My N2N Cast Changes

Yes, this is indeed your biweekly blog entry about 'Next To Normal'. I went ahead and saw the newly minted Pulitzer Prize winner again this past Monday and realized something. Due to replacements and understudies- I haven't seen the same cast combination once out of the five times I've seen this show.... that and I forked over more than $300, but I try to think positive.

Since I've always admired the intensity and feistiness Alice Ripley pours into Diana, it was a little jarring when her understudy Jessica Phillips portrays it a little more tame but with a lot more emotions. It took all of the first act for me to get used to Phillips, but as soon as the second act opened up, I was game for her idea of Diana being in a much deeper internal pain. If the rumors are true that Phillips will eventually replace Ripley, I think I'll be okay with it. I can deal with painfully tragic women.

The thing I miss most about Aaron Tveit's version of Gabe is the boyish charms he brings to a rather innocent character, not to mention his confidence on stage commands audience attention. The first time I saw Kyle Dean Massey's Gabe, it was his second show back and he had a cold and sounded nasally- very apparent when he has to go toe-to-toe with Alice Ripley & Bobby Spencer during "You Don't Know/I Am The One". This repeated viewing of a healthier Massey was such a drastic improvement. His Gabe is more haunting and sly, with the sort of charisma necessary for a heartthrob. Maybe it's the way he looks at you with those deep socket eyes like he's trying to undress you and buy you flowers at the same time.

Finally, Dan has always been my favorite character in the show. I love how caring and protective he is of his clan and much of it has to do with Bobby Spencer. He makes my eyes watery every time during "A Light In The Dark" and again during "I Am The One (Reprise)", one time I actually heard half the theatre sobbing during the latter number. The idea of going to see the show again was because Spencer would be departing the production and the man who would be replacing Spencer is the man Spencer himself replaced during the show's transition from Off-Broadway to Broadway, Brian Darcy James- who opted to do 'Shrek: The Musical' instead of this. I've heard good things about James's version of Dan and I look forward to seeing it later this fall/winter.

So am I ready to call 'Next To Normal' my favorite stage production of all-time over 'The Light In The Piazza'? Umm... yes. Yes, I am. Though things might change again whenever Matthew Morrison and Kelli O'Hara decide to share the stage again for my amusement.

Also, believe it or not, another musical that's no longer on Broadway actually got more repeated viewings out of me (Nope, not 'Piazza'), but it's far too embarrassing to admit- even on the interwebs.

My Asian Jersey Shore

As if the original wasn't terrible already, casting notices were sent out seeking young Asian-Americans for a 'Jersey Shore'-type reality show set in Los Angeles. I can't remember the last time Asians made for popular American television. Have they not learned from Margaret Cho's short-lived series 'All-American Girl'? We're better suited as sidekicks or token spots on reality competition shows. Sigh. I wonder what catchy nicknames the lucky chosen ones would call themselves. My suggestions include 'Kimmy Chi', 'Peking Wang' and 'The Lobster Roll'. (NYP)

P.S.- I found the picture for this post by googling 'cool asian kids'.

My Latest Woody Allen Flick

For the better part of this decade, Woody Allen has good days ('Match Point', 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona') and bad ones ('Whatever Works'). So when word comes around saying he has a project four years in development, a rarity for someone who loves to write and shoot, I'm kinda expecting this to be epic. If the casting is any indication, I shouldn't be disappointed with the Paris-based film. Say hello to Marion Cotillard (who Audrey Tautou must despise by now), Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson. Can't wait! (Variety)

My Julianne Moore Appreciation

How awesomely badass is that? Four-time Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore is scheduled to reprise her role on the now-cancelled soap opera 'As The World Turns'. This is definitely bigger than James Franco's stint on 'General Hospital', I don't remember the last time someone with this much cred going back their roots on daytime television where Moore spent four years. Good for Julianne and good for ATWT fanatics. (CBS)

My Casting Suggestion

Please.

My Amy Adams Complex

I love me some Amy Adams. It's very apparent that I do. I love how she brings so much optimism in every character she portrays and how those characters make me smile for two hours. This is why I'm afraid when she's in talks to star in a David O. Russell (oh gawd) film called 'The Fighter' with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Is this the gritty edge Adams is trying to reach to break the stereotype that got her two Oscar nominations? I applaud and encourage range from my performing artists so let's hope this casting decision works. (Variety)

My Rabbit Hole Casting

I love, love, love the casting decision of Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart in the upcoming film adaptation of the stage play 'Rabbit Hole'. Kidman is at her best when her character is suffering and Eckhart can do plenty with the meaty role in the story about a couple after the death of their young son. As for who should play Kidman's mom and Jason, the catalyst that starts off the story? I would like to see Ellen Burstyn ('Requiem For A Dream') for the former and Emile Hirsch ('Milk') in the latter- in fact, anyone besides Shia LaBeouf would do. (THR)

P.S.- Isn't Nicole pretty?

My Zac Crawford Comparison

On the heels of the possible swap for Zac Efron with Chace Crawford in the upcoming remake of 'Footloose', the New York Post examines the difference between the two very similar stars. For me, when it comes down to it, Crawford is a poor man's version of the man he's replacing. While Efron has proven again and again he can bring in the box office, you just wait til 17 Again opens in a few weeks, Crawford has the looks and the potential young girl crowd much from his 'Gossip Girl' years but what he has yet to prove is that he can sing and dance- something Efron can do in his sleep. 

If Efron were to drop out as most media sources indicate, I guess a gamble on Mr. Crawford can pay off. Is it me, or does the two look eerily similar? Why don't the studios do something with that? Another Parent Trap-like film perhaps and capitalize on both of their appeals?