Hollywood On Broadway; Hollywood Actors Take The Stage

              Many people are not aware that musical theater is a great staple to master if you want to be a well-rounded, mainstream actor or actress.  There are tons of Hollywood actors that actually started their career on Broadway. Take Sarah Jessica Parker for example.  This Sex and the City star got her big break in 1997 as “Annie”, during the show's original run.  However, not all these actors started out as principle characters.  Shirley MacLaine was cast as an understudy on Broadway in the 1945 run of "Pajama Game".  She was spotted by a director while taking over the role and the rest is history.

Here are a few famous actors that started out on Broadway;

   LEA MICHELE

It’s not a shocker that this “Glee” star launched her career on Broadway.  At the age of 9, Lea played the role of Young Cosette in the musical Les Miserables.  About 10 years later, she had the opportunity to take the stage again as Wendia in Spring Awakening. 

 KRISTEN BELL

Kristen Bell is known for her sitcom roles on Veronica Mars, Gossip Girl, House of Lies, and Heroes.  Very few people know that Kristen has a strong background in theater.  She actually attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.  Just a few credits from graduating, she starred as Becky Thatcher in the musical version of Mark Twain’s The Adventureof Tom Sawyer. 

                                                                                         ANNA KENDRICKS

Did you know that Anna Kendricks was nominated for a Tony award at the age of 12?  She received this nomination in 1998 for her role of Dinah in the musical High Society.  She is the third-youngest actor to have ever been nominated for this award.  Anna has starred in Twilight, Pitch Perfect, End of Watch and 50/50. 



TAYE DIGGS & IDINA MENZEL

Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel have been happily married for 10 years.  Idina has mastered a happy medium between theater, television, and movies, but she started on the stage.  In 1996, Idina played the role of Maureen Johnson in the Tony Award winning musical “Rent”.  Her husband began his career as an understudy for the role of Jigger Craigin, a character from “Carousel”.   The two have had opportunities to work side-by-side on stage and in movies.  They co-starred together in the hit musical "Wicked" in 2003, and again in 2005 in the film version of "Rent".  
    

ANTHONY HOPKINS

Before he was known as "Hannibal Lecter", Anthony Hopkins was understudy for Sir Lawrence Oliver in "The Dance of Death" in 1965.  Hopkins' big opportunity came when Sir Lawrence Oliver was struck with appendicitis. He took over the leading role of  Edgar. 

       There are also seasoned Hollywood actors that 

have decided to take their talents to Broadway.  There are a slew of actors, including Matthew Broderick and Julia Robert, that are making their musical theater debut.  This change helps these stars hone their acting chops.  It also is an opportunity for them to get away from the craziness of Hollywood and work in a more relaxed atmosphere.  The following link has a great list of actors that have gone from the screen to the stage. 

      

Momagers and Dadagers; Helpful or Harmful?

A momager or dadager is a cross between parent and manager.  Like any other artist manager, momagers/dadagers carry out the day-to-day managerial duties of their child and make a salary.  Does mother really know best or is this a conflict of interest?  There are many momager and dadagers that can be credited for taking their children to ultimate success.  Rolling Stone recently put out an article listing some of the greatest parental managers in the business.  Among this list were Pattie Millette, Joe Jackson, Lynne Spears, and Matthew and Tina Knowles.

There are numerous books, blogs, and articles written for parents who want to take a fulltime managerial role in their children’s career.  There is even talk about a reality television show being based around the lives of professional momagers and dodgers.  “It is unrealistic for most parents to think they have the necessary skills or contacts to navigate the multi-billion dollar entertainment industry effectively for their child,” said Paula Dorn, co-founder of the BizParentz Foundation.  She says that being an attentive parent should be the focus.

        When I think of famous momagers, I immediately think of Kris Jenner, mother of the Kardashian clan.  Last year, Kris actually trademarked and patented the term‘momager’.  If anyone deserves this patent, Kris does.  She has managed to guide all six of her children into profitable business ventures; including television shows, clothing lines, and endorsements.

        As a parent, you might initially believe that you would be the best person for the job, but it is important to be realistic on if you would be able to adequately manage your child. I believe that a momager or dadager could be very beneficial for a child star. However, there should be a professional manager in charge as well.  Momager/dadager and manager should be able to work together for the benefit of the child.