The third round of auditions (remember, the first show had two rounds – one in California and one in Chicago) is in New York, and while finally the show takes a step away from American Idol by not giving hard numbers for the turnout, this one seems to be the largest. That’s probably to be expected – after all, we are talking about a Broadway show here, and Broadway is in New York.
It was also around this time that the judges stepped things up a notch to distance themselves from “that other show” a bit further, saying in a notable sound bite that this was not an amateur competition, but an open casting call. Hopefully it isn’t too late. I’m just glad that it’s not my $10 million on the table when they finally decided to make the announcement that they’re not taking any and all comers – it sure has looked like it to this point.
Once again, however, the contestants are looking too old, too young, or just plain not good enough, and like you’ll see elsewhere, those that are getting up on stage are getting some background information on them – presumably so that you care if they succeed or fail in their efforts. Frankly, I didn’t.
The only one that was entertaining was the story of the guy and girl who came to try out together. She had been in New York for a while, but he had just arrived. Apparently this made their relationship “rocky”. I guess she had been enjoying the town, while he had been not too fond of that. Right from the start you could tell that she thought her skills were better than his, and it was priceless when she was told she could go home and he was kept on for the next week.
Unfortunately, that was almost the only part that was worthwhile. There was one guy, who used to be on a soap opera and is currently touring with another show, who has decided to try out, and he seems to be far and away the best bet. I think his name is Austin. But he’s the only one that they’ve shown to this point – in either show – that can sing, dance and has the look to him. His only problem is that he’s not quite what I see for Danny.
That is to say, he’s not John Travolta. At the same time, that could be good. You get too close and you’ll come away with comparisons, so it might be good to distance yourself somewhat. I like him. We’ll have to see where they go, but this guy is my early pick for the role. I don’t know that voters will agree, but I’d bet that the judges would be hot to have him land it.
