2008 Woodie Awards
American Idol Finalists Move to Broadway
SHU Students take a bus trip to NYC to watch Constantine in the "Wedding Singer"
Laura Scaglione
Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: A & E
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
Recently these "American Idol" contestants have been making their mark outside of television and making a name for themselves on Broadway in shows such as "Hairspray," "The Wedding Singer" and "Tarzan."
Last weekend a group of Sacred Heart students went to New York to see "The Wedding Singer" first hand, and to see how Constantine was doing with his new job.
"I loved the music and found the show to be really funny. I thought Constantine did a good job, he made me laugh," said Lindsay Wallace, senior, Mansfield, Mass.
Broadway is fertile ground for American Idol alumni Diana Degarmo, who signed onto "Hairspray" from September to February, and Constantine Maroulis, who signed on for an eight week run in "The Wedding Singer."
Degarmo appeared on American Idol's third season of the show and Maroulis appeared on the fifth season. Neither of the two won the vocal competition but that hasn't stopped these song birds at all.
Degarmo was the youngest finalist in 2004 on "American Idol." Her age didn't stop the world from loving her though. Her voice not only carried her way to the finals but also helped her aquire the role as "Hairspray's" Penny Pingleton, who will be portrayed by Amanda Bines in the upcoming movie version of the musical.
Josh Strickland has found his biggest claim to fame with the star role in the show "Tarzan." Although Strickland never made it as far as the other finalists, he has made the biggest splash on Broadway by swinging into the title role.
The musical "The Wedding Singer" is similar to the movie, which starred Adam Sandler. Constantine plays the best friend of character Robbie Hart, named Sammy. However, this is not the first time that Constantine appeared in theatre productions, he starred as Roger in the touring production of "Rent."
Can these American Idol finalists deal with the transition from being on reality television to Broadway theatre?
"['The Wedding Singer'] was a cute show. I wouldn't just randomly buy tickets and go see it. I bought the tickets because of the student discount here at SHU. As for Constantine and his performance, I was impressed," said Aisha Lubin, senior, Brockton, Mass.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Donna Hill
posted 9/29/06 @ 7:38 AM EST
Constantine Maroulis was on the 4th season of American Idol, not the 5th.
Coniac
posted 9/29/06 @ 7:09 PM EST
I'm glad Constantine is getting the recognition he deserves. Someone like him who already possesses incredibly versatile talents, armed with a degree in his chosen field, trained hard, obtained the experience he needed and still continues to work hard to perfect his craft, keeping himself focused on his ultimate goal, is really commanding my respect and a source of inspiration to me. (Continued…)
carol
posted 4/21/07 @ 6:42 AM EST
Constantine graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory and had acted in many musical stage plays before appearing on American Idol. (Continued…)
Post a Comment