So I just saw Clueless. Dove saved that show. The writing is so bad, but that cast actually made me have a great time. Dove's voice and character acting were very impressive. I think if she wants to stay in the theater world, she could do well.
Dove seems happier, and better suited, to be performing on stage based on how she talks about it on her Instagram account. I've only seen her stage performances in short video clips she posted to her Instagram page, but I very much enjoyed it! She has a beautiful voice! It seems most pop/disney channel singers are better suited after their recording contracts/Disney contracts end, and they move on to other things. Nick Jonas b4 and after Disney was a Broadway actor - his Les Miserables concert performance was wonderful! Zach Efron and zendaya's acting careers and performances skyrocketed after Disney. It looks like child actors are learning how to transition into adult roles more effectively than years ago, and I'm pleased to see that.
Raven Black For what it’s worth, Dove also got her start on stage. Prior to Disney, she was actually contemplating moving to New York instead of staying in LA. Theater is in the family blood, and if she had her choice, she would choose it over television any day.
Except, it can. It makes it harder for people trying to get into the musical theatre industry if people with big names are being cast and newbies are being overlooked, regardless of talent.
I just want to say that Dove started out in theatre, not only did she start out doing theatre, she also went to school for it. Personally i think she is an incredible actress in both theatre and non theatre roles, she also has a beautiful voice. She is also only twenty two so she’s only young, not everyone starts out when they’re really little, I’m so happy that this has finally come dove’s way, she’s also currently in Clueless the musical! So like Kat said, just because you haven’t seen her talents displayed in the work she’s done so far, it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Give her a shot guys, i’m sure you’ll all be pleasantly surprised if you do!
If a celebrity can perform the role to a high standard, then they should play the role e.g, I really want to see Hugh Jackman play Sweeney Todd in a production of Sweeney Todd (especially if Katherine can play Johanna)
I agree but Hugh doesn't fall in the category of celebrities crossing over lol. He won a tony before the world knew who he was so he has broadway is his blood💪
Ryan McCartan (Dove's costar from Liv and Maddie) has done several live performances, such as JD in Heathers and Fiyero in Wicked. His acting is of a very high standard in these, too, so I'm all for it!
@@grahamhaggerty2132I love Ryan McCartan he's one of the best Fiyero's wicked has ever seen he surprised everyone all the wicked fandom could ever talk about was how much they hated him being cast in wicked but now everyone loves him.
@@jameskerrigan8827 Ive liked his musical acting ever since RHPS the tv remake. I haven't actually heard him in wicked but his JD was more nuanced than I could have ever expected. I friggin love him
My 9 year old daughter is a seasoned musical theater fan, she has seen everything including shows like Come From Away 4 times! When she heard Dove Cameron was going to be Clara she begged for us to get tickets. I love how excited she is for the show and I love that I finally get to see this show as I missed the opportunity to see the touring company because I had a newborn in the house.
To be very honest, I was not a fan of Dove Cameron until I saw some clips of her performance in Mamma Mia at the Hollywood Bowl. She is not like a lot of other Disney stars who have crossed over into other realms of the entertainment industry. She has a beautiful voice and I am excited to see what she will bring to The Light in the Piazza. If you haven’t watched her clips as Sophie before forming an opinion, I HIGHLY recommend it. Who knows if she’ll have a good legit voice suited for Clara (also my #1 dream role) but I’m excited to see the show after ticket prices go down and I can afford to get to New York.
Very interesting!! ((also, if you're trying to find info on it, the production is in London 💗 I doubt I'll be able to see it but WOW I wish I could!!))
Katherine Steele lol I’m dumb 😂 my voice teacher tweeted me the press release a while ago so I just assumed it would be a limited engagement on Broadway like Carousel without actually reading the entire article (I know I’m a bad stan)
I don’t MIND celebrities being cast, (the studios need to make 💸) but I would prefer to have experienced and trained Broadway actors. I’m especially against Pop singers being cast because Musical Theatre is a very distinct genre. Just my two cents. EDIT: My opinion has changed slightly and I really agreed with your statement that just because we don’t SEE the talent, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Honestly, I would be really happy if a celebrity I loved ALSO had killer theatre talent! That just makes me love them more! So yeah, just my opinion.
I don’t mind celebrities being in musicals, but only if they actually have talent and are not just being casted because of their fame. They should be held to the same standard as anyone else.
I mean, her TV boyfriend got casted in Heather's so I guess all the Disney's are coming to Broadway👌 EDIT: I actually love the idea of Disney's coming to Broadway because a lot of them actually have a good voice
Reminder to everyone: Ryan McCartan, aka JD in Heathers Off-Broadway, worked on many of the same shows as Dove Cameron. No one is complaining about his presence because he's proved his talent. Dove will too.
As long as the celeb is the best person for the job then I see nothing wrong with it, I mean look at Josh Groban in Great Comet, he was Amazing and also he had experience with musical theatre, you never really know what people’s past experience is
ahh yes thank you for seeing both sides! I also personally feel that being a mainstream celebrity doesn't mean that you can't be in a musical, it's a decision you want to make. The only problem is, other awesome performers who aren't as known might not be favored, which sucks. Either way, we'll have to see how it goes! (also yus the theatre thursday fam is going towards 100k!)
I just have to say thank you for being such a light in dark times. You always try to see things from both sides, and I respect the heck out of you for that. Hands down my favorite cult leader
I actually grew up watching Dove Cameron on Disney channel. I was a huuuuge fan of descendants and watched Liv and Maddie all the time. I’m actually excited to see how she will do Off Broadway. I think she will bring in ticket sales and it will be interesting to see how she handles the role!
I honestly don’t like Dove Cameron but I’d never tear her down. If she does the role well than good for her and good for the show. But if she’s not meant for the role than she shouldn’t have been cast. That’s my opinion on any person. If it’s for the hype than fine but don’t give them a title role they can’t do.
JJ J Agree. I don’t really like when musicals cast celebrities just for the hype because other experienced actors in the realm of musical theatre can be overlooked. That being said, I don’t discourage celebrities auditioning and being casted in musical theatre.
If she wasn’t meant for the role or good enough, she wouldn’t have been cast. There’s plenty of other celebrities they could’ve hired if they just wanted the free advertising.
Celebrities testing their musical theater chops can make you feel either embarrassed for them or leave you with your jaw dropped in awe at a new revelation. Some are gifted with many talents for which they’ve been professionally trained, but have achieved celebrity for what may ostensibly seem the extreme opposite of musical theater and what usually is more lucrative, so when they dabble, its only for a few performances or a limited run. Money talks. It is amazing that whatever precipitated their celebrity, rewards them with many millions ,while the hardest working people in the business of musical theater, constantly striving to repeat and deliver performances that must meet the idealized expectations of the paying public 8 shows a week, will never have the same financial success. My only complaint is that reality show stars end up with millions in the bank for being themselves, while a Broadway performer may never come close to having that same security.
im a casual musical fan. I will see any musical/show that comes to the 3 or so big theatres my city has....but im not invested in theatre culture & dont know musicals (beyond the major ones) untill they come to theatres near me, id never heard of this one untill i saw dove cameron post about it & thought _"oh. Thats the chick from those campy disney movies i watched when i was stuck in hospital. Huh. Ive never heard of it"_ Then i googled it and LOVED it.
i'd love to hear a podcast episode about the casting of celebs vs. established performers!! i really enjoy hearing your opinions on things like this. the way i found your channel was actually through your "fake fans" video.
I think that if celebs have actual acting and singing talent, then it’s good for them to be on broadway. I don’t think celebs should go on just to raise to ticket sales, but if they have the talent to play the role, then they deserve it. Edit: i agree with kat preach it sis
I completely agree with you Katherine. I hate how people often judge when celebrities get cast on Broadway when they haven’t even seen they’re portrayal of said character yet. And that brings me to a semi related unpopular opinion: they really need to start casting Broadway actors in movie musicals. So often there are big name stars in movie musicals who just can’t sing or act well rather than people who are actually trained in musical theatre and I really dislike that.
