Originally Posted by jtnorth:
“Jeanie - sorry, this isn't meant as having a go at you at all, just I was very struck with your post - you are completely entitled to explain your reactions to each of them, but I think it's a bit unfair to judge them as people on something they've never had the chance to show. I find Lee a bit dull and I could imagine scenes of him being dull on stage, but they wouldn't be true. None of the boys just turned up for the audition having never performed before. All have concentrated a lot of effort and commitment to get training and experience, as much training and experience and slog as you could expect from anyone their age. Personally, I think they would all have worked their way up as understudies - they all seem very sensible to me, underneath the fact that a show like this is bound to be a lot to adjust to when you are that young and you won't always express yourself well.”
No probs - don't mind a reasoned debate.
This is a forum after all!
Actually I agree with what you are saying, and have to say at this point that my favourite for the part is Ben - and also agree with you that Lee can be a bit dull at times - but at other times absolutely stunning. However, I just think that this is such an important role that if it was being produced without the audience participation, I would suspect that the leading role would go to someone who has proved their dedication and commitment in the past - as it's fairly risky to give the responsibility to someone who isn't tried and tested so to speak. The younger boys have all had a certain level of experience - but not in what is hoped to be a long running West End Show - and although there is every likelihood that any of them could be absoutely wonderful in the role - there is also the possibility that it simply might be too much.
Quote:
“ I agree with you on experience - I think that if we could inject Ben, Keith and Lewis with Lee's experience we'd really have a contest, but we can't. But if ALW doesn't think they are up to it, why are they still there? If none of them are ready, just because of their age, then surely this is all a stitch-up for Lee - because Lewis and Ben have consistently been kept in over older performers - Seamus, Rob, Craig and obviously Daniel. If it isn't a stitch up, then they must potentially be up to it. It can't work both ways.
Not that I can tell anything ALW is thinking.”
Totally agree with most of this! Trouble is they didn't start on a level playing field - and if someone has the head start that Lee has had, then he is almost bound to have an overwhelming advantage. Not sure it's a stitch up as such - but it's not really a fair fight. Also think that ALW is maybe more of a risk taker than I would be if I was casting the part (which thankfully for the future of theatre - I'm not!)
Actually think each of the final twelve had a certain quality that would probably make the perfect Joseph if they could be extracted and combined into the ideal Joseph clone!
