Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.
“Smash”
It’s no secret that fans of NBC’s “Smash” feel the show was gone too soon. But the musical show about the preparation of an ambitious musical centered on the life of Marilyn Monroe has also had a better afterlife than anyone could have imagined, especially NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt. After a 2015 concert of the musical-within-a-musical “Bombshell” was sold out in a little over an hour, there have been rumors around the stage and screen worlds of a return for “Smash,” this time on Broadway. According to Greenblatt, they're looking at ways to possibly stage a musical based on “Bombshell” or “Smash,” or a combination of the two. He’s certain this won’t be the last you’ve seen of the show. “Smash” on Broadway would have a lot to work with, though, including all the major stars and the writing team of Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Joe Iconis, and more. Telsey + Company’s Tiffany Little Canfield cast the screen version, and given the casting giant’s theater resume, the company would likely do the honors for the stage as well for any additional staffing or changes that would come about.
“Alice in Wonderland”
It’s been a few weeks since writer Duncan Sheik casually announced on Twitter that he and Sara Bareilles are working together on a new “Alice in Wonderland” musical. It was unclear at first what that meant—if Bareilles would be writing the music for the show with Sheik or if she, like her turn in her own hit musical, “Waitress” would be donning blue and white as the lead. It’s looking like the latter. Bareilles is trying to make the show work around her schedule so she can star in the project and get a chance to show off her acting chops again. The project already has some previous collaborators with Sheik and Bareilles on board: “Waitress” book writer Jessie Nelson and Sheik’s “Spring Awakening” co-writer Steven Sater. When it finally comes to fruition, Sheik has experience casting with Telsey + Company and Craig Burns, so expect to see a return to them.
Kristin Chenoweth Tammy Faye Bakker Musical
It’s long been hinted at that superstar Kristin Chenoweth has got a musical in the works about the life of evangelist singer, television personality, and businesswoman Tammy Faye Bakker; she’s mentioned it briefly once a year for the past two years. Now, in a recent interview with RuPaul on the “What’s the Tee?” podcast, it’s clear it will be on the way—eventually. According to Cheno, “the time for Tammy Faye is right now” and she’s seen a few scripts for it so far that haven’t been quite right. So, it’s certainly on the table still. One thing is certain, though, and that’s that Bakker is definitely the kind of bigger-than-life character Chenoweth could do a lot of justice. It is too early to tell where it will land, but it was brought up during her time discussing another work in development: a musical based on 1992’s “Death Becomes Her.” It’s very possible they could be coming from the same production teams. Keep an ear open for casting news, even if it’s just for a reading or workshop.
“Men in Black” spin off
In big screen news, Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth might be teaming up outside of the Marvel Universe in the forthcoming “Men in Black” spin off. They’re just two pieces in what’s supposed to be an ensemble product. It’s been a banner year for Thompson. Audiences have become well acquainted with her in the stranger-than-fiction worlds of “Westworld,” “Annihilation,” and of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is no word yet on who is handling casting for the big budget film, but keep an ear out. Now that casting has begun, more talent will be added to the ensemble sooner rather than later.
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