You made some very good points in this. I love the idea of "typical" celebrities in live theatre. Like you said, it just shows another small portion of the world how great the community can be. As long as they can fill the part well, why not give them another platform? I recently saw Wicked on tour and took 5 people that had never experienced the magic of seeing a show live and in person. All of them walked out of that theater wanting to see more and wanting to know more. No there wasn't a "celebrity" (I mean Kara Lindsay & Jackie Burns were there), but 5 people walked out wanting more of it. My sister in law had seen Kara Lindsay in Newsies and knew the name and the voice and didn't go see Wicked because of Wicked, she wanted to go because she liked Kara Lindsay. After crying her way through Wicked, she wanted more and already has tickets to her next touring show. If you love something, why would you not want the opportunity to share it with people who may not have that experience otherwise?
I agree completely. I know nothing about Dove's acting or singing so I can't say anything about this in particular, but! Celebrities, youtubers, people who are just popular in media should be cast in live theatre if they have the talent to perform the role in a way the director envisioned more than anyone else who auditioned.
I think that if the celebrity can handle the role, it's perfectly fine. For example, I saw Brendon Urie as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots and he was amazing!
She was my first celebrity crush before I even knew I was gay, I just thought I liked her character in liv and maddie because she was an actress and I wanted to be an actress (still do) lol
I think casting non-theatre celebrities varies depending on the show and how famous the person is being cast (because that also will tell you if they auditioned for the role or were just offered it on the spot). For example, Cody Simpson just made his broadway debut as Dimitry in Anastasia last night. A LOT of people either loved the idea of having him there or HATED IT. Those who hated the idea of Cody doing the show mainly came from them listening to his music from like 2013. Mind you his voice changed significantly since then. I like the idea of having him in the show because he's not as famous as most celebrities that have done and he actually auditioned for the role. I remember seeing a lifestream he did on insta where he talked about auditioning for several shows including Anastasia over the course of several months and how he was offered the role the same way as other actors in the field. Most celebrities, especially A-listers, are offered roles are just handed roles rather than having to audition for it (which is why Disney didn't cast Beyonce in Princess and the Frog). Also I heard Dove is doing well in Clueless and I could see her doing MT more often cuz that's what she was raised on prior to Disney Channel (I think I also remember her saying how much Clara was a dream role of hers as well)
I’ve been saying that Dove would be great as a broadway performer for a long time. I wasn’t a fan of her acting on Disney, but after watching clips or her in Mamma Mia at the Hollywood Bowl I knew the stage is where she is meant to be, and I stand by that 100%. I also have never heard her legit voice, but I have no doubts that she will be great! As for celebrities in musicals, I have mixed feelings about casting celebrities in musicals. I think that it’s great publicity for the theatre community as a young fan of a celebrity can see them and be inspired to join theatre, but I also think they shouldn’t have an “easier” time getting cast than the people who dedicate their lives to being on stage. I don’t agree with using a celebrity as a role in oppose to an equally talented, less famous person just for publicity purposes but if the celebrity earns the role, then I think it’s a great way to get more people to join the theatre community!
So my high school is doing Into the Woods this March and the cast list came out today and I’m playing Rapunzel’s Prince! And I thought it was cool since you were in the show and played Rapunzel haha
Katherine, YOU are a celebrity and an inspiration for me and inspire me and my channel every week! I 100% agree! A celebrity bringing their audience to help boost the exposure an underrated show generally helps the show become more known! AS LONG as they can handle the role, I think there's no problem with it. Most of these celebrities are where they are because they have the chops, it really comes down to the producer's casting decisions as some celebrities are more suited than others for various roles. When you back a project like this I'm sure you strive to make the best choice financially and artistically. We performers strive to reach the level of celebrity where we can land a dream role like this so we should support those performers as their efforts are really creating more roles for us in the long run.
I'm a huge Renee Fleming fan, and I first heard of Light in the Piazza when I was a freshman in college, and my voice teacher gave me the main song to work on. I kind of regret not continuing to work on it, because I remember really enjoying it. I'd love to see this production.
I love how your rants are so kind and courteous. Also, I agree fully. Brendan Urie and Kirsty from Pentatonix both spent time in main roles for Kinky Boots, and they were phenomenal.
I loved Dove in Liv and Maddie. I’ve watched most everything she’s been in. I also followed her short singing career with ex boyfriend/ co star ryan mccartan ( currently playing feiyro in wicked on bdwy). I do think she has a good voice. My main issue with dove isn’t with her personally but with the fact that every time some book turned movie/tv show happens or a major remake and there’s a blond character. Social media screams for dove to get cast and TBH a lot of the time I just don’t see her fitting the role. She’s not right for everything. That’s my own personal rant. Will say I wish I lived in LA and could see her in clueless. I hope she does this role justice I remember thinking of you when I saw she was cast because I’d only heard of the show from your channel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
First of all, this is a great video! And second of all I think that if a celebrity who was originally on Broadway/doing shows and is going back to their roots, after doing films and TV shows then that is fair enough on them and I'm happy for them. And most celebrities will have done musical theatre before going on screen, so I'm not surprised if I see a celebrity going on to do it. But if they have never done any shows or are inexperienced then I would be very hesitant to how they would perform as screen acting and stage acting is completely different. But then again, it's their life and they are giving it a go, so good on them!
I think that if they fit the part it’s great and really gets people who don’t really listen to musicals start listen to musicals. But ALSO I don’t think we should only be casting celebrities because they’re celebrities??? Idk just thoughts
This is my first time seeing a video from your channel and I don’t comment on videos very often and as this is an older video I don’t expect you to see my comment but I felt the need to write this. Your opinion on celebrity casting was so refreshing and positive. I recently saw dove Cameron in this performance and she was so beautiful. I went in to the show with an open mind and was blown away by the whole cast and dove was an outstanding highlight in my experience. I love that your video encourages people to be open minded and not quick to judge and it’s so refreshing to see positivity being shared.
Brendan A. I wish people would be reasonable. The original cast is realistically too old to play their roles. At least the teenager characters. I wouldn’t mind if RBJ or Michael Park or JLT came back since they’d be more believable bit when it comes to the teenagers they should cast actors that are more believable. It was easy to get away with that cast on stage because it’s fro a farther away perspective but with film, it’s close up and easier to determine age.
I’m so torn because I love that mainstream celebrities get more people enjoying theater, but at the same time I want to see struggling theater actors get a chance. Like imagine what this space would look like if no one gave struggling wedding singer Idina Menzel a chance in Rent and they went with a better known celebrity. But I also know that (while not a well known celebrity outside of theater now) Cathy Rigby is why I saw my first love show. I was a gymnast who loved her and then after seeing her star as Peter Pan, I fell in love with theater. I am truly torn.
So, I haven’t even watched this video yet (I’m at rehearsal, coincidentally 😂). But judging from the title, this is EXACTLY what has happened since they announced that Cody Simpson was going to replace Zach Adkins as Dmitry in Anastasia! It makes me so mad that people judge these performers without ever having heard them do anything to do with theatre or Broadway before.
