Would Jesse Eisenberg be a big enough name for a Parade Revival?

[Call_me_jorge]

On the latest Live at five Jason Robert Brown mentioned Jesse was interested in playing Leo and even went to JRB’s house to sing the score. I’ve never heard him sing, but if JRB approves the idea I’m sure he isn’t that bad. Though, I’m wondering if he’s a big enough name for a commercial producer to take this on. Thoughts? Would love to see a parade revival no matter what.

[Sunny11]

It was eight years ago now but the Social Network made 224 million USD and he has had a steady movie career since so year- if he can sing - why not. 

[FosseTharp]

He can sing. Not sure how good his voice is nowadays, but he was on broadway as a kid and is featured on those Broadway Kids albums from the 90’s. Haha

[adamgreer]

I doubt he’d sell it. I’m not even sure Jake Gyllenhall could sell it, but he’d probably be their best chance at profitability.

[SomethingPeculiar]

I don't think Eisenberg alone would be enough, unless they happened to do it out-of-town or in London first, got rave reviews, and came into a small Broadway theatre with momentum. And even then it probably wouldn't be a sure bet.

Wait 10 years and let Ben Platt do it!

[markypoo]

Daniel Radcliffe.

He even resembles the real Leo Frank.

[UncleCharlie]

Jesse Eisenberg is one of those "oh, he's in this too. Cool!." Not sure he's a "Jesse Eisenberg is in this. Now I gotta go." So... no.

[HogansHero]

none of these names sell the show. I don't know of a name that does (and who can do the work).

[GeorgeandDot]

Jesse paired with someone like Jessie Mueller would sell very well, especially with good word of mouth and reviews. I'd still probably rather see Daniel Radcliffe.

[rjm516]

I can't imagine he would be better than Gyllenhaal would be (who I want to do this/anything), but even he would need to be paired with a female star (at least a star in the theatre world). 

[WayTooBroadway]

Would love to see a Jonathan Groff and Amanda Seyfried take on Leo and Lucille.

[WayTooBroadway]

*double post*

[Jordan Catalano]

Jaaaaaaaaaaaaake.....

[markypoo]

DanRad can sell anything.

[HogansHero]

what is being described in posts here are the makings of a non-profit revival, not a commercial production. the play is a hard sell, the composer is a proven non-seller, and these actors will not breach the wall between theatre-goers and the general public as would be required.

[Jarethan]

I have not seen Parade, nor have I actually ever listened to the score.  Other than the ensemble Now You See Me, Eisenberg hasn't had a hit since Social Network.  I think he would probably be excellent, assuming he can carry the score, but don't see him selling tickets in advance; maybe if it and he get mega-great-reviews, his presence will then help to sell tickets.

Of course, there are other questions that impact the possible answers: (1) non-profit or for-profit production, with limited or open-ended engagement?  Scaled down production or Harold Prince scale? is there really any female box office attraction who would take the non-leading role, unless it was limited engagement and she wanted to show her chops?

I think Jake G would sell tickets, as already proven; maybe he could open it on a limited engagement, non-profit basis; and, if really successful, maybe Eisenberg would be a good replacement if there were indications that an extension without Jake G might be viable.  Re an open-ended, for profit, I think it will need a star on the magnitude of Jake G.  Not sure I can think of one who has the talent, the voice, is the right age, and has the star power to sell tickets in advance.

Of course, as proven, Daniel Radcliffe sells a lot of tickets, but he can't guarantee a hit.  If he can sing the score AND the show and he get excellent reviews, he would then help to sell a lot more tickets.

IMO.

[markypoo]

Does anyone know if Mark Zuckerberg can sing, and would he sell tickets?
At 34, he's definitely the right age.

[SomethingPeculiar]

Jarethan said: "I have not seen Parade, nor have I actually ever listened to the score."

What makes you think Eisenberg (or any of these people) would be good for the role, then? 

Thinking more, I actually wonder if Eisenberg is likeable enough to pull it off (box office aside). It's such tricky, dark material, and the show really only works if the audience believes that Leo is innocent. In 2018, it's especially tough.

If anything, it feels like a show for 2nd Stage. I imagine LCT is still a little scarred from the experience of the original, and it doesn't seem commercial enough for the other Broadway non-profits.

[Call_me_jorge]

For a female star I can someone like Amy Adams doing really well as Lucille

[MusicAndPassion]

Euan Morton was incredible as Leo Frank at Ford's Theatre in 2011. He looked very much like Leo Frank, and I'd love for him to tackle the role again.

[qolbinau]

If Jake Gyllenhaal can't sell the show, no one can. (I do think he might be able to sell the show though. People weren't shelling out the big dollars because they had to see another production of Sunday so close after the previous one. It was Jake and Jake alone). 

[mailhandler777]

Who???

[SomethingPeculiar]

qolbinau said: "If Jake Gyllenhaal can't sell the show, no one can. (I do think he might be able to sell the show though. People weren't shelling out the big dollars because they had to see another production of Sunday so close after the previous one. It was Jake and Jake alone)."

Jake did sell it! Sunday recouped. Though Sunday is a safer bet than Parade.

[HogansHero]

Parade + Jake ≠ Sunday + Jake

Sunday is a show a lot of people like/love and don't mind sitting through (again). Not that they "had to see" but wanted to see it with the extra inducement of Jake. It is also a familiar show with a familiar and beloved composer. 

Parade on the other hand is a show many people do not want to sit through even once and certainly not more. (how do you even go about pitching it to the general public?) The question is if Jake is a strong enough inducement for that. And to close the loop, it is not a familiar show and does not have a familiar and beloved composer. In fact it has a composer who has proven incapable of attracting a general audience even for very easy to swallow shows. 

[Call_me_jorge]

mailhandler777 said: "Who??? "

Well obviously YOU wouldn’t know who Jesse is. You only care about former Elphabas...