For those who think he should be doing edgy stuff: I feel you. I really do. BUT, doing Shrek will give him the financial security to do off-Broadway musicals like N2N for $500 bucks a week.
Plus, he's a funny actor. I can't wait to see what he does with Shrek. Although climbing out of Mike Myers's shadow is going to be tough.
^Agreed. Yes, actors can talk all they want about being challenged and finding moving pieces of theatre, but at the end of the day, you gotta pay the bills... It would be nice if we lived in a country where art for the sake of art was subsidised so no one had to worry about how much money they were making, but we don't. That's why shows like Next to Normal are playing Off-Broadway and shows like Wicked and Young Frankenstein are on Broadway.
I can't wait to see what he does with Shrek. Although climbing out of Mike Myers's shadow is going to be tough.
Isn't SHREK a cartoon?
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Myers provided the voice for Shrek, and I'd assume (I don't make a practice of watching Dreamworks stuff, so I've never seen it) that Dreamworks follows Disney's lead in embodying the animated feature characters with "their" human's characteristics. (Think Genie in Aladdin for a good example ~ so much of that is Robin Williams. Dorie in Finding Nemo and Ellen Degeneres is another good example.)
corrected for spelling.
Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
Brian d'Arcy James is a really great comic actor. most people don't know that because they only really focus on his edgy stuff. i think he would be GREAT in this role. i was open to the idea of the musical coming to Broadway when i heard Jeanine Tesori was on board.
i'm just hoping it doesn't turn into a costume nightmare like Grinch. no old Tony Award winners in donkey costumes please!
I saw him. I thought he was great. He's no Norbert, obviously, but I never got to see Norbert in the role. I thought he was very funny. Especially compared to the atrocities that were Keith Carradine and Richard Kind. Sherie and Sara seemed kind of off the night I went (they had just found out they were closing). Brian was a definite standout in the cast. Lots of energy.
I saw Brian in DRS, and he was a natural! Completely hilarious from start to finish. Unpredictable and immensely enjoyable.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Based on what you guys are saying about his DRS comedy skills, perhaps this is a good fit for him. Does he have a rocky, or contemporary side to his voice? Originally, I know they envisioned Shrek as a rock tenor. He certainly has the high notes.
Laughter is much more important than applause. Applause is almost a duty. Laughter is a reward.
Carol Channing
I know that the official announcememnt link was already posted, but I just wanted to remind you of who said it first!! I'm so pleased I was right about this, lol!
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
That's really awesome for Brian, and for Chester and John too.
Hopefully they'll give Tartaglia stuff to do with Gingerbread Man, and I already know that CGII will rock out in the Donkey role. He might have been made for that part.
'There are three different philosophies on how I will appear in the show as Shrek,' James said in a phone call. 'One is a full body suit and head, so you can't see me at all. The second is scaled down from that. 'And the third is a more theatrical representation, like me in a green T-shirt and hat. But I really can't imagine anything other than the first option, really.
I've heard the material needs work but I don't really care... I will spend my $$ to go see this all-star cast. and Brian d'Arcy James is my idol. such a spectacular performer.