I really really like this breakdown of it. I think part of us finds it hard to reconcile that tons of people will only watch/see a show bc of a celebrity, when we have already held this piece of theatre in such a high regard already, and we feel these non-theatre fans are encroaching on a corner of pop/arts culture that we felt was our own. Theatre feels like something private and special that we only share with a select few, and maybe we still find it hard to share our love of theatre with the masses. It's hard to remember that lots of "celebrities" started performing in churches, in their school plays. Hope we can remember that all art forms are for sharing with the world - it doesn't matter if you liked it first. Now more people will like it - isn't that a good thing?
i love this! everyone starts somewhere. some broadway celebrities probably started off with people telling them they couldn't do it. but they did. what's important is that we do not know these people, but rather they know themselves and they will show their true talent all by themselves. i used to get annoyed when hearing famous celebrities were joining the theatre world. i didn't think they did not have any talent, not necessarily. it was more that i believed they didn't belong because well... broadway was like a whole other world to me. tbh, now, i don't care. like you said, it gives shows more publicity and i'm always one for having a bigger fandom than just me and like ten other people.
I think mainstream celebs on broadway is great as long as they have the voice and acting skill for it. Like you said, it can bring more people in to see the show! For example, Kirstin Maldonado (from Pentatonix) was in kinky boots for like 5 months and I think she did INCREDIBLE. I wouldn’t have known what kinky boots was if it wasn’t for bringing Kirstin on broadway.
I 100% agree that if they are the best people to do the role than by all means, cast celebrities! Where I begin to have a problem is when you cast celebrities based only on the fact that they will bring in ticket sales rather than someone who may not already have an establisbed fan base who would be better for the role. It is an unfortunate double edged sword of "The show should come first but the show cant come first if there is NO show due to lack of ticket sales". I hope that made sense! Thank you as always for your wonderful perspective! 💕 P.S. Margaret in Piazza is in my Top 3. I was Signora Nacarelli and Magaret u/s when we did a workshop performance of it a few years ago!!
I personally think it's wonderful that mainstream celebs get the opportunity to appear in professional musical theatre productions (as long as they have decent vocal chops to sing). It's good for actors and actresses to get exposure to all types of acting and especially live theatre because it's fleeting (here one second and gone the next). When you're a movie actor or actress, you can film a scene over and over again until you get the perfect take, but in musical theatre, that doesn't happen so the pressure to be as perfect as possible all the time is on! Another reason why I think it's wonderful because sometimes it can be nostalgic for some celebs. Many popular actors and actresses that appear in films and TV shows started out doing theatre so it's always good for them to visit their roots and remind themselves why they fell in love with acting in the first place.
OMG I DID A DEBATE ON THIS LAST YEAR FOR MY MT CLASS. so my take on this is it takes chances away from an already competitive business. but as long as the person is fit for the role it's okay. tbh you kinda changed my mind about my harsh thoughts about stunt casting!
Not gonna lie, I came into this with a fixed mindset that I'm completely opposed against the idea but you really chnaged my mind. Things like this help our art thrive and gives the opportunity for people like me to eventually make our own mark. Thank you🤗
love this video. also save me Kath. i am in a production of Seussical JR playing Sour Kangaroo and i’m still recovering from a cold and we open in a week 😭😭
I personally dont have a problem with Dove being cast because shes a phenomenal singer, at least as far as I've seen. What makes me upset is that because shes a celebrity and has her established career in relation to that, I feel like these roles are comings almost too easily to her. For example, if she WERENT well known, and casting was based soley on her talent, shed have a more difficult time obtaining roles when up against others, if that makes sense. But then back to your point of how it brings in revenue and exposure to the productions, which is fantastic! Still though, its a little disenchanting for us aspiring performers to know were going up against people like Dove, or Cody Simpson ( being cast as Dimitri in Anastasia, a totally different rant), who have pre established famed reputations and a better chance of being noticed/ scouted. Side note* Ive struggled with accepting the success of others while feeling as if I was worthy of it too, and your comment about how the success of one person is a win for performers as a family and society really put things into a more positive perspective for me. I took it to heart!!! ♡
I don’t really like celebrities in musicals or movie musicals. If the celebrity is professionally trained in musical theater/has done live theater then that’s fine, but I also think that casting directors should not just cast an actor just for popularity. They should cast someone who fits the character the best, and if it is a celebrity, then great.
I had not heard about this, but honestly, I don't see any harm in celebs being in Theater. I always prefer the more theater-focused actors, but it really doesn't matter to me all that much
I totally agree with your response on this, Kath. I've been seeing this with Cody Simpson being cast as Dmitry in "Anastasia" on Broadway. People in the comments haven't been giving him a chance, and let's be real, he wouldn't have been cast in an AHRENS AND FLAHERTY musical if he couldn't do it. I really like him as an artist, and hope he proves everyone wrong lol.
I totally agree with what you had to say. I don't have a problem with celebs in musicals especially if they have the talent. Like you said, sometimes (especially with some really niche musicals) having those celebs brings in audience members and increases ticket sales. Also, like you said we don't always see those talents on display. Some of them may have had their start in musical theatre and it was always their dream but life just took them on a path where they got their initial success on a sitcom, or singing pop music or in movies for example. I say don't judge until you have the proof of them in that specific role.
in my opinion, everyone should be able to audition or have a chance but if they aren’t good enough or up to par for the role, the creative team shouldn’t cast them because they are of high status. that’s just my opinion💛
I think if a mainstream celeb is able to perform on stage, its perfectly fine. I saw Daniel Radcliffe in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying when I was a teenager and omg that show rocked my pants off! I didn't know he could sing but that day was proof of that!
AOTD: I can only really get behind stunt casting if the person who is cast really can deliver in the role and has an appreciation for the theatre community. When it's an obvious cash grab on the part of the production and the celebrity has little interest in taking on the role and being a part of the experience, it's not so great. BUT I feel like that isn't as common as what the internet might make you think. I think the majority of celebrities cast in shows as of late have not been bad decisions. With Dove, when the announcement was first made for Piazza my gut feeling was kinda salty, like "oh. That part could've gone to a classically trained soprano" (I am a classically trained soprano myself and Clara is one of my dream roles too! And to perform it with Renée Fleming? What a dream! lol I can't help but be jealous!). But I gave it some more thought and realized that this might not be bad. Dove is a fan of the work, I remember her tweeting to Adam Guettel maybe a year ago gushing about how much she loved the score, and you can tell she's really excited about this project and is gonna give it her all. With some vocal coaching, she could really open up her head voice and present something entirely different from how we've heard her sing before, and same goes for acting - only time will tell! I'll reply to this with my after-the-video thoughts as well!
After watching the video, I really do agree with your points! “Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your own” YES GIRL YES! It's something we often forget given the competitive nature of the business, but is such an important reminder!
I like your perspective on this and agree that there is a big assumption that what a person is famous for is all they are good at. I also think it comes from an understandable place of bitterness - people for whom music theatre is a "first love" often feel like we're already underdogs of the performing world, so it hurts to see someone with mainstream success taking those roles too. You know? Like, "leave these few opportunities for us", kind of thing. It is also I think coming from a place of fear that a role or a show they love is going to be not produced to the best of its ability because an actor was chosen for publicity who otherwise would not and should not have been cast. For instance, your Waitress example. I absolutely hated John Mayer in the roll of Pomatter. I thought he brought nothing to it, I did not care for it at all. So from an artist point of view, that sucks. HOWEVER, he did not bring nothing. He brought fans and press at a time when I think Waitress needed that. And now my favourite show is living and thriving and has a great cast again! So in the end, a win. (Note since you mentioned it: Sara taking on Jenna is more nuanced to me because she wrote it so I'm never gonna be mad at that, but I didn't like her performance as much as any of the broadway actresses who've played her. I didn't care for her acting.) Overall I think you're right that we need to give Dove a chance, and I like your optimism. I hope she can deliver!
I heard Lady Gaga "has the part if she wants it . They're willing to pay through the nose" for her to be Glinda in the Wicked movie. I'm upset by this. I'm not doubting her. I love a star is born, but for them to base it on that performance is ridiculous.. also I know she can do it, she just shouldn't do it in my opinion . I'm sure you were asking Kat , but my dream cast would be Lea Michele for Elphaba , and I'm unsure of a Glinda
@@MALINDAMedia She isn't even a soprano, how can Lady Gaga play Glinda. The "Thank Goodness" note would be impossible for her to hit. If anything she'd be better as Madam Morrible, but even that's a stretch.
