Ashley Spencer and Derek start July 22

Eris · Guru

Ashley Spencer and Derek start July 22

StockardFan · Senior Member

Eris wrote:

Jackson grad lands leading role in 'Grease' on Broadway

I CAN FINALLY STOP SITTING ON THIS INFO!!!!

I've known for so long but promised to tell no one! Not even my friends! What a relief!

LOL! I posted this right after you.....can I delete my thread? I'll go see....

Mrs N · Senior Member

That's major news! Couldn't access the article from the Canton paper.

Kristen · Guru

Wow!!!!!!!!! I could not be more excited!!!!!!!!! I am so so happy for Ashley and Derek! They are going to be amazing as "Danny" and "Sandy!!!!" I can't wait to go and see them perform!!!!!!!!!!!

Eris · Guru

Does these mean I have to start fighting off Derek fans now?

StockardFan · Senior Member

I had to click on it several times as well both here and at BWW before it came up, Mrs. N

Eris · Guru

I'm having some issues accessing the article now myself. I wonder if they got their hands slapped for posting it before the producers could announce it and were forced to take it down.

Eris · Guru

Nevermind - I got it to load. I usually refrain from posting whole articles because it's frowned upon but since so many people are having issues I'll go ahead and do it.

Jackson grad lands leading role in 'Grease' on Broadway

Already on Broadway in a prominent role in "Hairspray," 2003 Jackson High School grad Ashley Spencer is about to be a bona fide star.

On July 22, she will take over the leading role of Sandy in the Broadway revival of "Grease" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

In 2006, Spencer placed second on "Grease: You're the One That I Want," an NBC-TV reality series designed to find a Danny and Sandy for "Grease." On Broadway, she is replacing the original Sandy (and series winner) Laura Osnes. Appearing opposite Spencer as Danny will be another NBC finalist, Derek Keeling.

Spencer will continue as Amber Von Tussle in "Hairspray" through July 13.

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Eris wrote:

Nevermind - I got it to load. I usually refrain from posting whole articles because it's frowned upon but since so many people are having issues I'll go ahead and do it.

Jackson grad lands leading role in 'Grease' on Broadway

Already on Broadway in a prominent role in "Hairspray," 2003 Jackson High School grad Ashley Spencer is about to be a bona fide star.

On July 22, she will take over the leading role of Sandy in the Broadway revival of "Grease" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

In 2006, Spencer placed second on "Grease: You're the One That I Want," an NBC-TV reality series designed to find a Danny and Sandy for "Grease." On Broadway, she is replacing the original Sandy (and series winner) Laura Osnes. Appearing opposite Spencer as Danny will be another NBC finalist, Derek Keeling.

Spencer will continue as Amber Von Tussle in "Hairspray" through July 13.

God, I am so excited..........Derek and Ashley were always my first choices! What a dynamic Danny and Sandy they will make. I will purchase my tickets today! biggrin

Laura4Broadway · Veteran Member

DEREK!!! Oh my gosh!! YAY! I've been wanting to see him in something forever. He was always my favorite. I need tickets now

I still wish I could have seen him with Laura though.

Nad · Senior Member

I was starting to get warmed up for Derek beeing Danny and now I am excited... I am sure going to go and see that dynamic duo on stage.... Even though I was sad to see Max and Laura leave if they decided to go we have to embrace and wish the best to the new DANNY" AND SANDY....

BBS420 · Guru

this is off topic, but I live 10 minutes away from Canton Ohio.

BBS420 · Guru

Eris wrote:
Does these mean I have to start fighting off Derek fans now?

yep!!

Hello799 · Senior Member

I am so glad for Derek and Ashley. It is now time for me to admit that I was wrong. I was 100% wrong. To those people that it affected, I am sorry.

PS- Way to go Eris........Now if you already knew this, why didn't you and Andy schedule your trip around this time instead of before it???? LOL!!!!!

greasefan · Senior Member

I have been planning a trip to take my mom for her 60th bday to NYC on 7/19 and add one more Grease show in. I love Ashley and wouldn't mind seeing Derek. Now I have to make a huge decision!! Do I wait one more week?!?!?

snickers · Veteran Member

Does anyone know why they offered the part to Derek rather than Austin? Just curious...
Ashley and Derek will be great together!

MrE1111 · Guru

'Cause Austin would out-Sandy Ashley.

Eris · Guru

Hello799 wrote:
PS- Way to go Eris........Now if you already knew this, why didn't you and Andy schedule your trip around this time instead of before it???? LOL!!!!!

lol

Lots of reasons. One, I couldn't tell Andy and I didn't have a reason why she should stay two extra days. Also, she can only have a certain number of days off and I don't get any days off aside from weekends. So she would have had to sit at my house all day Monday and Tuesday by herself. And you know that I wouldn't have gotten any work done if I were to take her there with me.

