Ellen. She has to be a magnificent actress ad singer. Amy Adams or Anne Hathaway. Unfortunately both of them don't sing well enough for this material, so I hope they will see a lot of Broadway/West End girls for this role.
Thuy: I don't know enough young charismatic Asian male singers to cast this one. Any tips?
John: Difficult. Can be white or black. Can be different types. Any ideas?
No no no no to Hugh Jackman as the Engineer. First, he's not funny enough. You need a comedian first and a singer second. Second, people will throw a fit if the actor cast is not Asian.
Right; the reason you shouldn't cast a white guy because people will pitch a fit. Forget about just plain old doing the right/not racist thing. Think of the blowback first.
Toward the end of the run (don't know if it was Broadway or West End), an Asian actress was cast as Ellen and the love triangle took on a whole new dynamic. One critic who re-reviewed the show asked "Why didn't they think of this in the first place?"
BD Wong would be brilliant...but is he a big enough name? I say cast someone from overseas that is a big hit, therefore you are guaranteed your financial backing to make the film. Do a talent contest for Kim and case Jake Gyllenhaal as Chris.
I still kind of love the idea of Chris Evans as Chris. I know it's entirely hypocritical of me because I am sure that his singing would not be good enough.
John Lone for the Engineer. He was a member of the Beijing Opera before coming to the United States.
On the other hand, as I recall, he was very critical of "Miss Saigon", not so much the casting of Jonathan Pryce but rather its depiction of Asian women as subservient.
This is a musical that is almost MADE for being a movie. My husband and I were talking about this being a very cinematic show when we saw it. I can't wait for them to do this one.
Bea Arthur Nude Sells For Nearly $2 Million At Auction
Gyllenhaal, Pine in Talks to Join INTO THE WOODS Movie?
McPhee Reacts to SMASH Exit - 'This Show Was a Huge Gift'
BWW TV Exclusive: Prince, Lewis & More Remember Kevin Gray
STAGE TUBE: Join Them! Watch the PIPPIN Cast on Letterman!
X FACTOR Season 3 Judges to be Revealed Monday
Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton to Lead Comedy LIFE ITSELF
Rihanna Suing Topshop for $5 Million
FLASH SPECIAL: Always - An Irving Berlin 125th Birthday Celebration
Apple and Sony iRadio Negotiations Stymied by Song-Skipping
BWW Reviews: 'And the Winners Were...' A Report Card for the Metropolitan Opera's 2012-2013 Season
BWW Reviews: FIAF Presents THE ULYSSES SYNDROME Celebrating World Nomads Tunisia
Regional Orchestra of the Week: Delaware Symphony Orchestra
joined:12/23/11
Posted: 12/30/12 at 05:49pm