MOULIN ROUGE! Broadway Casting Thread- Page 3

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 12:17am

Derek Klena is no ''stunt casting.'' ''Moulin Rouge!'' will be his 5th Broadway show. Klena starred as Dmitry,  in ''Anastasia,'' and got Tony nominated for ''Jagged Little Pill.'' His name might not be a giant box-office draw right now, but as Sutton Ross notes, ''Moulin Rouge!'' is really the star. Its actors are just another part of the Tony-winning package that boasts stunning sets, costumes and music. However, Klena has a terrific voice and leading-man looks, I bet he'll be an incredible Christian. 

''Stunt casting'' usually refers to bringing in someone who has gained celebrity in another medium (i.e., movies, reality TV) and often is making their stage debut. (The Weisslers are pros at this practice. See Pamela Anderson in ''Chicago.'' )

''While it’s still a diverse cast [in 'Moulin Rouge!'], it is unfortunate that the production isn’t embracing people of color in the leading roles.''

If you look at the Broadway, London and U.S. national touring casts of ''Moulin Rouge!,'' they are each showcases of diversity. Which is no accident. Last summer, ''Moulin Rouge!'' hired Chloe Beck for a newly created position: as director of the show's equality, diversity and inclusion efforts. In the 2000 Baz Luhrmann movie, Satine was played by Nicole Kidman. But onstage, ''Moulin Rouge!'' has cast an actress of color to open as Satine, its leading lady: Karen Olivo, on Broadway; Liisi LaFontaine in London, and Courtney Reed on the U.S. national tour. 

Updated On: 4/9/22 at 12:17 AM

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 12:59am

“Strong and sustainable” isn’t a type and clearly not what I meant or others have meant when talking about the type cast in this role. But I agree that the role does require a strong and sustainable performer, and Aaron’s longevity and attendance record have been commendable. It is not an easy role to do eight times a week by any means.

[ecc608]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 3:35pm

I’m really looking forward to Ashley Loren being bumped up, she is really amazing. I’ve seen Natalie three times and am hoping to get a chance to see Ashley now. 
 

Just a reminder that Karen Olivo now uses they/them pronouns :)

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 4:20pm

Aaron Tveit's work ethic and stamina are even more impressive, especially when it seems to me that Christian actually has more to sing in ''Moulin Rouge!'' than Satine. Maybe there should be a Christian alternate.

So who has seen Aaron C. Finley, Tveit's understudy, go on? IBDB.com lists a standby by Satine, but not Christian. Anyone know who it is? 

Updated On: 4/9/22 at 04:20 PM

[ecc608]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 4:50pm

There is not a standby for Christian. I’ve never seen Aaron Finley as Christian, his performances are few and far between because of Tveit’s previously stated work ethic.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 4/9/22 at 5:12pm

So who has seen Aaron C. Finley, Tveit's understudy, go on?

Me! I was lucky enough to see him make his Christian debut last October. He looks similar to Aaron T so I thought it was him before it started. Then a woman in back of me was reading the cast list and said "Oh my God, Aaron Tveit isn't here tonight? It's why I came!". I then noticed that both Aaron T. and Ricky were both out that evening. 

However, Aaron F absolutely killed it. He has an incredible voice, had great chemistry with Natalie, was funny, charming, and made me cry at the end. If Derek needs an alternate, I hope it's Aaron Finley because he was quite wonderful. I even sent him a dm congratulating him, he wrote back thanking me and saying he had a great time. What a sweetie. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 9:35pm

I saw the show last night and just adored Ashley. I’d only ever seen Karen do it but thought Ashley brought something really special and sweet to the role that Karen never had. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 9:48pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I saw the show last night and just adored Ashley. I’d only ever seen Karen do it but thought Ashley brought something really special and sweet to the role that Karen never had."

How were the other principal replacements, Jakey? 
I may want to see it with the replacement cast if I hear good things. 

