Jeremy Pope's final performance in AIN'T TOO PROUD: Sunday 7/7/19

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Wonder what's next? Seems abrupt, unless he had an "out" in his contract to take on another role.

EDIT:  Looking at the schedule, it has actually been a year since the Kennedy Center engagement (the first of its 3 pre-Broadway "tour" stops), so perhaps everyone's contract was just through July and the others have renewed?

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196279/jelani-remy-to-take-over-as-eddie-kendricks-in-aint-too-proud-jeremy-pope-sets-exit-date/

[quizking101]

This seems off, especially considering he ditched the extension of Choir Boy because this was heading into previews. Maybe it’s an urgent emergency and he’ll return at a later date?

I can’t imagine someone ditching a likely secure job after getting Tony-nominated in a popular show unless something serious is going on.

EDIT: Read the OP edit after posting. It still seems strange to me to give this up 

[VotePeron]

Is there another production of Choir Boy happening anywhere that he's jumping into? Maybe he booked a film, too?

[Valentina3]

I wouldn't mind if Choir Boy is just getting picked for a movie. It's very cinematic already. That Tony performance was kind of odd, since the show had closed. There was speculation about why they spent that much money in the first place if they weren't going to plug anything. Was it perhaps to gauge interest?

[haterobics]

Wow, glad I was able to catch him this past weekend...

[sethepstein12]

I saw months ago on the board that someone heard they were looking at him to lead the Take Me Out Revival. Not sure if that was/is true

He's an brilliant performer and I'm sure this is just the beginning of a very long career!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

sethepstein12 said: "I saw months ago on the board that someone heard they were looking at him to lead the Take Me Out Revival. Not sure if that was/is true"

Seeing as Jesse Williams and Jesse Tyler Ferguson were already announced for that, I doubt it. And Take Me Out is 9 months away...

[sethepstein12]

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "sethepstein12 said: "I saw months ago on the board that someone heard they were looking at him to lead the Take Me Out Revival. Not sure if that was/is true"

Seeing as Jesse Williams and Jesse Tyler Ferguson were already announced for that, I doubt it. AndTake Me Outis 9 months away..."

Right. Forgot about Jesse Williams. Also, even if that were the reason, it would still be odd to leave so abruptly

[dramamama611]

Im fairly certain that contracts dont carry over... a new agreement would have been arranged for bway.

It might be abrupt to us, but not to the production. Who knows?

Hope he has nothing but a wonderful opportunity.

[bear88]

That's a surprise, just because Tony-nominated actors in hit Broadway musicals that just opened usually don't leave so soon. But Pope has been playing the role since I saw him at the Berkeley Rep and he basically has already done a national tour already.

My assumption is that he had an out clause and probably has something else lined up. Pope must be exhausted, having done two Broadway shows and a tour.

But this seems like a chance for Pope, a very talented and strikingly handsome young man, to strike while the iron is hot. He must have a lot of opportunities.

[Mike Barrett]

I mean didn’t buy tickets JUST for him but he was a big part do it. One of my favorite performers and have had the pleasure of meeting him twice. Super nice dude I wish him nothing but the best!

[kmissa]

Aww I love him. I’m glad I was able to see him since he’s leaving abruptly. I’m sure he has something great on deck. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

[BroadwayMarley]

I agree.  He was fantastic in ATP and also in Choir Boy.  I can't wait to see his next project.

[RippedMan]

I would think he’s making some cute coin, so I’m sure it’s a bigger opportunity. Like a film or tv pilot.

[Robbie2]

HOLLYWOOD ~ Film

[LuPita2]

This man is a star. I can't wait to see what he does next. Bravo!

[RWPrincess]

Well this is unexpected. From his Instagram post, it definitely sounds like he has something lined up so I’m happy to hear that. I also met him after ATP and he was a sweetheart. Hopefully he will make an announcement about what’s next sooner rather than later.

[Broadwaybri2]

This feels bizarre. 4 days notice on a holiday weekend? Can’t imagine that any opportunity only let him know that he had to pack bags and quit his current job with a few days notice and wouldn’t let him close out two weeks or so?

[\_(•_•)_/]

Not that bizarre, when Laura Dreyfuss booked the Politican on netflix, she had 3 days to leave Dear Evan Hansen.

[natashalost]

.

[DramaTeach]

^ Care to share any more details about the TV project? I do remember seeing a photo of him with Lee Daniels recently, and I'm assuming they'll need someone to replace Jussie Smollett in the last season. I'd prefer he do something brand new, but if that is the show, at least he'll be singing. Blink once if I'm correct.

[EthelMae]

Eve: Although I am going to Hollywood  tomorrow to make a film, do not think for a moment that I’m leaving you. My heart is here in the theatre and 3000 miles is too far to be away from one’s heart. I’ll be back to claim it and soon, that is, if you want me back.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

natashalost said: "He has a TV project booked. Shocked they even announced it because the producers told him they were just going to have him leave quietly with no announcement."

Well, someone probably got the scoop, and it's better to be upfront about an actor's departure instead of dodging requests for comment. Yesterday was the perfect day to bury a news announcement, which is very strategic (it's no coincidence that Pretty Woman posted notice yesterday of all days).

[kmissa]

DramaTeach said: "^ Care to share any more details about the TV project? I do remember seeing a photo of him with Lee Daniels recently, and I'm assuming they'll need someone to replace Jussie Smollett in the last season. I'd prefer he do something brand new, but if that is the show, at least he'll be singing. Blink once if I'm correct."

I doubt it’s Empire. I do wonder if it’s something on OWN, I know he’s good friends with Tarrell McMcraney (Moonlight, Choir Boy) who has a show coming out this August. I hope he has some down time in between, he’s been working like crazy  

 

[AADA81]

I'm still a bit surprised because the show only opened a little over 6 months ago.  I would have thought they'd have had a longer contract requirement of him.  And the 2 Tony noms he just received would make some people (myself included) interested in seeing him in the show.  Oh well, it's nice he's got something in the works but I do hope he returns to New York theater soon.