So, I've heard from a friend that is set to star opposite Julie White in Sylvia. The producers are hoping that SJP will step in for White when they, hopefully, extend.
If this comes to fruition, I know I'll be a bit disappointed. Broderick, in my eyes, is the definition of a boring actor. He doesn't play a specific role anymore; he just plays Matthew Broderick.
Even the energy and comedic effervescence of Julie White and Annaleigh Ashford combined couldn't make Broderick appealing. You're still multiplying by zero.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Oh, God. How absolutely boring are they trying to make this? The person they WANTED for that role and who wanted to do it and make his Broadway debut until a family issue prevented him from joining the cast would have given a new meaning to the word "event", when referring to this.
I already have my tickets for this show, and I plan on going back a lot. You can probably guess why due to my icon, but I actually grew up loving this play, so it's a win-win for me. For people who don't know the play, Greg (Matthew's role) is an older man, going through somewhat of a midlife crisis. He meets Sylvia, and she rejuvenates his life in a way that makes Kate (Julie White) very jealous. His "friendship" with Sylvia get so serious that Kate makes him see a therapist. I think this is an okay role for him, but there are some stop the show funny moments for him, so I'm really not sure if he's up to par. But I'm confident Annaleigh and White, and even Sella will pick up the show where he will lack. RippedMan, do you know if Annaleigh will stay with the production should it extend? I'm guessing she will, but you never know. She's a busy, busy gal.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
Damn, I was looking forward to this, but I won't waste another second of my time trying to stay awake during another Matthew Broderick performance. He can suck the life out of any show.
It's a small, sweet little play that probably would be best served by one of the theaters at the Signature.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
"I doubt this would extend if Broderick is the star name. This sort of has flop written all over it, at least to my mind. "
The producers are banking on a star-making performance from Annaleigh Ashford that they can use, along with her recent Tony win, to make this something of an event. As talented as Annaleigh is, I just don't see that happening. The play itself is one of Gurney's weakest.
I have no doubt Ashford will be great, as will Wilson- both are fantastically talented actresses. I would like very much to be surprised, as a fan of both.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
^That's the plan now after their previous casting choice for the role Broderick is apparently doing fell through. It would have been major if it actually happened.
Why is everyone being so coy over "the previous casting choice"? Who was it? Bill Cosby?
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
Oy Vey. I was already on the fence about seeing this as soon as I heard that I'd have to watch Annaleigh Ashford play a dog for the whole show. Not a fan. I love Julie White, but I don't think I'll be seeing this one. Unless it gets enormous critical and word-of-mouth raves, in which case my curiosity might compel me to buy a rush seat. Otherwise: skip.