I am a big fan of musicals and it always upsets me when they cast an actor because of name and not because of talent (think Pierce Brosnan in the movie version of Mamma Mia). There are so many talented stage actors that get bumped by less talented famous actors. That can totally ruin a show for me.

I agree with nycscoop.

It depends on the role and actor, if I like the actor and think they fit the role, sure, it would be the equivalent of seeing your favorite singer in concert!

...and agreed, Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia was horrible.

Agree with everyone else, but I like Keira, so hopefully she'll be really good. Do we know when she'll be in it? Starting now or in a few months? I'd go and see it if I could while I'm on my exchange next semester.

I see all movies, if its good. for me dont matter the actors. I see the concept of the movie,

I would be more likely to go to the theater if I could afford it. Some of the shows, starring big names or not are just way too expensive in this economy. I used to try go to the theater at least once a month when tickets were in the $50-$75 range, but $150-$275 is just insane.
One of the things I like about now being in LA is that I can afford to go to the theater again. I may have missed Wicked with Idina and Kristen, but I still enjoyed it and I could afford to go to dinner afterwards too.

I think that part of the problem with film actors going to Broadway and being successful is the difference in the style of acting. Film acting is allowed to be much more understated; you've got a camera right in your face for your every move. It doesn't need to be exaggerated. Stage acting calls for an extra push because you need the people in the balcony to be able to understand your reactions just as well as the people in the first row. I think sometimes when film actors go to the stage they are a bit underwhelming because they just aren't used to the demands of live performance. But also, let's be honest: it is a LOT harder to be consistently good for a LIVE performance 8 times a week for an entire run of a show than it is to sit in your trailor until your scene and then have someone yell CUT! whenever they feel like it and then piece together the best pieces of your work for the finished product.

Names shouldn't make a difference in casting, only talent. But the unfortunate reality is that theatre is not appreciated in the US the same way film is, and Broadway is constantly struggling. So they feel they need the film actors to bring in audience members that wouldn't otherwise attend. It's sad.

Hahaha Pierce Brosnan can not sing for anything! But if the actor is actually a good fit for the part, and they didn't just get it because they're famous, then I'd be interested in seeing the show. I guess I'd watch out for reviews first before buying tickets.

i love to go see shows on broadway regardless if there's someone that's a celeb or not in the cast, however there are shows that i might go see only for the celeb if they are lesser known shows.

There are so many actors who end up on Broadway just because they are famous in Hollywood. What really drives me nuts is when they show the Tonys, it's full of people from CBS comedies - what?! I want to see Broadway performers, not Charlie Sheen and Ray Romano!