@@ayoubaswaray1856 that's one of the main reasons why I don't want her to play Glinda. I said she could only not to single her out , but it gets on my nerves because it's more them booking a big star than for the good of the role and I don't like that. There's obvious difference between Kristin and the Galindas that came after and Gaga. But nothing is set in stone,So fingers crossed if she ends up being involved at all it's not Galinda
@mechaguess What a great comment. This just summed up all the reasons why I don't think Ariana is right for this role. She seems very laid back and lethargic in a lot of her performance which is when considering her brand, understandable. But to take on the role of quite possibly the most iconic female lead role in Broadway history does not have the room to tolerate that mess. Elphaba by far is not your cool girl. She is awkward, emotional, and has a range of intense emotions needed to be displayed to do her justice. I mean, just look at "No Good Deed". The amount of raw fluctuating emotion needed to be gutted out during that performance is not to be played with. Also, despite Ariana's previous theater/Broadway experience, it was too long ago and it's clear that the training has worn off. Lea Michelle had better win this role. Not only that she has very strong and current theater credits to her name, but she definitely has the range, voice, and look to pull it off.
Cody Simpson (or however you pronounce his name) is joining Anastasia tonight (11/29/2018) I think he might negatively affect the musical. That's what I think. Also I loved meeting you at that show Ah memories
Interesting!! I've been hearing that point of view quite a bit, I have no idea who he is so I'd love to hear your thoughts on him. and YES!!! So good!!! 💗💗
Your channel is the best. I found out about stage dooring and have now seen 6 Broadway shows this year. I love the information you give and just your channel in general
Oh and about celebrities- I’m all for it if they’re G O O D. But live theatre acting is very different than Hollywood acting. However it’s unfair for untalented singers to get chosen just because they’re celebrities ☺️
DAMN THAT IS SOME HOT TEA! And, yeah, when it comes to mainstream celebs in musicals, I really don't have a problem with it? Yeah, sometimes it can be a bit distracting, but as long as they can sing the score and they can act and it feels like that character, and not just celeb x in a costume, then I'm all for it. And there are a couple of roles that I'd love to see certain celebs do. And, as you've said, they can bring it a lot of people in to watch the show, who might have otherwise never watched it, which could bring in new fans for that musical and allow that show to have some success - that maybe wouldn't have had if that celeb wasn't initially attached to it.
My feeling of celebs in musical theatre is it really depends, if they are a celeb just wanting to do one show for fun and I think they don’t deliver well as they should and just got that part because of stardom I’m not a fan but if they are a screen actor that wants to go to stage and they have potential and aren’t just getting parts because of their star status all power to you
Beginning of video: Idk, on one side the celebrities will bring more interest to theater from their fans. But it takes away chances from people who’s trying to get into the business. So as long as it doesn’t happen all the time, I don’t have a problem with it. Ending: I agree with you completely
I 100% agree! I’m completely fine with celebrities playing roles in musical theatre (AS LONG AS THEY CAN PLAY THE ROLE). My biggest problem is when people are cast JUST because they are a celebrity and not always because they are the best for the part. That’s not saying that the celebrity isn’t talented or anything like that, but musical theatre is very different from mainstream tv/movies/music/etc. It requires different skills and technics. I don’t know if any of that makes sense, but I’m exiting for Dove. I think she’s very talented and I’m excited to see how she does! : )
"Someone else's success doesn't diminish your own" ♡ At first I was a bit hesitant about clicking on this video when I saw that it was a rant on celebrity casting, but I was so pleasantly surprised by your open-mindedness, supportiveness and general compassion. Your passion for musical theatre is so evident - and gosh you clearly know your stuff - but you match that with such kind and sensible views, which honestly, is super refreshing. Thank you for this. You are exactly what I'd always hoped to see more of in the musical theatre community. ♡
So I just saw Clueless. Dove saved that show. The writing is so bad, but that cast actually made me have a great time. Dove's voice and character acting were very impressive. I think if she wants to stay in the theater world, she could do well.
Stephanie Curran kinda ironic how it’s called clueless
Dove seems happier, and better suited, to be performing on stage based on how she talks about it on her Instagram account. I've only seen her stage performances in short video clips she posted to her Instagram page, but I very much enjoyed it! She has a beautiful voice! It seems most pop/disney channel singers are better suited after their recording contracts/Disney contracts end, and they move on to other things.
Nick Jonas b4 and after Disney was a Broadway actor - his Les Miserables concert performance was wonderful! Zach Efron and zendaya's acting careers and performances skyrocketed after Disney. It looks like child actors are learning how to transition into adult roles more effectively than years ago, and I'm pleased to see that.
Mewing Manda LMAO
Raven Black For what it’s worth, Dove also got her start on stage. Prior to Disney, she was actually contemplating moving to New York instead of staying in LA. Theater is in the family blood, and if she had her choice, she would choose it over television any day.
it could've been so gooooooooooooood
I loved what you said, “someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your own” love that thank you queen
💗💗💗💗💗💗
We love a Christian Borle quote
christtiaaannnn
Except, it can. It makes it harder for people trying to get into the musical theatre industry if people with big names are being cast and newbies are being overlooked, regardless of talent.
@@Danisnotonfore but those people with big names are bringing even more people
I like my tea boiling and delivered by my cult leader
*screaming intensifies*
also this is 10000000X with kermit as your prof pic
@@Kath_Steele Kermit is my spirit animal
SAAAAAME
Ok ruined the even 540-like count but I had to because _Cermet_
I completely agree!! If a celebrity can fulfill the requirements of a role and do it well, why shouldn’t they be cast?
I mean thats why you get hired you fulfill the requirements this is basic knowledge idk why this needs to be told to people
@@sunnivaleflair3576 because unqualified people get hired over others all the time. Think Russell Crowe in Les Miz. Or the President.
oh no 666 likes. I am going to change that !
Dove Cameron has had opera training since she was a child. The end.
Gabe R N really? That's awesome!
Oh. Alrighty then
But she’s not good. Not under pressure, not live. Many many many aspiring Broadway actresses could easily top her.
Rebecca lmfao dove Cameron can hella singgggggggggg....omg Ava Maria cover go look it up lol.
But autotune doesnt work well irl
“Did I say cult. I meant club”-Katherine Steele 2k18
Sienna “no”
I just want to say that Dove started out in theatre, not only did she start out doing theatre, she also went to school for it. Personally i think she is an incredible actress in both theatre and non theatre roles, she also has a beautiful voice. She is also only twenty two so she’s only young, not everyone starts out when they’re really little, I’m so happy that this has finally come dove’s way, she’s also currently in Clueless the musical! So like Kat said, just because you haven’t seen her talents displayed in the work she’s done so far, it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Give her a shot guys, i’m sure you’ll all be pleasantly surprised if you do!
sarahhayleyx EXACTLY!!! I feel like some people either forget or don’t know that theater is literally where she got her start...
You'd be suprised too actually hear her sing live.
This was literally me the entire video...
Spill👏🏻The👏🏻Tea👏🏻
Actually don’t... I need it... my voice is so sore.
There is none to spare in tech week we can't afford to spill any tea
hahahaha
Same!
My thought is very simple: people should stop judging others until they know what they are really capable of
RE 👏🏻 TWEET!!!!!
If a celebrity can perform the role to a high standard, then they should play the role e.g, I really want to see Hugh Jackman play Sweeney Todd in a production of Sweeney Todd (especially if Katherine can play Johanna)
I agree but Hugh doesn't fall in the category of celebrities crossing over lol. He won a tony before the world knew who he was so he has broadway is his blood💪
I saw Raven Symone in Sister Act and she was phenomenal I am all for stunt casting as long as they can play the role well.
