FLASH FRIDAY: Suddenly Singing! Jake Gyllenhaal Gears Up For LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Onstage

Today we are celebrating this week's news announcement of Jake Gyllenhaal's musical theatre debut.

Suddenly Seymour

It is always cause for celebration when a major movie star is lined up for a legendary musical theatre role, particularly when it is in a revival of a fan favorite. Accordingly, this week, it was revealed that none other than BAFTA Award-winning actor Jake Gyllenhaal would take on the lead role of Seymour in the Encores! special presentation of long-running Off-Broadway mainstay and silver screen cult hit LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, alongside the original iconic leading lady of the stage production and film, the one and only Ellen Greene. Of course, the breaking news of his mainstage musical theatre debut this July comes hot on the heels of his recent Broadway turn in the Nick Payne drama CONSTELLATIONS, opposite Ruth Wilson, for which he received solid reviews and bodes well for his future as a stalwart stage star to go along with his high-profile Hollywood career, too. Previously, Gyllenhaal had collaborated with Payne and CONSTELLATIONS director Michael Longhurtst on the Off-Broadway run of IF THERE IS I HAVEN'T FOUND IT YET in 2012. Furthermore, Gyllenhaal is no stranger to the stage, having made a mark with his West End debut in Kenneth Lonergan's THIS IS OUR YOUTH in 2002 as well as headlining the feature film adaptation of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play PROOF, co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins. Additionally, Gyllenhaal has shown a penchant for theatrical performances, as well, especially given his surprising and gender-bending turn on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE in 2007 in which he performed the DREAMGIRLS standout showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" in unmistakably passionate fashion - and a dress. Plus, for those who follow any and all movie musical news, rumors of a remake of DAMN YANKEES set to star Jim Carrey alongside Gyllenhaal set to be directed by Todd Graff cropped up late last decade, as well as Gyllenhaal's preliminary casting in the feature film adaptation of INTO THE WOODS when he participated in the star-studded workshop for the movie in late 2013, playing Rapunzel's Prince. Clearly, music and musicals are in his bones.

Besides Gyllenhaal's major theatre credits and theatrically-related films, he has also displayed a prominent predilection for breaking out into song. Case in point, when director Ang Lee received Best Director at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the film went on to win Best Picture, Gyllenhaal serenaded the starry crowd with a song from a familiar big screen music-fest, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, by singing a section of the worldwide Bee Gees hit "Night Fever" to the rapt crowd. Similarly, when sitting down for an interview with ABC News reporter Peter Travers, Gyllenhaal displayed an appealing baritone with a Burl Ives standard that his own father used to serenade him with as a child, utilizing it as a lullaby. Gyllenhaal also showcased his sonorous skills singing along with big screen movie musical star Anna Kendrick in the dark drama END OF WATCH with huge hit "Hey Ma" by Cam'ron. Plus, who could forget his musical moment in BUBBLE BOY? And, Gyllenhaal and popular talk show host Ellen Degeneres crooned a tribal tune derived from Inuit culture. Clearly, Gyllenhaal is ready to let loose and sing full-out in a big show - and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a veritable feast overflowing with melody, comedy and general spectacular entertainment.

The Meek Shall Inherit

So, now, let's take a look at some of Jake Gyllenhaal's most memorable musical moments as we look ahead to LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.

First up, see Jake Gyllenhaal's legendary SNL DREAMGIRLS tribute.



Next, see Jake busting out some impromptu SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.



Now, Jake and Anna Kendrick rock out to some rap-tastic Cam'ron.



Also, Gyllenhaal shows off musical skills in an early role.



Plus, Ellen and Jake recreate a native Inuit tribal song.



Don't miss Jake Gyllenhaal's appearance in Taylor Swift's "Red" video.



Check out Jake Gyllenhaal joining Rufus Wainwright live onstage.



Jake Gyllenhaal in a starry line-up with a theatrical salute to stage and screen superstar Paul Newman.

Most recently, Gyllenhaal starred onstage in the two-character drama CONSTELLATIONS with Ruth Wilson.

Lastly, a hilarious appearance on late-night TV with the always affable (and musical) Jimmy Fallon!

What is your absolute favorite Jake Gyllenhaal performance to date? Furthermore, what has been your favorite musical selection he has presented thus far? With LITTLE SHOP arriving so soon on the horizon, the future looks bright for him to become a true blue song and dance man fit for the 21st century!

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