[msmp]

Posted: 5/16/22 at 6:20am

Personal opinions from seeing the show last week: I think Ashley is the best Satine to have performed in the few times I've seen the show, and she really gripped me with her performance last week. Derek is doing fine, but still needs a little bit of vocal work and the two of them need some time to get their chemistry perfected, but I really did enjoy his performance (and especially Roxanne).

But I want to really praise Declan Bennett, who is spectacular as the Duke. I loved Tam's performance each time, but I think Declan brings a much more sneering, condescending tone to the character that really makes you love to hate him; that's not something that is easy to do.

Also, he's not one of the May 10 cast changes, but Eric Anderson's Zidler had me in stitches. Much more physical with his comedy than Danny was (and I loved Danny's Zidler!), and he stole the show for me every time he was onstage.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 11:18am

On January 17, Aaron Tveit will return to the show as Christian, and Dylan Paul takes over as the Duke of Monroth for a limited time.

On February 7, André Ward will take over as Toulouse-Lautrec, and David Harris will take over as the Duke.

On April 11, Derek Klena will return to the show as Christian. 

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 11:19am

OMG, AARON!

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 11:46am

For anyone who has seen the show without Aaron, I IMPLORE you to revisit. His performance is truly exceptional. 

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:04pm

Did Aaron do all 8 weekly performances during his first run?  I have a trip planned on a Wednesday and Thursday, but I'm seeing Phantom both evening shows. I could squeeze in the Wednesday matinee of "Moulin Rouge," but wondered what my chances of seeing Aaron would be.

Thanks!

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:07pm

sbflyfan said: "Did Aaron do all 8 weekly performances during his first run? I have a trip planned on a Wednesday and Thursday, but I'm seeing Phantom both evening shows. I could squeeze in the Wednesday matinee of "Moulin Rouge," but wondered what my chances of seeing Aaron would be.

Thanks!"

Yes, Aaron did all eight shows a week and had impeccable attendance. He honestly set the gold standard for attendance in a principal role on Broadway during his original run.

[Kad]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:16pm

He had great attendance but he’s hardly the first principal actor in a Broadway musical to do so. 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:23pm

OMG Aaron!  Time to take a trip to the Hirschfeld! 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:33pm

Worst acting I've seen on a Broadway stage. The ending was laughable, zero emotion or chemistry. 

Vocally, amazing. 

[Dolly80]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:36pm

Ashley only performs about once a month though right?

[quizking101]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 12:45pm

Aaron and Ashley have great chemistry.

I think attendance is sagging and they are bringing back their Tony winning star for maybe a boost?

I just don’t like Derek Klena - I found him pitchy and way off key during the Parade

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 1:37pm

Is it wrong the only feeling about this Aaron news i can convey is...moist?

I mean to hear those vocals again...moisture!

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 12/1/22 at 10:41pm

Having seen the tour, André Ward and David Harris are wonderful additions to the Broadway company. André in particular is heartbreaking as Toulouse Lautrec.

[jbroadway4]

Posted: 12/23/22 at 12:07pm

Grammy award winning singer/actress, JoJo, seems to be hinting on her Instagram that she's joining the cast! I'm assuming as Satine. Perfect casting! Excited to finally see her on a Broadway stage.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 12/23/22 at 1:11pm

jbroadway4 said: "Grammy award winning singer/actress, JoJo, seems to be hinting on her Instagram that she's joining the cast! I'm assuming as Satine. Perfect casting! Excited to finally see her on a Broadway stage."

Is this the same JoJo from the hit film Aquamarine?! 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 12/23/22 at 1:14pm

That would be very interesting....yes JoJo from Aquamarine! 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/23/22 at 1:35pm

Sounds exciting, but assuming this news is true, I’m also getting convinced the show only has a number of months left in the tank (this stunt cast, plus Tveit’s impending return to try and drum up interest). 

MR’s grosses look fine at the moment, but does it survive past Labor Day 2023?