Ryan McCartan (Dove's costar from Liv and Maddie) has done several live performances, such as JD in Heathers and Fiyero in Wicked. His acting is of a very high standard in these, too, so I'm all for it!
@@grahamhaggerty2132I love Ryan McCartan he's one of the best Fiyero's wicked has ever seen he surprised everyone all the wicked fandom could ever talk about was how much they hated him being cast in wicked but now everyone loves him.
@@jameskerrigan8827 Ive liked his musical acting ever since RHPS the tv remake. I haven't actually heard him in wicked but his JD was more nuanced than I could have ever expected. I friggin love him
My 9 year old daughter is a seasoned musical theater fan, she has seen everything including shows like Come From Away 4 times! When she heard Dove Cameron was going to be Clara she begged for us to get tickets. I love how excited she is for the show and I love that I finally get to see this show as I missed the opportunity to see the touring company because I had a newborn in the house.
That is so sweet! What a wonderful show to share together!
can we just talk about how cody simpson is dmitry in anastasia
As much as I agree with Kat's statement, I just refuse to accept this casting🤮
This is why we can't have nice things
Even if he can sing it he's way too young for this role
hey ! That’s awful
Bianca Primo he cant sing it tho!
Thank you for making this video, I was wondering what the controversy was about.
'tearing someone else down does not lift you up' AND THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST
To be very honest, I was not a fan of Dove Cameron until I saw some clips of her performance in Mamma Mia at the Hollywood Bowl. She is not like a lot of other Disney stars who have crossed over into other realms of the entertainment industry. She has a beautiful voice and I am excited to see what she will bring to The Light in the Piazza. If you haven’t watched her clips as Sophie before forming an opinion, I HIGHLY recommend it. Who knows if she’ll have a good legit voice suited for Clara (also my #1 dream role) but I’m excited to see the show after ticket prices go down and I can afford to get to New York.
Very interesting!!
((also, if you're trying to find info on it, the production is in London 💗 I doubt I'll be able to see it but WOW I wish I could!!))
Katherine Steele lol I’m dumb 😂 my voice teacher tweeted me the press release a while ago so I just assumed it would be a limited engagement on Broadway like Carousel without actually reading the entire article (I know I’m a bad stan)
McKenzie Connelly i never was! she is not even that godo
I mean the difference is Dove was trained in musical theatre. She isn't primarily a child actress who happens to sing.
I don’t MIND celebrities being cast, (the studios need to make 💸) but I would prefer to have experienced and trained Broadway actors. I’m especially against Pop singers being cast because Musical Theatre is a very distinct genre. Just my two cents. EDIT: My opinion has changed slightly and I really agreed with your statement that just because we don’t SEE the talent, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Honestly, I would be really happy if a celebrity I loved ALSO had killer theatre talent! That just makes me love them more! So yeah, just my opinion.
I don’t mind celebrities being in musicals, but only if they actually have talent and are not just being casted because of their fame. They should be held to the same standard as anyone else.
“The world is already kinda on fire as it is”
What, a freaking, QUOTE. 😂
too real
*cough cough* Katherine for Elle woods *cough cough*
YES
But Elle is a mezzo-soprano role... she would make an amazing Gretchen tho
*cough cough* Katherine for Princess Anna *cough cough*
MarioSonic24601 say it louder for the people in the back👏👏👏
personally i don’t see it, she would make a better katherine pulitzer from newsies
*We love a controversial rant.*
Sometimes yay. Sometimes nay. Brendon Urie in Kinky boots is a yeet.
I mean, her TV boyfriend got casted in Heather's so I guess all the Disney's are coming to Broadway👌 EDIT: I actually love the idea of Disney's coming to Broadway because a lot of them actually have a good voice
Alyssa Fajardo *her ex-fiancé
And Wicked!
Lil Deer really? Lol I was just going off of her Liv and maddie show but that's cool
Broadway*
Jordan Fisher too, wasn’t he in Hamilton or is in Hamilton on Broadway?
It’s just all the Liv and Maddie people isn’t it? XD
Reminder to everyone: Ryan McCartan, aka JD in Heathers Off-Broadway, worked on many of the same shows as Dove Cameron. No one is complaining about his presence because he's proved his talent. Dove will too.
As long as the celeb is the best person for the job then I see nothing wrong with it, I mean look at Josh Groban in Great Comet, he was Amazing and also he had experience with musical theatre, you never really know what people’s past experience is
totally!! Very much looking forward to & hoping he comes back to MT soon
He was in Chess before this.
ahh yes thank you for seeing both sides! I also personally feel that being a mainstream celebrity doesn't mean that you can't be in a musical, it's a decision you want to make. The only problem is, other awesome performers who aren't as known might not be favored, which sucks. Either way, we'll have to see how it goes!
(also yus the theatre thursday fam is going towards 100k!)
I just have to say thank you for being such a light in dark times. You always try to see things from both sides, and I respect the heck out of you for that. Hands down my favorite cult leader
oh my goodness, thank you abigail! xx
huge agree! kat is always so positive which can be super refreshing and just nice in general. love you!
You mean the light in the PIAZZA??
I don’t care if they’re celebs or not as long as they have enough talent to have the roles.
“Did i say cult? Oh- I meant club!”
-Katherine Steele 2018
Artiist ic ("no I didn't")
And then she mouthed "No I didn't.... ;)"
I actually grew up watching Dove Cameron on Disney channel. I was a huuuuge fan of descendants and watched Liv and Maddie all the time. I’m actually excited to see how she will do Off Broadway. I think she will bring in ticket sales and it will be interesting to see how she handles the role!
People just need to face that its a cult
you're not wrong
FACE THE MUSIC
@Sloane O'Neill shhhh
I honestly don’t like Dove Cameron but I’d never tear her down. If she does the role well than good for her and good for the show. But if she’s not meant for the role than she shouldn’t have been cast. That’s my opinion on any person. If it’s for the hype than fine but don’t give them a title role they can’t do.
JJ J Agree. I don’t really like when musicals cast celebrities just for the hype because other experienced actors in the realm of musical theatre can be overlooked. That being said, I don’t discourage celebrities auditioning and being casted in musical theatre.
If she wasn’t meant for the role or good enough, she wouldn’t have been cast. There’s plenty of other celebrities they could’ve hired if they just wanted the free advertising.
Honestly Thomas Sanders as JD and Katherine as Veronica would be awesome
***Thomas has been JD before, I just wanna see him as JD again
YYYYYYAAAAAASSSSSS
did I say cult? I meant club *lip syncs no*
Celebrities testing their musical theater chops can make you feel either embarrassed for them or leave you with your jaw dropped in awe at a new revelation. Some are gifted with many talents for which they’ve been professionally trained, but have achieved celebrity for what may ostensibly seem the extreme opposite of musical theater and what usually is more lucrative, so when they dabble, its only for a few performances or a limited run. Money talks.
It is amazing that whatever precipitated their celebrity, rewards them with many millions ,while the hardest working people in the business of musical theater, constantly striving to repeat and deliver performances that must meet the idealized expectations of the paying public 8 shows a week, will never have the same financial success.
My only complaint is that reality show stars end up with millions in the bank for being themselves, while a Broadway performer may never come close to having that same security.
me, already procrastinating: oh thank god i can take a break, kat uploaded
Current mood
As long as they can do a good job, I really don't care if a celebrity or a three headed zebra is in the role.
three-headed zebra. I'm wheezing
im a casual musical fan. I will see any musical/show that comes to the 3 or so big theatres my city has....but im not invested in theatre culture & dont know musicals (beyond the major ones) untill they come to theatres near me, id never heard of this one untill i saw dove cameron post about it & thought _"oh. Thats the chick from those campy disney movies i watched when i was stuck in hospital. Huh. Ive never heard of it"_
Then i googled it and LOVED it.
i'd love to hear a podcast episode about the casting of celebs vs. established performers!! i really enjoy hearing your opinions on things like this. the way i found your channel was actually through your "fake fans" video.
