1,013 posts
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Post by talkstageytome on Apr 10, 2016 18:07:55 GMT
Seeing Michael Ball host the Oliviers this year got me wondering who this generation's Michael Ball is going to be. By which I mean which actor is his 20s/30s now is going to be the guy we see on musical theatre one off TV specials, hosting these types of events etc. in twenty years or so? A while back Mark Shenton wrote a list of his favourite West End leading men (which Ball was featured on).... www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2015/mark-shenton-top-10-uk-musical-theatre-actors/ and really it could be any of them, or someone else entirely! I mean, none of us are going to know for another 10/20 years, but it's fun to speculate. (Additionally, who's going to be the next Idina Menzel/ Patti Lupone etc. ) |
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4,369 posts
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Post by Michael on Apr 10, 2016 18:33:12 GMT
My bets are on Killian Donnelly - he did originate three leading roles in a row (Commitments, Memphis and Kinky Boots). Will be interesting to see what he's up to after KB.
As for leading lady: I'd say Louise Dearman
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848 posts
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Post by duncan on Apr 10, 2016 18:37:59 GMT
Ball has crossover to the mainstream appeal - people with no interest in musical theatre know him from his TV and Radio presenting and guest spots.
Donnelly and his generation are nowhere near the same level of public consciousness as Ball was at a similar stage in his career or indeed are anywhere near seemingly having a breakout into the mainstream moment - which is probably more down to how media has changed in the last 20 years than any deficiency on their part. 20 years from now they'll probably still be using Michael Ball or the 2036 version of Graham Norton, whatever gets them some extra publicity.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2016 18:57:37 GMT
I think Killian Donnelly could b come next leading man or possibly Michael Xavier? I think all the people in that list are defiantly worthy people to become big but Killian seems to very in demand at the moment.
As for girls I think Louise Dearman take will take on icon roles as well as Emma Williams! I also think Tracie Bennett would be capable of doing roles such as Mrs Lovett and Mamma Rose, she was incredible in Mrs Henderson and Hairspray.
Also Claire Sweeney and Beverley Knight are some of my favourite musical theatre actresses!
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2,701 posts
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Post by viserys on Apr 10, 2016 19:13:53 GMT
I somehow don't think that people can rise "through the ranks" of musical theatre into general stardom anymore, the way Michael Ball or Elaine Paige did in the 80's. Except, of course, if they get a lucky break in some form. Wasn't Michael Ball's first foray into pop music the Eurovision Song Contest in which he didn't do too badly? John Barrowman became a huge star through Doctor Who/Torchwood. So who knows, maybe Michael Xavier might land a big part on telly and go the same route. Maybe someone else's pop project will take off big time.
But I think it's very hard to tell and also involves a certain amount of luck and staying power. I remember a chap called Steven Houghton, who did a bunch of musical theatre in the early 90's, landed a part in the (then immensely popular) TV show London's Burning, sang "Wind beneath my wings" on the show and it went big into the charts and made him a star. Suddenly he became a leading man on stage as well with roles like Danny in Grease and Chris in Miss Saigon, but then it went quiet around him. No idea what has become of him.
On the other hand, it seems more people are moving INTO musical theatre from other realms such as the aforementioned Beverly Knight who seems to be building a second career on the stage. Others like Ronan Keating, who did "Once" already, might give it another go when their pop career dries up.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2016 14:23:57 GMT
My bets are on Killian Donnelly - he did originate three leading roles in a row (Commitments, Memphis and Kinky Boots). Will be interesting to see what he's up to after KB. I don't know why someone hasn't snapped him up for a production of 'The Boy From Oz' actually. |
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Post by crabtree on Apr 12, 2016 20:18:19 GMT
well young Julian Overden is doing pretty well for himself, with tv and stage....has he ever played joe Gillis anywhere?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2016 12:21:36 GMT
My bets are on Killian Donnelly - he did originate three leading roles in a row (Commitments, Memphis and Kinky Boots). Will be interesting to see what he's up to after KB. As for leading lady: I'd say Louise Dearman Clearly I have to go to more theatre, as I haven't seen either so far, and hadn't heard of Killian Donnelly. I'm on the alert now though..... |
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