Jake Gyllenhaal would be wonderful, but I'm pretty sure his schedule wouldn't allow this happen. Also, he'd have to learn to play the accordian.
It will probably be Dave Malloy or Scott Strangland, but they're going to need a big name to sell tickets. That big name however will also have to play the accordian which will be problematic when casting.
Michael Cerveris is an inspired choice. With a wig and beard, he would look the role. He's also a musician, so he could probably learn the accordian.
Brian D'Arcy James would be a nice choice. As would Michael Arden and Norm Lewis.
Cerveris, Arden, and Lewis are fantastic choices, and would draw a lot of musical theatre fans to the show. He might be a little too bright, but it would be fun to see Norbert Leo Butz in the role.
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
Not that anyone else in the cast is looking to leave anytime soon but who's to say it has to be his part that has to be recast with an actor that's a "draw"?
They will need a name or the show might as well close when he leaves. It's tragic really, because he's not even the main part of the show.
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I hate to say this, but was it really necessary for you to rudely call me out like that? For some odd reason my phone gave me accordiAn as the proper spelling. Really rude and really unnecessary and thanks for just rehashing what we've all been saying already.
I'd expect another "star", but one who, unlike Groban, is slightly more miscast. Someone along the lines of a Darren Criss. I don't think it's going to be someone who is going to be great.
GreasedLightning said: "I'd rather see a name for Anatole than Pierre. "
Steele is likely the show's best chance at an acting Tony, so I wouldn't expect him to leave anytime soon. Plus, Anatole is a harder part vocally, so were they to go with a name, it would have to be rewritten.
I still think that, accordion and all, Pierre is not that hard a part to get a star for. That doesn't mean the Kagans are savvy enough producers to do so, of course.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
If someone knows how to play piano then the accordion is not as hard to pick up as some might imagine. Donna Lynne Champlin did not play the accordion before being cast in Sweeney Todd, and yet she managed to figure it out. I'm sure most competent musicians can do so as well, especially if they are already in talks and negotiations now to go into the show five months or so from now.
bjh2114 said: "I'd expect another "star", but one who, unlike Groban, is slightly more miscast. Someone along the lines of a Darren Criss. I don't think it's going to be someone who is going to be great.
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I was thinking about Darren as well, maybe he could be Anatole, though.
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So many Broadway names come to mind as capable replacements, but I'm having a tough time coming up with even a single name of a non Broadway celebrity who would not be terribly miscast. Their best bet might be to stunt cast Anatole and let Stangland take over the role of Pierre.
I think people are really delusional if they think Anatole will be stunt cast. It's a pretty small role ultimately, but one that requires a pretty large vocal range.
I honestly think though without a name to replace Groban, the show won't survive. We see how the grosses dip when he misses a show or two.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.