater's biggest prize.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Broadway's 'Godspell' is heaven-sent for its cast
Yahoo! News: One was waiting tables at a Times Square seafood restaurant. Another was in Disney films and on tour with the Jonas Brothers. A third had performed at Carnegie Hall, but wondered when she'd land theater's biggest prize.
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4 comments:
I think articles like this are important to remind us of why we do theater. That sure it is nerve racking and a lot of work but at the end of the day we are doing what we love and what can be better than that. I did wonder what parable Salazar did for his audition. I always find those little details interesting. I have always loved Godspell and I have seen great productions of the show that are really moving and really bad productions that fall completely flat. I think the difference between the two has to do with the attitudes of the actors and their relationships with each other. How much they connect with what they are doing. This cast seems to be on their way to a great run. Truly, I hope to work on a production like this one day. Where everyone loves being a part of it. For me that is the best part, if the show is good too that is a bonus.
Like Mary, I'm anxiously awaiting seeing this production which clearly has a ton of youthful energy behind it. When a young cast has this much genuine enthusiasm for the show they are doing, that energy is apparently on stage and undoubtedly leads to a more enjoyable experience for the audience. Credit should be given to the producers of this revival for being willing to take risks and cast a large number of "unknowns". Although Hunter is certainly a big name, being willing to take on the people right for the role, as opposed to somebody who fits the costume and will sell tickets is admirable.
While it's fun to see actors that are famous for film and television roles do theater, it's often more enjoyable to hear the stories of those who were waiting tables before they got their big Broadway break. For me, finding out the back stories of cast member scan add an extra layer of emotional involvement in a show. This production sounds like it has a great cast of enthusiastic people who are truly thrilled to be involved in the show; hopefully that energy translates onstage in every performance.
Though Godspell is not one of my favorite shows, I am really glad to see that they are casting "unknowns" as oppsed to opting for the financially safer method of bringing in a big name. I'd much rather see a show like Godspell or Memphis where most of the actors are making their Broadway debut than see something like How to $ucceed just because Daniel Radcliff is in it. I hope that producers will continue to hire new actors and quit playing it safe with the big names.
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