I think that if celebs have actual acting and singing talent, then it’s good for them to be on broadway. I don’t think celebs should go on just to raise to ticket sales, but if they have the talent to play the role, then they deserve it.
Edit: i agree with kat preach it sis
I completely agree with you Katherine. I hate how people often judge when celebrities get cast on Broadway when they haven’t even seen they’re portrayal of said character yet. And that brings me to a semi related unpopular opinion: they really need to start casting Broadway actors in movie musicals. So often there are big name stars in movie musicals who just can’t sing or act well rather than people who are actually trained in musical theatre and I really dislike that.
I completely agree. This world has enough negativity already. And, of course, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
💗💗
You made some very good points in this. I love the idea of "typical" celebrities in live theatre. Like you said, it just shows another small portion of the world how great the community can be. As long as they can fill the part well, why not give them another platform? I recently saw Wicked on tour and took 5 people that had never experienced the magic of seeing a show live and in person. All of them walked out of that theater wanting to see more and wanting to know more. No there wasn't a "celebrity" (I mean Kara Lindsay & Jackie Burns were there), but 5 people walked out wanting more of it. My sister in law had seen Kara Lindsay in Newsies and knew the name and the voice and didn't go see Wicked because of Wicked, she wanted to go because she liked Kara Lindsay. After crying her way through Wicked, she wanted more and already has tickets to her next touring show. If you love something, why would you not want the opportunity to share it with people who may not have that experience otherwise?
I agree completely. I know nothing about Dove's acting or singing so I can't say anything about this in particular, but! Celebrities, youtubers, people who are just popular in media should be cast in live theatre if they have the talent to perform the role in a way the director envisioned more than anyone else who auditioned.
I ALMOST HAD A BLOODY HEART ATTACK THINKING DODIE WATCHED KAT!
Also straight up I want to see MattPatt on broadway! You ever seen that bro sing???? Wow he’s so good
True that
Last time I was this early, Cathy and Jamie were still together
oh okay ouch
@@Kath_Steele Lol. Or Christine's father was still alive
@@haydayishere Last time I was this early, Hamilton's son could still finish his 'un deux trois quatre ceinq six sept ouit neuf' s
Sydney Weinberger Gustave Daaé doesn’t deserve this slander 😂
I wasn’t mentally prepared to see this and it’s still hurting
I think that if the celebrity can handle the role, it's perfectly fine. For example, I saw Brendon Urie as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots and he was amazing!
That's because he's an amazing singer.
She was my first celebrity crush before I even knew I was gay, I just thought I liked her character in liv and maddie because she was an actress and I wanted to be an actress (still do) lol
I think casting non-theatre celebrities varies depending on the show and how famous the person is being cast (because that also will tell you if they auditioned for the role or were just offered it on the spot). For example, Cody Simpson just made his broadway debut as Dimitry in Anastasia last night. A LOT of people either loved the idea of having him there or HATED IT. Those who hated the idea of Cody doing the show mainly came from them listening to his music from like 2013. Mind you his voice changed significantly since then. I like the idea of having him in the show because he's not as famous as most celebrities that have done and he actually auditioned for the role. I remember seeing a lifestream he did on insta where he talked about auditioning for several shows including Anastasia over the course of several months and how he was offered the role the same way as other actors in the field. Most celebrities, especially A-listers, are offered roles are just handed roles rather than having to audition for it (which is why Disney didn't cast Beyonce in Princess and the Frog). Also I heard Dove is doing well in Clueless and I could see her doing MT more often cuz that's what she was raised on prior to Disney Channel (I think I also remember her saying how much Clara was a dream role of hers as well)
I’ve been saying that Dove would be great as a broadway performer for a long time. I wasn’t a fan of her acting on Disney, but after watching clips or her in Mamma Mia at the Hollywood Bowl I knew the stage is where she is meant to be, and I stand by that 100%. I also have never heard her legit voice, but I have no doubts that she will be great!
As for celebrities in musicals, I have mixed feelings about casting celebrities in musicals. I think that it’s great publicity for the theatre community as a young fan of a celebrity can see them and be inspired to join theatre, but I also think they shouldn’t have an “easier” time getting cast than the people who dedicate their lives to being on stage. I don’t agree with using a celebrity as a role in oppose to an equally talented, less famous person just for publicity purposes but if the celebrity earns the role, then I think it’s a great way to get more people to join the theatre community!
So my high school is doing Into the Woods this March and the cast list came out today and I’m playing Rapunzel’s Prince! And I thought it was cool since you were in the show and played Rapunzel haha
“The world is already kinda on fire as it is.”
FUTURE SENIOR QUOTE?!?! I say yes.
Katherine, YOU are a celebrity and an inspiration for me and inspire me and my channel every week! I 100% agree! A celebrity bringing their audience to help boost the exposure an underrated show generally helps the show become more known! AS LONG as they can handle the role, I think there's no problem with it. Most of these celebrities are where they are because they have the chops, it really comes down to the producer's casting decisions as some celebrities are more suited than others for various roles. When you back a project like this I'm sure you strive to make the best choice financially and artistically. We performers strive to reach the level of celebrity where we can land a dream role like this so we should support those performers as their efforts are really creating more roles for us in the long run.
omg i love your videos. being part of a cult is soooo fun
*did i say cult i mean amazing community
😂♥️
Those are the same thing!
Katherine Steele OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I'm a huge Renee Fleming fan, and I first heard of Light in the Piazza when I was a freshman in college, and my voice teacher gave me the main song to work on. I kind of regret not continuing to work on it, because I remember really enjoying it. I'd love to see this production.
yes cult leader serve us the hottest tea yes
I love how your rants are so kind and courteous. Also, I agree fully. Brendan Urie and Kirsty from Pentatonix both spent time in main roles for Kinky Boots, and they were phenomenal.
I loved Dove in Liv and Maddie. I’ve watched most everything she’s been in. I also followed her short singing career with ex boyfriend/ co star ryan mccartan ( currently playing feiyro in wicked on bdwy). I do think she has a good voice. My main issue with dove isn’t with her personally but with the fact that every time some book turned movie/tv show happens or a major remake and there’s a blond character. Social media screams for dove to get cast and TBH a lot of the time I just don’t see her fitting the role. She’s not right for everything. That’s my own personal rant. Will say I wish I lived in LA and could see her in clueless. I hope she does this role justice I remember thinking of you when I saw she was cast because I’d only heard of the show from your channel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It's playing in New York
This sounds like a whole freaking high school essay and I’m loving it!! The way you talk sounds so professional and well informed!! Keep it up Kat!
hey kath!! i love ya!! any advice for a freshman who is trying out for chicago?? the seniors are super intimidating and I am not the best dancer :(
First of all, this is a great video! And second of all I think that if a celebrity who was originally on Broadway/doing shows and is going back to their roots, after doing films and TV shows then that is fair enough on them and I'm happy for them. And most celebrities will have done musical theatre before going on screen, so I'm not surprised if I see a celebrity going on to do it. But if they have never done any shows or are inexperienced then I would be very hesitant to how they would perform as screen acting and stage acting is completely different. But then again, it's their life and they are giving it a go, so good on them!
