Broadway Character Actors - Help!- Page 2

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 6:12pm

What about "Marian the Librarian" from MUSIC MAN? Haold Hill character-worthy?

[Switz78]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 8:06pm

Bobby and George are leading men, Lancelot an ingenue and Toby isn't a "character" part either
Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls
Igor in Young Frankenstein
Bert in 42nd Street

"Character" actors and roles are the sidekick, friend, funny man roles usually, not the lead or the prince

so the choices you mentioned don't really fit into that category

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 8:09pm

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 08:09 PM

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 4/10/08 at 9:29pm

Marian the Librarian is best when you have a Marian right there in front of you to seduce...

Those Anthologies are gold though Mike, I use them all the time. They will be the best purchases you ever made.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 12:24am

Sometimes, I don't 'get it' - I've tackled some REALLY heavy leading roles beforehand, and more often than not, find myself cast in a featured role because I'm performing with 'youth' a lot of the time. Now, I'm 5'7"/5'8" - Norbert Leo Butz is my stage idol, and yet, people who see me perform say "You sound exactly like Goulet when you sing!" ... I'm kinda 'in the middle' with what roles I'm good for. *sighs* I don't mean to press the issue, I'm just confuzzled.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 12:39am

I don't mean to keep wasting everyone's time with this.

My utmost apologies.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 12:53am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 12:53 AM

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 1:04am

Hi Mike- Wow, people say you sound like Goulet?? You should be full of GLEE!!
Personally, I agree with the poster that recommended MR. CELLOPHANE, from Chicago. A brilliant, superb character song that I've personally seen performed by a multitude of body types, ages, etc., short, tall, thin, chubby, old, young, bald, not bald, etc. You can put your personal *spin* on it in a million different ways.
For example, the original guy, Barney Martin (1975), the exact opposite of Joel Grey (the orig. Encores). Both fantastic.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 2:12am

Thanks so, so much for the advice and 'oomph'.

I guess my issue (if you can all it that) is the idea that ... well, for as long as I can remember, I've always thought of 'character actors' as 'bit parts' and 'supporting roles' - I've gone above and beyond to prove that I have 'it' - Sure, I'm not tall, sure I'm not 'dark and handsome' at least, not to the extent of some others I've worked with. I have an inferiority complex, and I'm admitting here and now. I just wish to grasp the idea that IN THEATRE, 'character actors' holds a different meaning. Maybe I'm misguided in thinking that it's a demotion. Instead, wouldn't a 'character actor' be someone who can 'morph' or 'become' the role they were cast as - no breaking throughout, just ... real, raw development? Is that a good outlook? I'd love some professional advice here 'cause I'm down-and-out trying to rack my brain for answers. Again, I apologize for beating a dead horse here...

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 2:30am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 02:30 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 2:35am

Not gonna lie ... I kinda got choked-up while reading that.

You most certainly know how to put things in perspective and really shed that guiding light for me.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 2:51am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 02:51 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 3:05am

Most definitely!

Also, upon further instruction, I'll gladly post performance information. This'll mark my first performance downtown, so yeah, I'm pretty freakin' stoked! From what I gather, performacnes are in the beginning of May.

With hopes that some of the BWW Family can make it!
Updated On: 4/11/08 at 03:05 AM

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 3:24am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 03:24 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 3:51am

How true it is!

Here's a good question to pose: "Would you consider Kevin Kline a 'character actor'?" Having researched A LOT over these past few days, I've found that in theatre, MANY roles often played-out by the stereotypical 'leading man' are brought to a higher level of ... 'excellence' when portrayed by a character actor. Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, etc., etc. - Aside from the fact that I am indeed curious, I'd love your thoughts (as always!) Can ya tell I very much adore all of your input ... 'cause y'know, I do!

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 4:14am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 04:14 AM

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 4/11/08 at 5:07am

Updated On: 5/6/09 at 05:07 AM