Weinstein in Secret negotiations with Morrison

[Sunny11]

Outside of those involved in the spring workshop nobody has seen Matthew in the role. How do you know that he " adds little or nothing from an artistic standpoint" ?

Whoever is cast in the part will have the challenge and responsibility to perform well and entertain the viewers/critics. If the initial reviews and audience word of mouth is good than any previous bad biases that potential ticket buyers will have towards the actor ( eg disliking Will Schuester) will be subverted. Showbiz is incredibly fickle after all.

[Back Row]

"How do you know that he " adds little or nothing from an artistic standpoint" ?"

I don't. I was simply pointing out the consensus of opinions on this board, which is exactly the way I stated it. Frankly, if they were going to cast someone strictly on merit, it is doubtful that either of them would be the first choice. If Morrison gets the role, it won't necessarily be because Weinstein thinks he will be better. It will be mostly because he thinks that he is a product he can market more effectively.

[Sutton Ross]

Perhaps Jeremy just wanted to do the show in Boston, then move on. He hasn't done any Broadway since Newsies two years ago, and he left that show in less than six months. He does concerts occasionally, but he might want to focus on television and movies. That's how it seems, anyways.

Matthew is much more suited to the part, and much more age appropriate. He will attract big crowds due to Glee. I think people still watch that?

Also, the NY Post is sh*t and anyone who writes things like "Given the number of bodies floating in this show’s wake, I’ll be the guy wearing the inflatable-ducky swimming float." I mean.... I doubt any of this is true.

[Mattbrain]

"He hasn't done any Broadway since Newsies two years ago, and he left that show in less than six months."

He's said that he left 'cuz he couldn't handle juggling SMASH and Newsies. He said it was wearing him out vocally and physically….which would explain why he cracked on the last note of Santa Fe when I saw the show.

That's right, I can nitpick too.

[Sutton Ross]

LOL. I'm not nitpicking anything. He left Newsies in less than six months. That's a fact.

[jonartdesigns]

Its really not that uncommon to change cast members between a tryout and broadway. Off the top of my head;
Erin Dilly got replaced by Sutton Foster in Millie
Chester Gregory got replaced by Daniel Breaker in Shrek
Virtually the entire cast of Gentleman's Guide, save for Jefferson Mays and Lisa O'Hare was replaced

[thebeautyis3]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Morrison takes over for Jordan, if for no other reason than that Weinstein is a big Hollywood producer, used to pushing big films for award season (practically winning Streep and Lawrence, among many others, some of their Oscars). Of course he's going to go for the starpower element. Not that Morrison is a "star," but he sure is closer to being one than Jordan. Not to mention, I think he'll do everything in his power to make sure this show, his first, will succeed. And maybe he thinks someone with a semi recognizable name/face will help.

[Mr. Nowack]

They should make a Valley Of The Dolls style overdramatic expose on this scandalized non-scandal.

[Auggie27]

I'm always fascinated with the "fairness" posts here, i.e. the appalling idea that someone replaced is treated unfairly, or an understudy must be granted performances (see Burns, Jackie) because they "deserve" a chance. Little in the live end of show business is as high stakes/high risk as a big musical (See Broadway, Bullets Over; Madison County, Bridges of). Whenever risks can be minimized, they are. The issue here is box office sales for a show without a built-in "it" factor. The title? Not really. Not without a Depp. So this show could use any help in the casting department that can be mustered. Jordan entered this project knowing full well he is expendable. That's a neutral biz reality, not a comment on his performance. Even if he's wonderful, he hasn't been associated with ticket sales, and in one case, "Bonnie and Clyde" proved his name was no help. Having seen Pasquale and O'Hara fail to pull in buyers -- and they are certainly as well liked as any stage performers working today -- one must assume this production is looking for something to make the first 6-9 months of the run profitable, even SRO. I don't know anyone who likes GLEE, but I also know it's made Morrison a semi-bankable actor, for a return to B'way. It's fair to this show to place the biggest draw in the leading role. If it's Morrison, great.

[Sunny11]

Morrison has also " paid dues" to the project by taking part in the workshop so the fairness argument can be made in favour of both actors.