I think that if they fit the part it’s great and really gets people who don’t really listen to musicals start listen to musicals. But ALSO I don’t think we should only be casting celebrities because they’re celebrities??? Idk just thoughts
This is my first time seeing a video from your channel and I don’t comment on videos very often and as this is an older video I don’t expect you to see my comment but I felt the need to write this. Your opinion on celebrity casting was so refreshing and positive. I recently saw dove Cameron in this performance and she was so beautiful. I went in to the show with an open mind and was blown away by the whole cast and dove was an outstanding highlight in my experience. I love that your video encourages people to be open minded and not quick to judge and it’s so refreshing to see positivity being shared.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! And I'm so glad you enjoyed the show-- hoping to catch it when it transfers to Los Angeles in the Fall!
KAAAAAAT!
What’s your dream cast for the newly announced DEAR EVAN HANSEN motion picture?!
Not sure! Still haven't gotten a chance to see the show so idk
dear evan hansen not only gets a book, but now a movie?? they're unstoppable
THE WHOLE ORIGINAL CAST
Brendan A. I wish people would be reasonable. The original cast is realistically too old to play their roles. At least the teenager characters. I wouldn’t mind if RBJ or Michael Park or JLT came back since they’d be more believable bit when it comes to the teenagers they should cast actors that are more believable. It was easy to get away with that cast on stage because it’s fro a farther away perspective but with film, it’s close up and easier to determine age.
I’m so torn because I love that mainstream celebrities get more people enjoying theater, but at the same time I want to see struggling theater actors get a chance. Like imagine what this space would look like if no one gave struggling wedding singer Idina Menzel a chance in Rent and they went with a better known celebrity. But I also know that (while not a well known celebrity outside of theater now) Cathy Rigby is why I saw my first love show. I was a gymnast who loved her and then after seeing her star as Peter Pan, I fell in love with theater. I am truly torn.
So, I haven’t even watched this video yet (I’m at rehearsal, coincidentally 😂). But judging from the title, this is EXACTLY what has happened since they announced that Cody Simpson was going to replace Zach Adkins as Dmitry in Anastasia! It makes me so mad that people judge these performers without ever having heard them do anything to do with theatre or Broadway before.
Madison Hollinsworth exactly!! he isn’t even as well known anymore so they aren’t trying to ride off of his fame either
I really really like this breakdown of it. I think part of us finds it hard to reconcile that tons of people will only watch/see a show bc of a celebrity, when we have already held this piece of theatre in such a high regard already, and we feel these non-theatre fans are encroaching on a corner of pop/arts culture that we felt was our own. Theatre feels like something private and special that we only share with a select few, and maybe we still find it hard to share our love of theatre with the masses. It's hard to remember that lots of "celebrities" started performing in churches, in their school plays. Hope we can remember that all art forms are for sharing with the world - it doesn't matter if you liked it first. Now more people will like it - isn't that a good thing?
I'll listen to Kat talk about anything on her podcast tbh. Especially if it's things like this where it's more positive than negative.
💗💗💗💗
i love this! everyone starts somewhere. some broadway celebrities probably started off with people telling them they couldn't do it. but they did. what's important is that we do not know these people, but rather they know themselves and they will show their true talent all by themselves.
i used to get annoyed when hearing famous celebrities were joining the theatre world. i didn't think they did not have any talent, not necessarily. it was more that i believed they didn't belong because well... broadway was like a whole other world to me.
tbh, now, i don't care. like you said, it gives shows more publicity and i'm always one for having a bigger fandom than just me and like ten other people.
I think mainstream celebs on broadway is great as long as they have the voice and acting skill for it. Like you said, it can bring more people in to see the show! For example, Kirstin Maldonado (from Pentatonix) was in kinky boots for like 5 months and I think she did INCREDIBLE. I wouldn’t have known what kinky boots was if it wasn’t for bringing Kirstin on broadway.
I 100% agree that if they are the best people to do the role than by all means, cast celebrities! Where I begin to have a problem is when you cast celebrities based only on the fact that they will bring in ticket sales rather than someone who may not already have an establisbed fan base who would be better for the role. It is an unfortunate double edged sword of "The show should come first but the show cant come first if there is NO show due to lack of ticket sales". I hope that made sense! Thank you as always for your wonderful perspective! 💕
P.S. Margaret in Piazza is in my Top 3. I was Signora Nacarelli and Magaret u/s when we did a workshop performance of it a few years ago!!
I thought we were taking over Broadway and then the world??? I suppose not this Thursday, since you forgot!
She hasn't been saying that for a while now.. are you sure you're tuning in every Thursday?
@@joolaine but why not? Aw well, I was binge watching her videos
I personally think it's wonderful that mainstream celebs get the opportunity to appear in professional musical theatre productions (as long as they have decent vocal chops to sing). It's good for actors and actresses to get exposure to all types of acting and especially live theatre because it's fleeting (here one second and gone the next). When you're a movie actor or actress, you can film a scene over and over again until you get the perfect take, but in musical theatre, that doesn't happen so the pressure to be as perfect as possible all the time is on! Another reason why I think it's wonderful because sometimes it can be nostalgic for some celebs. Many popular actors and actresses that appear in films and TV shows started out doing theatre so it's always good for them to visit their roots and remind themselves why they fell in love with acting in the first place.
THEATRE THURSDAY FAM IS SO CLOSE TO 100K 💕💕
yes i know it's amazing!
OMG I DID A DEBATE ON THIS LAST YEAR FOR MY MT CLASS. so my take on this is it takes chances away from an already competitive business. but as long as the person is fit for the role it's okay. tbh you kinda changed my mind about my harsh thoughts about stunt casting!
Not gonna lie, I came into this with a fixed mindset that I'm completely opposed against the idea but you really chnaged my mind. Things like this help our art thrive and gives the opportunity for people like me to eventually make our own mark. Thank you🤗
love this video.
also save me Kath. i am in a production of Seussical JR playing Sour Kangaroo and i’m still recovering from a cold and we open in a week 😭😭
I personally dont have a problem with Dove being cast because shes a phenomenal singer, at least as far as I've seen. What makes me upset is that because shes a celebrity and has her established career in relation to that, I feel like these roles are comings almost too easily to her. For example, if she WERENT well known, and casting was based soley on her talent, shed have a more difficult time obtaining roles when up against others, if that makes sense. But then back to your point of how it brings in revenue and exposure to the productions, which is fantastic! Still though, its a little disenchanting for us aspiring performers to know were going up against people like Dove, or Cody Simpson ( being cast as Dimitri in Anastasia, a totally different rant), who have pre established famed reputations and a better chance of being noticed/ scouted.
Side note* Ive struggled with accepting the success of others while feeling as if I was worthy of it too, and your comment about how the success of one person is a win for performers as a family and society really put things into a more positive perspective for me. I took it to heart!!! ♡
I can’t wait to see you get to 100k!! I’m obsessed with your personality and theatre. You’re videos are perfect for me!
I don’t really like celebrities in musicals or movie musicals. If the celebrity is professionally trained in musical theater/has done live theater then that’s fine, but I also think that casting directors should not just cast an actor just for popularity. They should cast someone who fits the character the best, and if it is a celebrity, then great.
I had not heard about this, but honestly, I don't see any harm in celebs being in Theater. I always prefer the more theater-focused actors, but it really doesn't matter to me all that much
I totally agree with your response on this, Kath. I've been seeing this with Cody Simpson being cast as Dmitry in "Anastasia" on Broadway. People in the comments haven't been giving him a chance, and let's be real, he wouldn't have been cast in an AHRENS AND FLAHERTY musical if he couldn't do it. I really like him as an artist, and hope he proves everyone wrong lol.
