Benedict
Posted : 2/1/2007 9:29:22 AM
What I do find especially amusing (for those of you who have seen HP) is that the role of the psychiatrist is played by the actor who plays "Uncle Vernon".
While I do agree that "star power" counts for a lot, the West End (London's theatre district) is in general less impressed by that than say, New York is. When Kevin Spacey took over the Artistic Directorship of the Old Vic, one of London's most venerable theatres, he was absolutely slated in the press here until he proved himself. He did prove himself, and now people say he was a good choice, but no one automatically assumed that because he's a bona fide star he automatically knew what he is doing. The English press generally, and London's press specifically, can be INCREDIBLY cruel. I'm not saying bad plays don't happen - they do, and all the time...but it's unlikely that Daniel Radcliffe got chosen to perform the lead in such an important, adult aimed play on the back of having been in a bunch of kids movies.
I adore HP and have seen all the movies and read all the books multiple times, but they ARE aimed at a younger audience primarily. Even if Radcliffe sucks the big one in this play, he deserves a chance to prove himself to a grown-up audience as much as anyone.
Kate