Al Roker to join Broadway cast of WAITRESS

[natashalost]

Just announced on the Today Show! Al will be playing the role of Joe from October 5 to November 11. On the today show he said he would be doing shows everyday, but according to Broadway.com, he will not be performing Saturday or Sunday matinees. 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Al-Roker-Will-Make-His-Broadway-Debut-In-WAITRESS-20180905

[Sauja]

Huh. Wasn't someone just yesterday saying that the producers are so good at stunt casting? This...may not be an example of that.

 

For the record, I LOVE the show. But...huh.

[BroadwayConcierge]

I can't be the only one who did a confused head tilt when I read this headline.

[natashalost]

BroadwayConcierge said: "I can't be the only one who did a confused head tilt when I read this headline."

I was even more confused when they said on the Today Show that a “mega star” was joining the cast and our walked Al Roker. Crazy!

How does everyone think this is going to effect sales?

[10086sunset]

Honestly, this is just insulting.

[Emmaloucbway]

I thought this thread was a joke...

[KFC1991]

For a second, I had to ask myself whether it was April 1st or not.

[laurensambrose]

Was the casting agency just throwing darts at a board to cast someone because they don't think Nicolette is going to sell? 

[Evans2]

What, Oak wasn't available?

[everythingtaboo]

Having watched his oh-so-subtle acting in the Sharknado series, I'm eager to see what he can do here...

[smidge]

As soon as I saw them tease the announcement I said in the Waitress casting thread that it would be somebody from their show. I was hoping for Kathie Lee as Joe.

[WestEndGal]

This is so random lol! Can Al even act or sing?! 

 

[quizking101]

It’s definitely strange casting to say the least, but I’m sure that Bareilles and co. will work with him to help learn the role, since they do a great job to ensure nobody makes a mockery of the project.

Plus, he has only one song (“Take It From An Old Man”) and it’s mostly soft-spoken. I’m sure he can handle it.

I have to say I’m intrigued

[Miles2Go2]

Worst idea ever (hope I’m wrong). It’s a role that requires limited dancing/singing as I recall, correct? So, maybe... Still...when I saw this just on Facebook I thought it was a joke piece from The Onion.

[quizking101]

On top of that, I’m appreciative that they continued to recast with such diversity in regards to race and ethnicity since this gives precedent to future productions that literally anybody can play they roles with no barriers

[Eliza2]

KFC1991 said: "For a second, I had to ask myself whether it was April 1st or not."

Same exact reaction I had when I saw it. I had to keep scrolling through twitter waiting to see what the punch line was.

[BroadwayConcierge]

natashalost said: "And yes, he will be doing all 8 shows a week."

According to Broadway.com, he will not be doing weekend matinees. 

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193166/al-roker-to-join-the-cast-of-broadways-waitress/

[Miles2Go2]

Next up...Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in Chicago...

[Elegance101]

Miles2Go2 said: "Next up...Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in Chicago..."

I would see that in an instant.

[Wick3]

Wow! Will he be taking a leave of absence from the Today show while he's at Waitress?

Doing evening shows that last until 10-11pm and then waking up super early (4 or 5 am?) to be on the Today show sounds exhausting to me. 

[darquegk]

I'll admit, when I saw Larry Marshall play Old Joe, I was curious how well a black Old Joe would be received- the character is innocuous enough when played by a white guy, but inches into "Magical Negro" territory when cast as a person of color. Fortunately it's not like the show steers too hard into that characterization, and I think the "sassy, horny, advice-giving old black man who solves the hero's problem in the end and then disappears" trope will be less obvious when Jenna is also black.

[dearalanaaaa]

And the role of Larry Murphy at this performance will be played by Anthony Bourdain.
Seriously though, why are they putting a weatherman on Broadway?? I really thought this was a joke

[ACL2006]

This just smells of desperation. Just announce a January closing already with Bareilles returning.

[HamilHansen]

Oh dear, what are we going to get next? Kendrick Lamar as Thomas Jefferson? Steve Carell as Alfred Doolittle? TOMMY WISEAU AS ELPHABA?

[ljay889]

This show is produced by the Weisslers...