According to an article in the NY Post today, Harvey Weinstein is in secret negotiations with Matthew Morrison to replace Jeremy Jordan in Finding Neverland. I think this is a little unethical.
How is it in any way unethical? Jeremy Jordan and the rest of the cast are contracted only for the run at ART. The Broadway production is an entirely separate entity.
Jordan was used as a stand in without his knowledge. Morrison was who Weinstein wanted all along but he wasn't available because of Glee. The only question now is will Harvey pay the price.
No, he wasn't. He was contracted to do a production. He may not continue with the production when it becomes re-contracted upon its transfer. It happens all the time.
The use of the word "secret" implies that Weinstein is not being up front with Jordan. Whether that is indeed the case is probably something that only a handful of people know.
...And it's irrelevant. The primary reason it's probably secret is because these types of negotiations shouldn't be leaked, thus Jeremy Jordan not even knowing about it. Producers always try to avoid leaked casting negotiations.
If Jordan's contract- which I assume was negotiated over by Jordan's representation- does not stipulate he has right of first refusal for a transfer, Weinstein can negotiate "secretly" to his heart's content.
This is so transparent. The only reason he's doing this is out of fear. I think Weinstein is underestimating Jeremy Jordan's appeal and overestimating Matthew Morrison's popularity coming off a show that stopped being relevant years ago.
Jeremy Jordan definitely has a lot less appeal than Matthew Morrison, who is an Emmy and Tony nominee, and stars in a TV series that is known globally. Like it or not (and I hate, loathe and despise GLEE and find him and his character particularly terrible), he is very much a bigger name than Jeremy Jordan, whose most high profile job so far was on SMASH as a character often described by critics and people on the board as one of the worst characters on television at the time. Morrison not only brings his GLEE credits, but he has been in some of the most highly acclaimed Broadway shows of the past decade--HAIRSPRAY, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, and the SOUTH PACIFIC revival. It's a smart move from Harvey, ruthless maybe, but you should know that when you get into the Harvey business.
"Jeremy Jordan, whose most high profile job so far was on SMASH as a character often described by critics and people on the board as one of the worst characters on television at the time"
Not quite. Jeremy Jordan was the Tony nominated star of Newsies. Despite its closing, Newsies has a pretty huge fanbase.
In some of those press interviews Jordan didn't look so happy. There is one which I recall in which he is sitting with his co star and every time she answers a question he has this look on his face that to me read like he is saying.."what a f'ing idiot." Even in his answers you can tell he just is a little over it. Of course this is all my interoperation of it. I found the link to what I think is the interview. But now when I click on it it goes right to a commercial and nothing else. Maybe someone else will have better luck? http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Jeremy-Jordan-Laura-Michelle-Kelly-Talk-FINDING-NEVERLAND-20140812
Regardless of personal opinions, I think it's pretty clear that Matthew is way more known than Jeremy Jordan (whom I adore). I personally also like Morrison more, and think he'd be more suited, age-wise and vocal range. But that's my personal opinion. Jordan's contract is only through the end of the ART run, and I'm sure he knows very well he can be replaced or kept on, and that wouldn't be "secret" or "fishy" as that stupid article makes it sound.
Matthew Morrison is definitely better known but im not convinced he will attract audiences, name recognition doesn't always equate to ticket sales. Outside of Glee he hasn't really taken off,and even his role in glee has cut right back.
I personally find him quite cheesy and cringe these days, not convinced he is a strong enough actor for this role.
I hope the rumor is only that, an incorrect rumor. Jeremy is wonderful in Finding Neverland. I admit I did not like the character he portrayed in Smash. That is long forgotten after watching the fantastic performance he gives in FN. He gives his all to a huge part that is physically demanding, as well as requiring tremendous acting, singing and dance ability. He deserves to take it to Broadway. I've never found Morrison interesting or appealing on Glee. I personally don't see him as a draw.
joined:3/14/09
Posted: 9/3/14 at 12:46pm