Andrew Rannells to replace NPH in HEDWIG

[Play Esq.]

"Whoa, chill out. I have no inside scoop, just pure speculation. There was an article awhile back reporting that Pink was in talks for the role."

You also said you were 80% sure...which suggests you know something and are offering more than conjecture. Perhaps reduce the odds a bit next time when ya got nothing more than hopes and wants!!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

I think Pink is a fine singer and all, but I am completely mystified by all the talk on here about how perfect she'd be in the role.

[Jordan Catalano]

Is Mandy Patinkin too old for this?

[CurtainPullDowner]

HEDWIG is ageless.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Mandy as Hedwig and Patti as Yitzhak.

In all seriousness, Billie Joe Armstrong would be such an interesting choice.

[frogs_fan85]

Billie Joe would be interesting and I also cannot unseen Tim Michin since someone else suggested it in this or a different thread.

[Alix]

I'd still love to see Ewan McGregor. I think Raśl Esparza would be pretty awesome, too. Happy about Rannells's casting, though...he'll do a great job with it!

[South Florida]

I think the show has legs here and abroad, any West End possibilities?

[Jane2]

"I think Raśl Esparza would be pretty awesome, too. "

RAUL is dying to play Hedwig. I don't see it, personally.

[Alix]

"RAUL is dying to play Hedwig. I don't see it, personally."

Ooh, really?! I'll hold out hope that he'll get a shot at it, then. I would LOVE for him to do it. Then again, I'd also happily sit and listen to him sing from the phone book...

[Jane2]

"No one from the Jane Street run would be any more of a draw than Andrew Rannells except John Cameron Mitchell."

Not so sure about that. NPH is a huge tv sar. People from all over have seen him and love him. JCM, although we on the theater scene would give our right arms to see, is an unknown to the tourist trade.

[CATSNYrevival]

^Their loss for not owning The Secret Garden cast recording.

[FindingNamo]

This thread contains everything that is exasperating and hilarious about these boards. Often at the same time.

[Sutton Ross]

"I think the show has legs here and abroad, any West End possibilities?"

Trask said he would like to take it to London with Neil Patrick Harris, but nothing specific.

[FindingNamo]

The show has not proven to have legs before. But maybe things have changed.

[Kad]

Oh, JCM won't be a draw on the level of a tv/film/music star, but there'd be a contingent of people who'll come to see him. Certainly more people than would be drawn by Michael Cerveris, say.

[Jane2]

Alix, I could also enjoy hearing Raul sing the phone book! he doesn't seem right to me for Hedwig, but stranger things have happened. BTW, it was during the Jane St. run when he told me he'd like to do Hedwig, but who knows if he still feels that way.

[Jordan Catalano]

Speaking of THE SECRET GARDEN, could Daisy Eagan do it? She has short hair now...

[Alix]

...and Raul does seem to be fairly busy with TV work. Time will tell, I suppose.

[Jane2]

Also, at this stage of his career, would Raul do a takeover role? I doubt it.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

I tihnk he'd takeover for Hedwig. It's not like he's joining Mamma Mia or Wicked. It's a headlining role early in its run.

[Testing1232]

Have to respectfully disagree here--- Ceveris without a doubt, and to a lessor extent, Kevin Cahoon!!!

[Glittergrrl]

I think Andrew Rannells is a great choice! Hedwig is kind of my thing. Some (my mom) might say it's my sickness.

I've seen... jCM 14 times, Michael Cerveris two times, Kevin Cahoon once (my least favorite) and Matt McGrath... Oh, I have to add NPH 3 times. So why not throw Rannells into the mix? I don't think he'll be as big of a draw as NPH, but the NY theater crowd certainly loves him. On Girls, he's got some edge. I think he's got the wit. And hopefully it can coast on that Tony win, I'd still give my right arm for JCM, but until then, I'll probably see AR once or twice.