"The suppoting cast of The Odd Couple will feature Peter Frechette (Roy) Brad Garrett (Murray), Lee Wilkof (Vinnie) and Rob Bartlett (Speed), and Pigeon Sisters Jessica Stone (Cecily) and Olivia d'Abo (Gwendolyn). Joe Mantello directs.
The Post also reported that Garrett, of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' fame, is understudy to Lane, and may succeed Lane if the actor departs the shows when his contract is up in April."
When his contract is up in April? Hmmm. I thought it was a limited run. Could this be a sign of an extension with Broderick and Garrett?
Outside the world of Broadway musical fanatics, Brad Garrett is MUCH MORE well known than Nathan Lane. He was on the top rated sitcom for nine years, and won three Emmys.
By the way, this is about the LEAST surprising news item in months. It was obvious from the start that Garrett woudl be Lane's stand-by, and evental replacement. He's much more suired to play Oscar than Lane is.
Actually, my dream casting would be Brad Garrett and David Hyde-Pierce. The two of them have fought it out for the Emmy year after year, both playing the brother of the title character!
The only reason this old chestnut is sold out is because of the dynamic duo. Some people ( not me ) would pay $ 100 a pop to hear them reading the phone book. Brad is a gifted actor but tickets will be very available once he takes over. When this starts discounting tickets after they have left we might give it a look see as we both like him. He did a great job in the Gleason telepic
Anyone know if they're going to have rush/student rush/lottery/SRO?
Idina: Somehow I got myself to the stage, came out at the end of the show, and I had some kind of closure.
Some guy: You looked great!
Idina: Thanks...I WAS SO HIGH!
8/21/05
No theatre EVER sells EVERY ticket before the show! I have worked at many and you always hold House seats for the cast/produers/etc. These get released the day of and will be sold in some manner be it lottery or Rush or Regular price!
"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL
I was skeptical about casting Nathan, but I think he's gonna surprise everyone. But when he goes, I'd much rather see solid stage comedians take over instead of TV stars. I know it sells tickets, but I'm sorry,David Hyde Pierce is fine, but he's just way too gay to play Felix. I'd rather see Rob Bartlett and Peter Freshete move up into the rolls, or even wonderful Lee Wilkoff. Let them stunt cast the smaller rolls. Christina and Brooke as the Pigeon sisters! Updated On: 10/3/05 at 06:05 AM
That's quite a comment to make. Interestingly, even though he wasn't 'that way', Tony Randall seemed to make effeminacy work in the role - assuming that's what you're afraid of. If that's NOT what you're implying (and to some extent, even if it is,) I'm afraid the only impression I'm getting from your statement is that you're an insensitive ass.
DGrant; Maybe I should have said "effeminate" instead. The original play is very different from the tv show. And Tony Randall, as wonderful as he was, took the character in a different direction than the Felix of the play. As I said, I LOVE David Hyde Pierce, he is a very funny actor, I just don't feel he'd be a good Felix. I DO think Nathan will be a great Oscar.
Mr. Lane has always been a wonderful dramatic actor with a serious gift of taste and timing regarding comedy. Simon's play is really a 'musical' of sorts, every word is placed exactly where it is for a reason. The opening card game alone is something of a working class opera, such priceless comic dialouge, vivid characters and solid structure that's endlessly layered, leading to a delicious crescendo with the introduction of Felix Ungar.
Knowing the brilliance of the play I've no doubt many actors could(and hopefully will)flourish in making it come to life in the months and years ahead, but I'm happy that Lane and Broderick will be leading the bunch as the show returns to Broadway in it's original incarnation.
FLAUNT IT tonight boys, FLAUNT IT!
Unfledge them of their...perriwigs, And they appear like bald-cootes, in the nest.
Beaumont, Knt. Malta, (1616).
Not sure if this has been talked about, but wanted to give people a heads up.
I'm not sure if this is a scheduled vacation, but Brad Garrett will be out of the Saturday, March 18th performances of The Odd Couple (at least both, maybe more if there's something else up)
He's doing a benefit here at the UofA for the Hillel Foundation on that day.