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chrisball
Junior Member
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Is anybody else looking forward to seeing Alex Jennings as Higgins? I think Jonathan Pryce is a hard act to follow, but I believe that Alex Jennings is the man to fill those boots. I've been fortunate to have seen Alex in much of his work with the National/RSC, and know that he is one of the finest classical actors of his generation. It will be interesting to see how he takes to his new role, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on to win over many new fans.
Does anybody else have any views on this subject?
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 2:40 pm on Feb. 22, 2002 | IP
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mmebahorel
Junior Member
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I'm an American, so while the list of Mr Jennings' credits is impressive, I am nonetheless unfamiliar with his work. What I like about Jonathan Pryce is that he sings the role more than I am used to, and that's also what makes me nervous about Alex Jennings. I do not look forward to a repeat of the Rex Harrison model. But likewise, I don't want an exact repeat of Jonathan Pryce -- new interpretations should accompany new blood. I just worry (especially after all I have heard about Martine McCutcheon from people with whom I have shared opinions before) that casting has forgotten "What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right."
I fully intend to go and see him with an open mind, but any time someone is cast in a musical and has no musical theatre experience, I do worry.
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Total Posts: 59 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 8:08 am on Feb. 23, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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I agree with you Mme Bahorel, though you can see Alex Jennings on the "Joseph" video - not that this does him justice, as it's far too camp. Though he does camp very well (you can also see him play Oberon/Theseus in the RSC film of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
I too am intrigued to see how he fairs in musical theatre, though I think "My Fair Lady" lends itself to acting more than most shows. I mean, it's hardly an all-singing, all-dancing show is it? It has that same quality that "Oliver" has - the need for good actors to play good roles. Obviously the casting director/production team is confident enough in Alex's ability to offer him the role - I personally think that he excels at authority roles. If he gets a hold of the singing, then Higgins is made for him.
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 3:03 pm on Feb. 23, 2002 | IP
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Peter
Newbie
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Sorry for being thick, but what else has he been in? The name rings a bell, but I don't recognise the face . . .
Peter
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Total Posts: 2 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 6:22 pm on Feb. 28, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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Hi Peter. Here is a little more info on Alex Jennings . . .
His RSC roles include the title role in Peer Gynt, (for which he won an Olivier Award 1995/6 for Best Actor), Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream (UK, American tour and Broadway), Angelo in Measure for Measure, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, and the title role in Hamlet. His film appearances include War Requiem, the RSC's film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream and most recently as Lord Mark in the Oscar-nominated movie The Wings of the Dove. His television appearances include Smiley's People, The Franchise Affair, Inspector Morse, Alfonso Bonzo, the title role in Ashenden, Dead Poets' Society, Inspector Alleyn, and Hard Times.
(Taken from http://www.warwick.ac.uk/news/pr/celebrities/153
All the best,
Chris
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 5:24 am on Mar. 1, 2002 | IP
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peta
Newbie
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When does Alex start? I've seen him in quite a lot of things, and I think he's great. Although I agree that Jonathan Pryce will be a hard act to follow
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Total Posts: 4 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 6:40 am on Mar. 6, 2002 | IP
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nicol
Newbie
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22nd April.
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Total Posts: 34 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 8:24 am on Mar. 6, 2002 | IP
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Alex Jennings