FLASH FRIDAY: Our Fair Frasier! Kelsey Grammer Gears Up For Broadway Return

By: Nov. 14, 2014
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Today we are focusing on a popular and multi-award-winning stage and screen star just announced to return to Broadway in this season's Finding Neverland, Kelsey Grammer.

We've Grown Accustomed To His Face

Although entertainment enthusiasts around the world are undoubtedly quite intimately familiar with the character he played on two wildly successful sitcoms in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s thanks to CHEERS and FRASIER - thereby becoming a record-holder for the longest primetime run of any character to date - the man behind Dr. Frasier Crane began his career on the stage. Making a first mark with his portrayal of nobleman Lennox in William Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedy, MACBETH, back in 1981, Kelsey Grammer followed up his mainstage debut with yet another Shakespearean foray the next year in the 1982 revival production of OTHELLO, taking on the pivotal role of Cassio opposite James Earl Jones, Christopher Plummer and Dianne Wiest, no less. After that, Grammer participated in the workshop production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. It would be nearly 20 years before Grammer would appear on the Great White Way again, and, when he did so, it was in none other than a new production of the play in which he made his debut, this time taking on the title role of MACBETH. Unfortunately, the production was significantly short-lived, running less than 2 weeks, but Grammer soldiered on and eventually returned to Broadway in 2010 in the hit revival of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein's celebrated LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. And, now, Finding Neverland.

In the intervening years, Grammer continued to display his deft dramatic and comedic abilities through his memorable, decades-spanning turn as Frasier Crane - even crooning the jaunty and jazzy theme song for FRASIER, which he would then re-record new iterations of from time to time as well as perform live at special promotional appearances. Also, fans of Grammer are unquestionably well aware that he also lends his talents to record-breaking animated mainstay THE SIMPSONS as eloquent but nefarious former circus performer Sideshow Bob who often expresses emotion in song. To note, Broadway babies among us may also remember a particularly alluring rendition of the MY FAIR LADY highlight "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" on a repeat-worthy entry of the series - and, incidentally, Grammer eventually went on to essay the iconic role of Henry Higgins in an Avery Fisher Hall concert performance of the piece alongside the NY Philharmonic in 2007, as well. So, too, has Grammer displayed his considerable vocal gifts in some other rare live performances, such as his millennial run as the title character in Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's SWEENEY TODD in Los Angeles with fellow crossover star Christine Baranski, as well as singing the national anthem at various sporting events in the 1990s and 2000s.

Nonetheless, it is the countless TV and movie roles that Grammer is most beloved for around the world that demarcate his unmistakable career highs and so his decision to pursue a role in a brand new Broadway musical later this season byway of Finding Neverland - a career first - is as surprising as it is potentially exciting for fans. Will Grammer manage to steal the show with his debonair air and mellifluous vocal instrument? Furthermore, will producer Harvey Weinstein and director Diane Paulus find it fitting to expand his role further in the absence of out-of-town player and recent Tony Award-winner Michael McGrath in the same role now that the star power has been amped up even more? Only time will tell, but given the considerable theatrical stylishness and winning way with an audience that Grammer is more than merely capable of presenting and possessing, Weinstein and Paulus will no doubt mine the myriad of possibilities for all that they - and he - are worth.

Tossed salad and scrambled eggs to songs on the sand, cannibalistic meat pies and Shakespearean anti-heroes, the theatre work of Kelsey Grammer bodes very well for his debut in a new musical via Finding Neverland.

Songs On The Sand

So, now, let's take a look at some of the theatrically-inclined highlights from Grammer's career thus far.

First up, Grammer performs the FRASIER theme song live.

Next, revisit the hilarious theme song-themed episode of FRASIER.

Now, Grammer performs PAJAMA GAME karaoke on CHEERS.

Also, Grammer pays tribute to his Shakespeare roots in a deleted scene from the hit X-MEN franchise.

Plus, Grammer remembers fellow Broadway/Hollywood star and dear friend Robin Williams.

Don't miss Grammer onstage in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the 2010 Tony Awards.

Grammer re-teams with FRASIER co-star and Broadway baby David Hyde Pierce on the Tony Awards.

Delight in this delectable, unexpected and unscripted moment during a live performance of LA CAGE.

See this sparkling promo trailer for Grammer in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

Lastly, see Grammer knock the national anthem out of the park back in 1996.

As a special bonus, recount all of Sideshow Bob's SIMPSONS songs, including a MY FAIR LADY homage.

What is your favorite Kelsey Grammer performance to date, whether onstage or onscreen? Furthermore, what do you anticipate most about his casting in Finding Neverland? Considering he has been a notable presence on our screens and stages for more than 30 years, it is instructive to note that we all have indeed become accustomed to Kelsey Grammer's face - and copious talent, too.



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