We were as shocked as anyone to read the news today in the Las Vegas papers that Houdini, the musical biography slated for the 2015 Broadway season will preview in Sin City starring Scott Thompson a/k/a Carrot Top.
The more we considered the choice, however, the more we were able to see the logic.
It is a brilliant move for Carrot Top and the producers. Carrot Top brings great name recognition to the project and Las Vegas is a perfect location to ready the show before bringing it to New York. Plus, the show’s backers needed to do something to counteract the negative press it has received as of late.
We have been following the show’s progress over the last few years and were disappointed to read that Hugh Jackman had to bow out of the lead role due to “scheduling conflicts” and that its original book writer, Aaron Sorkin has also left the show. Still with music from Stephen Schwartz and our favorite magician providing the story, we know the show will be a hit.
It is not clear whether Carrot Top will star only in the Las Vegas previews of the show or if there are plans to have him follow the role to the Broadway stage.
Carrot Top observed that in many ways, Houdini was a “prop guy too.”
We suppose Houdini did use props in his shows (but then again, most magicians do) and Carrot Top has a well-deserved reputation for being the best Prop Comic ever, so the reference makes sense.
Carrot Top is currently doing capacity shows at the Luxor in Las Vegas and has been honored as Entertainer of the Year and Comedian of the Year on several occasions. We have no reason to believe he will have any trouble adopting the role of Harry Houdini and singing his way into yet more awards.
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