Whoopi Goldberg? In Xanadu?
It just goes to show you, even the best shows can fall victim to the curse that is stunt casting. According to Playbill.com, Whoopi Goldberg will soon be joining the Broadway cast of Xanadu, filling in for a vacationing Jackie Hoffman as Hoffman heads off to promote her new CD.
Goldberg is certainly no stranger to stunt casting, having previously taken Nathan Lane's place as Pseudolous in the recent Broadway revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. As I've said before, I'm all for stunt casting if it keeps an otherwise worthy show running, but I can't help thinking that Whoopi will be more of a distraction than an enhancement to my beloved Xanadu.
Goldberg joins the Xanadu cast on July 29th, and will play the role of Calliope for six weeks thereafter. I've already seen the show twice, and happily so, but I can't really see myself taking the show in again just to see Whoopi. Then again, I'll be down in the city once a month until the end of the year, so it will depend on what else there is to see during my upcoming visits.
I love this! I think she would be a distraction if she were going in, say, Wicked or Mamma Mia, but not Xanadu. Xanadu is already so perfectly camp, she'll fit right in. What I love about Whoopi (and Rosie) is that she loves Broadway and does what she can to promote it. She grew up in NYC and learned theatre as a kid because of the Public Theatre. I think it's terrific to capitalize on her if for no other reason than that.
Posted by: SarahB | July 14, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I wonder now, if the Tonys were a device to get us all Whoppied up again, to make this announcement easier on us. Although I will be making the pilgrimage to the Helen Hayes to see her.
Tid Bit: Did you know if she wins a Grammy and an Emmy, she will be the first African American to win all major Awards. She already has; Tony, Oscar, Daytime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Drama Desk.
Posted by: Justin | July 14, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Well, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting. I may just have to give Whoopi a the benefit of the doubt. And, Sarah, I agree with you about Whoopi and Rosie. Broadway can certainly use some high profile people who are willing to give shows a shot in the arm.
Now if we can just lure Hugh Jackman back. I'd go see him in practically any part. The Phantom? Sure. Mama Rose? Why not. Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia? God, I'd love to see him in the spandex.
Posted by: chris caggiano | July 14, 2008 at 07:17 PM
If Hugh Jackman went into Phantom, I'd see it. I also wouldn't mind if he went into Gypsy as one of the strippers. Why not make him a Chippendale? I'd pay big money to see him bump it with a trumpet. And I'm not blushing either.
Posted by: SarahB | July 15, 2008 at 05:35 PM