Newsies Cast Changes

[shrekster224]

Apparently at the ECC this well they were legitimately looking for a new Specs. Maybe they'll find one and rehearse him in time, but the Julian rumor could just be temporary until the real replacement is ready.

[LesMizazz]

I saw JP watching the show with Michael on Wednesday night in the audience, so he is coming back, whether it be Specs or a Swing. Although I haven't seen Julian as Specs, I just saw him as Race and he didn't stick out nearly as much as Ryan Breslin. Hogan Fulton was a great replacement for Thayne (they sometimes even look alike from far away and make the same faces), and the age difference with Darcy isn't noticeable.

[getatme]

JP comes and goes as a vacation swing when they need him. Michael Fatica has a vacation coming up at the end of the month so JP will be with the company for the next few weeks covering.

[ElphabaGoodman]

Laurie Veldheer's last show is February 10. She will be on for Katherine this coming Sunday (January 20).

[shrekster224]

Anyone know what Laurie is moving on to? Maybe they've added a standby for Cinderella...I could see it. Trying to see Sunday's show for Ryan's last, so good to know that she'll be on for Kathrine.

[FosseTharp]

^ I was under the impression that Laurie was going to understudy Laura in Cinderella, but then when the cast list came out I was suprised to not see her name. So if she's going into Cinderella that makes sense. However, I do know she needs a sub-letter for her apartment for 6 weeks, so I believe she will be doing something out of town. I can call or text her and ask if noone else has more info?!

[ElphabaGoodman]

Laurie is actually going to be starring in Paper Mill's upcoming production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

[WhatIWasBorn2Do]

I found this on Abby lee Millers website. It appears that John Michael Fiumara is the new Specs?

JMF is the new SPECS in NEWSIES

[ucjrdude902]

Forgive me if this has been said, where is Ryan Steele going? Just moving on?

[Blockhead24]

^Matilda

[shrekster224]

Good for Laurie! Does anyone know if she's coming back after Millie or if this is her true final show?

It's gonna be hard for me to see Newsies w/o Steele, but good for him for continually finding work.

[Blockhead24]

Does anyone know when Kara is leaving?

[sorano916]

So... Adam Kaplan is joining the cast as a Jack understudy, per his vocal studio (http://mattfarnsworthvoice.com/). Currently, Brendon Stimson & Mike Faist are Jack understudies.

Options that I'm thinking:
- Adam's a standby like Corey was before Jeremy left
- Adam's going to be Romeo & be a 3rd cover.
- Either Brendon or Mike are leaving & Adam will take over their cover spot
- Either Brendon or Mike are no longer going to be an understudy & Adam will take over their cover spot

It's just a interesting, I guess.

[notzach]

He's the standby. One of my friends knew someone who read as Crutchie with the three people who were up for the Jack standby spot the other day.

[shrekster224]

^ Cool that your friend knew he was up for it and then he got it! Same thing happened with me and Julian DeGuzman last summer and found out he booked it a few days later- was so happy for him!

JP was on for Specs tonight if anyone was wondering. He was probably great!

[sorano916]

John Michael started on the 4th and I've heard good things about him.

Liana Hunt will be taking over Laurie's track and she's starting February 19th.
https://twitter.com/hikevmetz/status/299167664776028160

Adam Kaplan will also be starting on February 19th.
https://twitter.com/AdamSKaplan/status/297911555306160130

However, he seems to be tweeting a lot lately with Brendon, making it seem like he'll be taking over that track... instead of just being a standby.
https://twitter.com/AdamSKaplan/status/300097441166929920

I really like Brendon (in his own track and as Jack) and I would be sad if he left the show.

[shrekster224]

Where did you see/hear things about JM Fiumara? Haven't seen any updates! Definitely want to get back to the show soon to see all of the changes. Saw the Liana Hunt tweets earlier and couldn't be happier for her. Can't wait to see what she does as Kathrine.

Not sure if Adam is taking over for a Delancy or just becoming s/b. He's definitely a Jack Kelley cover one way or the other, though. There will also have to be a new Romeo since Andy is taking over for Andrew after AKB leaves March 10th.

[syd10801]

I saw JM tonight and he was great.

Where are people hearing that Brendon is leaving?

[imdakingofny]

I have a friend who works with the casting company, and so they said that Liana is going in for Laurie's track and Adam is the new Morris and Jack understudy. So I don't think it's Brendon that's leaving...

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Morris and Oscar are interchangeable, so maybe your contact is wrong? However, both Mike and Brendan are standbys for "Jack" so does this mean Mike Faist is the one that's departing, haven't heard that yet. Anyone know?

[imdakingofny]

No, Morris and Oscar aren't interchangeable because they also each do their own thing in King of New York. Brendon isn't leaving though, that much I do know.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

I meant character wise they are interchangeable, they are brothers! It isn't beyond the scope of belief that someone off the cuff may confuse one for the other- I've seen they show 3 times, I am well aware of their tracks and how Mike has a solo tap moment in "King of New York". Just curious as to is mike is departing really. Not looking for a fight, just clarifying my previous comment.

[imdakingofny]

Haha newsies love gets everyone heated!

[notzach]

Mike is the one leaving. Brendon is staying put as far as I've heard.

[TheOriginalNewsgirl]

Oh no! He's my favorite! Any word on his last performance date?!

[Wishing Only Wounds]

I don't think anyone has mentioned Andy? Or I somehow missed it. Either way, I love that they're doing age appropriate casting!
Andy Richardson to Replace Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Newsies's Next Crutchie