Shadi Ladi · Guru

MrE1111 wrote:

'Cause Austin would out-Sandy Ashley.

No comment.

-- Edited by Shadi Ladi at 15:27, 2008-06-25

Eris · Guru

Insulting Austin is akin to saying "Beetlejuice" three times.

Nad · Senior Member

Well I guess: -
- Derek sings better than Austin;
- Derek looks more viril than Austin;

When I watched gytotiw I always thought it would be a finale Derek and Max not Austin and I remember Katheleen Marshall saying to Derek we will work again one day...

StockardFan · Senior Member

There are some pictures of Laura where she looks so much like my old friend Kim it's not even funny. Sorry to get off topic .... Carry on.

Eris · Guru

Andy's been going dress shopping for her big trip. Looks like I may have to join her wink

-- Edited by Eris at 00:22, 2008-06-25

Brite Eyes · Veteran Member

Who told you and how long ago? Weren't you the one who said it would be a step backwards for Ashley?

Eris · Guru

Brite Eyes wrote:
Who told you and how long ago?

Why should I reveal my sources? A stand up person keeps their friends' confidences when asked.

pinkfan · Senior Member

You said it would be a step backward for Ashley, remember?

rikki · Member

MrE1111 wrote:

'Cause Austin would out-Sandy Ashley.

Now that is just plain mean...........

Eris · Guru

pinkfan wrote:
You said it would be a step backward for Ashley, remember?

So? I had an opinion which the producers, Derek, and Ashley don't seem to agree with. Opinions are like bellybuttons...everyone has one.

I could either be mad about it or support two people I like.

Eris · Guru

Hey, Shadi, you'd better get your Lady-in-Waiting dress ready. I found my queen dress. biggrin

I think it'll look just darling with my pink sunglasses.

Ray · Senior Member

MrE1111 wrote:

'Cause Austin would out-Sandy Ashley.

MrE nails it again!

Being the Runner-up did not mean that Austin was second best suited for Danny. In fact, he was not suited in any way whatsoever. It was Derek from the beginning, as Kathleen admitted, but all he could deliver were looks and charm. That's not enough for tv, but it will work wonders in this incarnation of Danny.

Eris · Guru

Ray wrote:
It was Derek from the beginning, as Kathleen admitted, but all he could deliver were looks and charm.

Having seen Derek perform in roles other than Danny I can attest to the fact that he has a lot more than looks and charm For starters, he has great comic timing. This was something that wasn't shown on the reality show but was very apparent during his run as Chad in All Shook Up. He was very funny in a role that could be cliched and boring. And I'm not the only one who thought so - he got rave reviews and the show was practically sold out during it's two week run. One reviewer even likened him to a young Cary Grant because he could combine the looks and humor so easily. That's high praise indeed.

And don't even get me started on his performance in A Tale of Two Cities which was pretty darn good as well.

-- Edited by Eris at 03:09, 2008-06-25

rikki · Member

I disagree.   If Austin really wanted the role at this point in his life, he would do a very good job with it.   But he doesnt want it.

Austin has several projects going on right now and his career is moving forward in a very positive way.   Good things are happening for him.

I wish Ashley and Derek only the best with this.    I admit that Laura and Austin were my favorites from the show but I never went around running down the others.

Too bad others can't adopt that philosophy.............

Eris · Guru

rikki wrote:
I admit that Laura and Austin were my favorites from the show but I never went around running down the others.

Too bad others can't adopt that philosophy.............

Uh-huh. Wasn't it you I saw waiting in a car outside the Brooks Atkinson waiting for Max to come out. wink

rikki · Member

LOL

Ray · Senior Member

Eris wrote:

Having seen Derek perform in roles other than Danny I can attest...........

You picked out one sentence to chew over. But all I have to go by is the tv show, and you did not deny my impression.

Not every performer is suited for every medium. Max was made for film, he had great material, and he walked off with the tv show. His performance on Broadway, with lesser material, is good, but in no way sensational.

The format of the tv show was not conducive to Derek's personality and the abilities that you describe. He will be shown to much better advantage in the complete stage show. Age aside, he will be instantly believable and provocative in the role. Add to this an essential ingredient that has been missing....namely, palpable sexual attraction between the leads, and the show will be a hit all over again.

pinkfan · Senior Member

Derek's got a lot of sex appeal, smokin dark good looks and those arms, mercy. And who better to be the object of his affection than a tall beautiful blonde, right Ray?

Kristen · Guru

What a great picture!!! They are going to be so perfect as Danny and Sandy! :)

Shadi Ladi · Guru

pinkfan wrote:

Derek's got a lot of sex appeal, smokin dark good looks and those arms, mercy. And who better to be the object of his affection than a tall beautiful blonde, right Ray?

