They hopefully cast queer actors in queer roles. I'm all for Jake as Bruce, but I couldn't handle a straight Adult Alison, Joan, Medium Alison, and Roy.
ModernMillie3 said: "He's a great, handsome actor but Michael was 54 years old when he played Bruce. His age seemed perfect for the part, but that's just me."
But the character is supposed to be 43 when he dies, and he's even younger during the Young Alison scenes - in fact he would have probably been even younger than Jake is now. And I think Cerveris - who already looked younger than 54 in my opinion - was made to look even younger for the part. I think Gyllenhaal will be perfect in all respects.
I'm all for movie adaptations of great musicals, but does no-one else here feel that the story this show tells is resolutely uncinematic? Sure they can put "Telephone Wire" in a real car driving past streetlamps and traffic lights, but I think this is a show that would really resist the literalness of film. "Ring of Keys" is a lovely song, but do we really need to see the bull dyke delivery lady and her keys enter the diner to appreciate it better? Also the actual plot is Allison's attempt to untangle some meaning in the suicide of her Dad--a task she ultimately fails at. Does that sound like a great arc for a film?
I also initially thought Jake Gyllenhaal was too young for this role, but I think my brain's still stuck in the timeframe of when he was playing teen roles, like Donnie Darko, October Sky, The Day After Tomorrow. He's been playing more older roles. In Wildlife, he played the father of a 13 year old boy.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
While Cerveris was certainly perfection in the role and deserves every ounce of acclaim that he received, I do believe that Gyllenhaal is more age-appropriate based on the ages of the children in the show. It’s more common and likely that a 39 year old would have children those ages than a 54 year old. Besides the age factor, I think that Gyllenhaal is a terrific choice for the role acting-wise and vocal-wise.
He's not remotely too young. Most of the story takes place with a 40ish Bruce/19-20ish Allison. It's startling how many people forget that these two people had children young. Bruce is in Big Allison's memory, remember? He's a brilliant choice, and bravo to him for taking this on. His Georges was one of the best performances on B'way int he past 5-10 years. Beautiful, charismatic, eloquent. Great news.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
"so many possibilities " Will be watching for how this plays out.
Hannah Levinson is a young Canadian actress , has played Matilda and did young Alison in Fun Home in Toronto. REALLY good. Hope someone puts her forward for consideration.
TheQuibbler said: "JBroadway said: "I’m not sure if Ellen Page can sing, but she’d be a perfect Medium Alison."
Ellen Page will be 33 next month."
Yeah, but I think she still reads pretty young. Maybe you’re right though - maybe she’s not quite young enough anymore. Especially since Gyllenhaal is younger than Cerveris, they’ll want to make sure Medium Alison looks age-appropriate too.
She has been doing a lot of tv work lately and is a natural for the camera. Besides I really think she "owns" the role. She embodies it like no one else. So powers-that-be if you are reading my lowly posting PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE cast Beth. She would bring an original cast authenticity to the proceedings that would be amazing.
Despite Gyllenhaals involvement and considering Gold will be directing, I expect this to not have huge players in it. It will probably be a niche film that only goes around the indie circuit with a limited release in like 3 cities.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
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I expect this to not have huge players in it. It will probably be a niche film that only goes around the indie circuit with a limited release in like 3 cities.
Like The Last 5 Years?
Regarding cast- u never know who this might speak to ,who might want to do it for personal as well as professional reasons. If even one "name" gets attached-whole different ball game.
Gyllenhaal can't handle this role. And I agree with Someone in a Tree that this show is not cinematic. Even so, it'd be interesting to see the Bechdel house looking the way it actually looks, rather than as a minimalist set. I can see this working, maybe. But please no Jake Gyllenhaal. There are so many layers and nuances to this character that he simply won't be able to pull off, and plus he just looks physically wrong for the role.
MollyJeanneMusic said: "Valentina3 said: "Alright - who are we dreamcasting? "
I wonder who they'll get to play Little Alison - whether they'll go for an open call or get someone from Broadway. Would Sarah Charles Lewis have the voice for it? She hasn't done much since Tuck Everlasting, but she has a super-powerful voice."
My first thought upon hearing this was that Jake Gyllenhaal seems too charismatic for the role, but I'm very curious to see what his take on it would be (never got a chance to see Michael Cerveris do it so I only have the tour as comparison).
I love darquegk'ssuggestion that some scenes be animated! I think it would be very interesting to kind of do an Into the Spiderverse-esque take on it during the parts where Alison tries to figure out her family's story through her work as a cartoonist.
I honestly think Brokeback mountain is enough evidence to prove Jake Gyllenhaal will be able to pull this off, but maybe I’m wrong.
Also Sadie and Sarah are teenagers.... small Alison is like meant to be in grade school.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
Call_me_jorge said: "I honestly think Brokeback mountain is enough evidence to prove Jake Gyllenhaal will be able to pull this off, but maybe I’m wrong.”