BWW Preview: MADAM SECRETARY, New WEST WING? Bway's Neuwirth, Miller Star
By: Scott Fullerton Sep. 19, 2014
Barbara Hall, the creator of one of my favorite television shows, JOAN OF ARCADIA, has created, and is Executive Producing, with none other than Mr. Morgan Freeman, MADAM SECRETARY, a new CBS drama premiering this Sunday, September 21st, at 8pm. I am excited to be recapping and reviewing, along with live tweeting, each episode of this series for BroadwayWorld.com.
CBS is showing extreme confidence in this show, and giving it a huge leg up in attracting their core audience, by giving it a primetime slot between two of their most watched shows, 60 MINUTES, and THE GOOD WIFE, on Sunday nights.
Tea Leoni is coming back to television in the title role, playing Elizabeth McCord, a lauded CIA analyst, now college professor and mom, who gets asked by her old friend, now the President of the United States, to come to work as his Secretary of State, after a tragic flight over the Atlantic. Accepting the offer, she now must manage not only the world affairs that the Secretary is tasked to do, but she also has to negotiate back into Washington Beltway politics, and help transition her family into this new life. Creator Hall says, "There can't be some huge political event every week, so they will be ongoing, with moments of resolution, as new events are introduced. This will give time to focus on the inter-office politics, and her personal home life."
Tea Leoni herself, has been notoriously absent from a heavy rotation of acting, and this is in fact her first series television gig in sixteen years. Her last role on-screen was a character in the action-comedy, TOWER HEIST. She is returning to the small screen after spending most of her time raising her two children, now ages 12 and 15, and whose dad is David Duchovny. She has also been raising money for UNICEF, which was founded with help of her grandmother, Helenka Pantaleoni, whom also served as the charity's US Fund, as president, for several decades. When approached for the role, she immediately liked the character and the writing, but agreed to sign-on only after producers agreed to film in New York City, as she is a native Manhattanite. The series shoots on a soundstage in Brooklyn. Tea has always been a hard worker, but even she admits helming a one hour drama can be grueling and she even sought advice from her ex-husband Duchovny, whom she remains friendly with, to benefit from his experience on both THE X-FILES and CALIFORNICATION. Although tired, she is very happy, and feels the series is going to do great.
The supporting cast of MADAM SECRETARY has an impressive list of performers with strong experience in television, movies, and the stage. Tim Daly plays husband Henry McCord, who fully supports his wife's new power and position. Henry is a college professor of medieval religious history, which is sure to aide his wife in ways yet to be discovered. Daly is probably best known for his eight year run on television, starring in the series WINGS, and has extensive Broadway, and Off-Broadway resume. His sister is the wonderful Tyne Daly of CAGNEY AND LACEY and GYPSY fame.
As the Secretary's Chief of Staff, Bebe Neuwirth brings all of the talent that led her to critical acclaim in Broadway's SWEET CHARITY, CHICAGO, and of course in television as Lilith Crane in CHEERS and FRASIER. Emmy Award winner Zeljko Ivanek, co-stars as the White House Chief of Staff, and is the Secretary's chief foil. He has worked extensively in television, movies and the stage, and is a Yale graduate and attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Keith Carradine, portraying the President of the United States, has a recurring role after the first episode. Carradine was in the original Broadway run of HAIR and has been nominated for a Tony for WILL ROGERS FOLLIES in 1991, along with his film and television roles. Rounding out the main characters are Geoffrey Arend, as Elizabeth's speechwriter, Patina Miller as press coordinator, Erich Bergen as Elizabeth's assistant, (the only person she had a say in hiring for her staff,) and Katherine Herzer and Evan Roe as Elizabeth and Henry's children.
I am really looking forward to MADAM SECRETARY. As a huge fan of the political drama, I prefer the drama/comedy of such greats as THE WEST WING, HOMELAND, and even THE GOOD WIFE, as opposed to the more soapish styles of SCANDAL, HOUSE OF CARDS, and yes, even THE GOOD WIFE, although I watch them all. I am hoping to add MADAM SECRETARY to that list. Here are a few of the preview scenes that have been provided online so far, enjoy!! Follow me on Twitter this Sunday as I do my first live Tweeting, and watch MADAM SECRETARY every Sunday, and look for my recaps and reviews the following day to see if you agree or disagree with me. Enjoy the ride.
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