I read the news today oh, boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
And though the news was rather sad
Well, i just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
I read that the gorgeous big man from Alabama, the grey haired American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will be assuming the role of Teen Angel in the current Broadway run of "Grease." Oy fucking Vey.
These days Broadway extends show runs and pads its purses not through the talented anonymous gypsies who populate the Broadway workforce but by supplementing Broadway revival casts with celebrities who boost ticket sales. Think Molly Ringwald in "Cabaret" and Reba McEntire in "Annie Get Your Gun." That will buy your show an extra two months survivial, people.
Enter Taylor Hicks.
I don't begrudge the man the opportunity to showcase his talents (and let's be clear here--he is quite a talented soul singer), but the intent is grossly self serving. I have no doubt that the producers want to succeed (and let's be clear HERE--they produced a crap show in the first place because they allowed the leads to be chosen on a reality TV show). There's a sick genius in realizing by adding this man in for five minutes in the second act will soak a plethora of Soul Patrol types for $125 a seat. Unseemly. The business brilliance is obvious---this will work. And it'll buy this uneven show an extra two months run.
I'm sure he'll be great in his cameo but I just wish he'd do what he does best: small venues, classic soul music, tight arrangements, solid musicians and great live performance. He's spectacular live and he should be channeling that Jimmy Buffet thing as opposed to that John Stamos Broadway thing.
Y'all know I am a proponent of the whole silver lining thinking and here again I have some thoughts. While discouraged by the "D List" Broadway gig path, I am delighted to know Hicks and I will both be inhabitants of Manhattan for a tenure. It's nice to imagine running into him at Barney's shoe department. I'd be glad to offer him advice on a blucher lacing cap-toe oxford by Cole Haan.
Please. Who wouldn't?
9 comments:
I know you love the guy, C&W, and I understand what your concerns are. You know New York and the theater scene a whole lot better than I do, of that I'm sure. But I'm excited for him and for us, his fans. There's been so much negative press the past few months, I think this just may help him turn that all around. Let's keep our fingers crossed that our talented soul singer doesn't get eaten alive by the critics in your great city. :-) I think he's going to have a blast playing this part.
I kind of feel like this is equivalent to being the center square-a celebrity walk-on for someone who can't get work doing what he really wants to do.
I know that's not what's happening here and I suspect that Taylor sees this as proof that he's somebody, but imagining him doing this smarmy bit for three months turns my stomach.
I won't post that on any TH website because he doesn't need anymore negativity, but I know I can share my thoughts with you guys. He should be getting sweaty and smokey in some bar while he hammers out the kinks in his new music.
If this is his new path, well, I'm not sure I'll stick around.
I don't think Taylor is ditching his music career to become a Broadway star. He's working on his next CD and I just see this as a win-win situation all the way around. He's a performer and I think this is going to create a positive buzz for him. It's not a demanding role, it keeps him in one place for the summer while he continues to network. I'm sure he's going to make some great connections. He sounds so happy when he talks about this venture, I just can't help but get behind it. It's not about what I want for him; it's about what he wants for himself. We angst inwardly because we care. I consider this just another chapter in the book.
You know, SR, I'll defer to your thoughts here and take that broader view. I guess I'm spoiled having seen him blow the roof off The Beacon Theatre in NYC when he performed last year. That was so much his element. I genuinely think he's such a great entertainer; his love of the kind of music I really care about is passionate and I (selfishly) don't want to see that focus diluted. However to your point, the opportunity to network is key. And he will have a blast in the role--who wouldn't? It's fantastically over the top. I just hope his bigger goal of producing new kick ass music doesn't become a sideline.
Jeez. I sound like a fan. Well, OK, I am.
Maybe it has to do with growing up 40 miles from NYC and knowing that when they started sticking celebrities in Broadway shows it was all about ticket sales.
Yes, I know there's nothing wrong with doing whatever it takes to keep Broadway alive, but the whole thing still makes me sad.
I don't begrudge Taylor wanting to have this experience. I just can't support it.
CW, we're fans, yes indeed. Love the big lug! But you know what, we're not clone fans; we're just thinking differently about this new venture of his. That's okay.
I love Taylor Hicks. "Places I've Been" is my ringtone. I hope this broadway stint is simply a networking thing for him and not a career change. Don't get me wrong, he's probably a good lil' actor but his true gift is in his deliverance of his music.... his deep down, kiss your navel from the inside, soul music. No, I won't see him on Broadway mainly because I really don't like "Grease" and if I'm going to spend mega bucks to see TH, and I would, I want to see him singing in a small venue (smoking not allowed) where everything and everyone is up close and personal.
Just a little side note... "Annie Get Your Gun" was made for Reba. She is a true 'Annie Oakley'.
Just another side note... Another really talented musician is rolling off the AI bandwagon. That is David Cook, he reminds me of Bon Jovi for some reason.
Thanks for the space.
BRAVO WOMAN... BRAVO!!!
For some reason... this "gig" leaves a bad taste in my mouth... blech.
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