So after it was recently announced that Tim Minchin had been cast as Judas in the upcoming arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar it has today been announced that he will be joined by Chris Moyles as King Herod, the comedy character in show. I know the show well and think the part is suited to Chris. However I can't help but think that the main reason for casting him is because of his celebrity status. It looks like Andrew Lloyd Webber is determined not to have any empty seats as they will have a reality TV winner (not Pudsy the dog from BGT hopefully) playing Jesus, a popular Radio presenter, the multi talented upcoming King of the West End Tim Minchin and of course... a Spice Girl! That's right, a musical is not complete without a Spice Girl! Mel C is playing Mary Magdalene (not Nicole Scherzinger).
While I don't want to judge these performers before I see them I can't help but think there are many other West End performers who are even more talented and even more suited to these roles (I am not talking about Tim Minchin here who is an experienced performer).
While I don't want to judge these performers before I see them I can't help but think there are many other West End performers who are even more talented and even more suited to these roles (I am not talking about Tim Minchin here who is an experienced performer).
"Lots of tweets about JCS casting! I'm not a promoter of celebrity casting but just think of things from the producers point of view it's the only way to try and get your head round some of the 'odd' decisions that seem to get announced, but in my opinion- don't judge until you've seen the show! Look at how sceptical everyone was about Sheridan Smith being announced as Elle in Legally Blonde an as soon as she opened and did an amazing job and got rave reviews everyone jumped on board saying "I knew she'd be good"- let's just wait to see what Jesus Christ Superstar will be like and give the cast a chance. Celebrity or not, they are still people who possibly don't deserve so much negativity just from having their names in a press release."
Mark makes a fair point, so until I have seen these celebrities in action I will not judge. In the meantime why don't you watch this video of Chris Moyles appearing on Celebrity X Factor...
As always I would love to find out what you think about this
As always I would love to find out what you think about this
Well I think I will be going to a performance when I know a couple of understudies are on...
ReplyDeleteThat is all I have to say.
As soon as I saw Chris tweet that he was going to have to work with the winner of Superstar, I thought he would make a good Herod. Then I saw this. I for one will be going to see thia, I so hope Oliver Tompsit who is amazing in Rock of Ages at the monent, wins. He has a wonderful voice and such stage presence.
ReplyDeleteDon't want to disappoint but Oliver Tompsett tweeted saying
Delete'don't expect to see much of me on Superstar for reasons which I will explain Monday :-) but support the"Jesi" they were all lovely bar one!'.
So things don't look good for him! At least we still have Alex Gaumond and Ross Hunter to keep our eyes on!