Talk about sex appeal! Just look at those two beautiful people! Can't wait to see them sizzle on stage! Pinkfan -- thanks for finding that picture for us! I had seen it once before somewhere. Ashley's not only beautiful, but quite a talent! And, look at Derek's arms. I hope they incorporate a sleeveless shirt into the show somehow...lol

Can't wait to see them both on stage.

rikki · Member

You know, you guys can talk about who is taking over the role without trashing austin in the process.

How would you like it if Ashley and Derek fans started coming on here and running down max and laura? Same difference..........

MrE1111 · Guru

I "run down" the reality show and the production all the time, for the fact that, with someone like Kathleen Marshall at the helm, it could have been remarkably better than what it is now. Marshall is a woman who breathed life into 3 musical chestnuts (Wonderful Town, Two Gentlemen of Verona: the Musical, and The Pajama Game) that nobody thought would ever make it for more than 15 minutes because they were so dated.

I didn't want to see a production of GREASE that looked like it transfered from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, which, in the end, is what I feel we got. Others disagree with me - they love everything about the production - that's fine by me as much as my dissenting opinion is fine by them.

That said, about Austin, he's just wrong for the role, unlike the way Max was considered wrong for the role. Austin, talented as he may be, is too feminine for the role of Danny.

Max will no doubt find more opportunities in Hollywood than he will on Broadway, just as Laura will find more opportunities on and off Broadway than she will in Hollywood.

-- Edited by MrE1111 at 15:35, 2008-06-25

Eris · Guru

MrE1111 wrote:
Max will no doubt find more opportunities in Hollywood than he will on Broadway

I absolutely agree with this. I think Max will be great on television on an ensemble show. I don't think he could carry his own show at this point but would be a great addition to a show that has no real star like Friends.

azure · Senior Member

I didn't "find" YTOTIW until it had been on for a while. But when I did, I was hooked (even though I was determined not to get involved in any more reality shows. LOL!) Unfortunately, I missed the final show, and never saw Max and Laura announced as the winners - and I can't seem to remember Austin. Actually, because I did start watching late, there's a few names I've seen here that I can't remember. Does anyone have a pic of Austin? I did remember Derek, Ashley, and Allie - just from their names. But honestly, all I can say for sure is that there wasn't IMO, a bad one in the bunch. The reason I may be having difficulty putting faces with names is that they did "dress up" in the Sandy/Danny garb - and they were all trying to look like the characters - and evidently, they all succeeded! I only remember all the Sandys and Dannys singing and dancing - not the "real" kids!

What I do remember is how talented they were, and how hard they worked (in the behind-the-scenes classes at the "academy!") Also, I remember being impressed at how they handled the pressure of having to go out and sing for their "lives" if they were in the bottom group. The judges were demanding - they certainly knew what they wanted - but they seemed kind enough.

I'm sure the new Sandy and Danny will be terrific. It's still sad to see Max and Laura leave, though, because it was their "thing" - their claim to fame - their first time as Broadway stars, so it has to be bittersweet to leave (although they're probably ecstatic at having a little down time.) They'll no doubt, go on to very successful careers, but "Grease" will always be special to them. (And what will be really sad is leaving the rest of the cast. If Taylor is saying the cast feels like a family, and he's only been there a few weeks, how must Max and Laura feel about saying good-bye?)

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Eris wrote:

Hey, Shadi, you'd better get your Lady-in-Waiting dress ready. I found my queen dress. I think it'll look just darling with my pink sunglasses.

Took me awhile, but I found it! I think this is an exquisite "lady in waiting" dress. It will look wonderful with my shades! Remember, "Ladies in Waiting" are always in the wings.....remember Ann Boleyn?

StockardFan · Senior Member

Yeah, but she got her head chopped off in the end!

Eris · Guru

StockardFan wrote:
Yeah, but she got her head chopped off in the end!

precisely!

Eris · Guru

Austin:

StockardFan · Senior Member

Speaking of Anne Boleyn, I finished the Other Boleyn Girl last week. Boy she was a manipultive, back stabbing you-know-what!

Eris · Guru

StockardFan wrote:
Speaking of Anne Boleyn, I finished the Other Boleyn Girl last week. Boy she was a manipultive, back stabbing you-know-what!

A real C U Next Tuesday?

Sounds like someone a member of this forum shouldn't aspire to.

rikki · Member

azure wrote:

Does anyone have a pic of Austin?

Austin

I always liked this pic

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Eris wrote:

StockardFan wrote:
Speaking of Anne Boleyn, I finished the Other Boleyn Girl last week. Boy she was a manipultive, back stabbing you-know-what!

A real C U Next Tuesday?

Sounds like someone a member of this forum shouldn't aspire to.

But....Ann was beheaded for crimes she was innocent of, according to historical record....I loved the book by the way! The Tudors on Showtime is awesome. Watch it if you can! smile