I totally agree with what you had to say. I don't have a problem with celebs in musicals especially if they have the talent. Like you said, sometimes (especially with some really niche musicals) having those celebs brings in audience members and increases ticket sales. Also, like you said we don't always see those talents on display. Some of them may have had their start in musical theatre and it was always their dream but life just took them on a path where they got their initial success on a sitcom, or singing pop music or in movies for example. I say don't judge until you have the proof of them in that specific role.
in my opinion, everyone should be able to audition or have a chance but if they aren’t good enough or up to par for the role, the creative team shouldn’t cast them because they are of high status. that’s just my opinion💛
I think if a mainstream celeb is able to perform on stage, its perfectly fine. I saw Daniel Radcliffe in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying when I was a teenager and omg that show rocked my pants off! I didn't know he could sing but that day was proof of that!
AOTD: I can only really get behind stunt casting if the person who is cast really can deliver in the role and has an appreciation for the theatre community. When it's an obvious cash grab on the part of the production and the celebrity has little interest in taking on the role and being a part of the experience, it's not so great. BUT I feel like that isn't as common as what the internet might make you think. I think the majority of celebrities cast in shows as of late have not been bad decisions. With Dove, when the announcement was first made for Piazza my gut feeling was kinda salty, like "oh. That part could've gone to a classically trained soprano" (I am a classically trained soprano myself and Clara is one of my dream roles too! And to perform it with Renée Fleming? What a dream! lol I can't help but be jealous!). But I gave it some more thought and realized that this might not be bad. Dove is a fan of the work, I remember her tweeting to Adam Guettel maybe a year ago gushing about how much she loved the score, and you can tell she's really excited about this project and is gonna give it her all. With some vocal coaching, she could really open up her head voice and present something entirely different from how we've heard her sing before, and same goes for acting - only time will tell!
I'll reply to this with my after-the-video thoughts as well!
After watching the video, I really do agree with your points! “Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your own” YES GIRL YES! It's something we often forget given the competitive nature of the business, but is such an important reminder!
As a Stage Manager I really enjoyed this video and love that theatre continues to thrive! You have an amazing soul, thank you for you’re wise words.
Cult of Kath
I like your perspective on this and agree that there is a big assumption that what a person is famous for is all they are good at.
I also think it comes from an understandable place of bitterness - people for whom music theatre is a "first love" often feel like we're already underdogs of the performing world, so it hurts to see someone with mainstream success taking those roles too. You know? Like, "leave these few opportunities for us", kind of thing.
It is also I think coming from a place of fear that a role or a show they love is going to be not produced to the best of its ability because an actor was chosen for publicity who otherwise would not and should not have been cast. For instance, your Waitress example. I absolutely hated John Mayer in the roll of Pomatter. I thought he brought nothing to it, I did not care for it at all. So from an artist point of view, that sucks. HOWEVER, he did not bring nothing. He brought fans and press at a time when I think Waitress needed that. And now my favourite show is living and thriving and has a great cast again! So in the end, a win. (Note since you mentioned it: Sara taking on Jenna is more nuanced to me because she wrote it so I'm never gonna be mad at that, but I didn't like her performance as much as any of the broadway actresses who've played her. I didn't care for her acting.)
Overall I think you're right that we need to give Dove a chance, and I like your optimism. I hope she can deliver!
Can we get your dream Wicked movie cast?
Pleaseeee
I heard Lady Gaga "has the part if she wants it . They're willing to pay through the nose" for her to be Glinda in the Wicked movie. I'm upset by this. I'm not doubting her. I love a star is born, but for them to base it on that performance is ridiculous.. also I know she can do it, she just shouldn't do it in my opinion . I'm sure you were asking Kat , but my dream cast would be Lea Michele for Elphaba , and I'm unsure of a Glinda
@@MALINDAMedia She isn't even a soprano, how can Lady Gaga play Glinda. The "Thank Goodness" note would be impossible for her to hit. If anything she'd be better as Madam Morrible, but even that's a stretch.
@@ayoubaswaray1856 that's one of the main reasons why I don't want her to play Glinda. I said she could only not to single her out , but it gets on my nerves because it's more them booking a big star than for the good of the role and I don't like that. There's obvious difference between Kristin and the Galindas that came after and Gaga. But nothing is set in stone,So fingers crossed if she ends up being involved at all it's not Galinda
@mechaguess What a great comment. This just summed up all the reasons why I don't think Ariana is right for this role. She seems very laid back and lethargic in a lot of her performance which is when considering her brand, understandable. But to take on the role of quite possibly the most iconic female lead role in Broadway history does not have the room to tolerate that mess. Elphaba by far is not your cool girl. She is awkward, emotional, and has a range of intense emotions needed to be displayed to do her justice. I mean, just look at "No Good Deed". The amount of raw fluctuating emotion needed to be gutted out during that performance is not to be played with. Also, despite Ariana's previous theater/Broadway experience, it was too long ago and it's clear that the training has worn off. Lea Michelle had better win this role. Not only that she has very strong and current theater credits to her name, but she definitely has the range, voice, and look to pull it off.
I agree 100%! And it would be really cool to hear you talk about that topic you mentioned in your podcast!!
Cody Simpson (or however you pronounce his name) is joining Anastasia tonight (11/29/2018) I think he might negatively affect the musical. That's what I think. Also I loved meeting you at that show Ah memories
Interesting!! I've been hearing that point of view quite a bit, I have no idea who he is so I'd love to hear your thoughts on him. and YES!!! So good!!! 💗💗
Your channel is the best. I found out about stage dooring and have now seen 6 Broadway shows this year. I love the information you give and just your channel in general
Oh and about celebrities- I’m all for it if they’re G O O D. But live theatre acting is very different than Hollywood acting. However it’s unfair for untalented singers to get chosen just because they’re celebrities ☺️
DAMN THAT IS SOME HOT TEA!
And, yeah, when it comes to mainstream celebs in musicals, I really don't have a problem with it? Yeah, sometimes it can be a bit distracting, but as long as they can sing the score and they can act and it feels like that character, and not just celeb x in a costume, then I'm all for it. And there are a couple of roles that I'd love to see certain celebs do. And, as you've said, they can bring it a lot of people in to watch the show, who might have otherwise never watched it, which could bring in new fans for that musical and allow that show to have some success - that maybe wouldn't have had if that celeb wasn't initially attached to it.
kat for president 2020
WHAT A CONTROVERSIAL QUEEN, SPILLING THAT TEA AND SPREADING THAT LOVE AND POSITIVITY
My feeling of celebs in musical theatre is it really depends, if they are a celeb just wanting to do one show for fun and I think they don’t deliver well as they should and just got that part because of stardom I’m not a fan but if they are a screen actor that wants to go to stage and they have potential and aren’t just getting parts because of their star status all power to you
Beginning of video: Idk, on one side the celebrities will bring more interest to theater from their fans. But it takes away chances from people who’s trying to get into the business. So as long as it doesn’t happen all the time, I don’t have a problem with it.
Ending: I agree with you completely
BekahBroadway Agree 100% 👏🏻👏🏻
I 100% agree! I’m completely fine with celebrities playing roles in musical theatre (AS LONG AS THEY CAN PLAY THE ROLE). My biggest problem is when people are cast JUST because they are a celebrity and not always because they are the best for the part. That’s not saying that the celebrity isn’t talented or anything like that, but musical theatre is very different from mainstream tv/movies/music/etc. It requires different skills and technics. I don’t know if any of that makes sense, but I’m exiting for Dove. I think she’s very talented and I’m excited to see how she does! : )
This is such a great response. It opened my eyes to some really good points. Thank you
"Someone else's success doesn't diminish your own" ♡
At first I was a bit hesitant about clicking on this video when I saw that it was a rant on celebrity casting, but I was so pleasantly surprised by your open-mindedness, supportiveness and general compassion. Your passion for musical theatre is so evident - and gosh you clearly know your stuff - but you match that with such kind and sensible views, which honestly, is super refreshing. Thank you for this.
You are exactly what I'd always hoped to see more of in the musical theatre community. ♡