Jake may get a chance to fulfil a possible personal ambition next month because, according to Newsday, Jake has been asked to do a reading of the musical Promises, Promises in New York. With a score by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Promises, Promises was first performed on Broadway in 1968, winning a Tony Award for lead Jerry Orbach - clearly someone thinks it's due a revival. It is based on a play by Neil Simon called The Apartment and is an adaptation of a 1960 movie. It tells the story of young (and maybe geeky?) city hopeful Chuck Baxter who tries to climb the corporate ladder by lending out his apartment to his superiors for their 'liaisons'. Finally, Chuck sees the light and turns the tables. Incidentally, the song that I've heard from this musical is 'What Do You Get When You Fall in Love' as sung in a version by Dionne Warwick.
Light and frothy the subject matter may be - but isn't that true of most musicals? - but a combination of the masters of melody Bacharach and David, the ever witty Neil Simon and the stage presence and charisma of Jake Gyllenhaal, who we all know loves a good show tune, in full voice - irresistible! This seems like a perfect excuse to repost a picture of Jake having the time of his life on stage with Rufus Wainwright.
Toronto Film Festival
Speculation continues about the stars who'll be descending on Toronto for the festival this September. Now that it's been announced that Rendition will have its gala premiere in the city (see the post below for links), we're being told to expect a dazzling display on the red carpet, with the full cast present, and that means the treat of Jake in full movie star mode once again. Perfect!
22 comments:
Before I head out the door, I just had to comment. This is going to be so fun, and will showcase his voice, which we've gotten a glimpse of, as well as other "remarkable" things, on SNL. WHO, I ask you, could look more manly in a sequined gown? Can't wait, I love Burt Bacharach too, and Neil Simon, and Dionne Warwick, and Jake Gyllenhall! What would some of us do without music? :)
Hi Marina Glad I caught you before you head out!
Jake and music - two of my biggest loves brought together! I'd love to hear Jake sing 'properly'.
In a recent interview, in People magazine (11 June 2007), Austin Nichols was asked to say something about Jake that we might not know. Austin replied: "He makes really smart choices. He knows what works for him. And the kid can sing! He was in a band when he was younger."
Just had to say that it's "Promises, Promises," not "Memories Memories." I am a musical theatre junkie, obviously!
Aaaaagggghhhh - thanks Beckela - where would I be without you! What was I thinking?!
You're welcome, WDW - anytime. Yes, many musicals are frothy, some more than others, particularly much older ones. I wouldn't put this one in that category, though. It does have something to say. The late, great Jerry Orbach won a Tony in 1968 for best actor in a musical and the show was nominated for a bunch of other Tonys. I don't know why it hasn't been "revived" before now.
To be quite honest I'm a lot more into the rock-opera genre and that's what I would ideally love to see Jake do. With his versatility of course he will make me want to see anything he's in, be it frothy or deep and profound. And I look forward to his belting out anything. I know he'll make a perfect job of it.
As Stephen says in his poem:
"Tiger-crouched, arms up, fingers curled,
sweeping from microphone to microphone,
as if they were your slaves,
your clowns, your chorus line,
oozing a dangerous, plotting London crook
from every Oliver Twisted cell
(and singing perfect pitch as well)"
I love to hear Jake goofing around and singing. It gives me such a thrill. What on earth will happen to me when I finally hear him singing for real!
And that Toronto Film Festival is definitely some place I would like to be!
Thanks, WDW for a happy send off to work. In more ways than one. You know what I mean.
I certainly understand the attraction of rock operas, but they are always so loud -- gives me a headache. If I get to NYC anytime soon I do hope to see Spring Awakening, even though the bit I saw on the Tony Awards broadcast didn't impress me -- all the songs they did sounded the same to me. I sound like my Dad talking about the Beatles! I guess that HAD to happen.
Thanks Beckela - It's interesting to hear more about this musical - I know from our previous conversations how expert you are on them, so anything you can tell us is great. I'd never heard of this one which is shameful as I'm a big fan of Bacharach and David's songs - Walk on By is one of my favourite songs of all time.
As for the rock opera idea Incognita - I can't make my mind up on that one. I love rock operas myself (Jesus Christ Superstar - the original Ian Gillan version - was my favourite for years). I just don't know if I can see Jake in one. I'm sure he could do it but I see him as being in something that would appeal to all audiences, something classc I suppose. Of course, as usual, Jake may well prefer to d the unexpected :D
Beckela - I'd really like to see Spring Awakening too. And knowing Jake enjoyed it just spurs me on:D
Dani - I know exactly what you mean - thank you *)
WDW "As for the rock opera idea Incognita - I can't make my mind up on that one. I love rock operas myself (Jesus Christ Superstar - the original Ian Gillan version - was my favourite for years). "
I was afraid to talk about it so I'm glad you spoke first!!!! I was listening to the soundtrack a couple of days ago and I was really charged up. yes the original Ian Gillan version. I had got hold of the original vinyl 30 years ago from a friend who alas left town along with his album. And I'm able to hear it now after all these years from the remastered CD. This musical was enormously popular in India and local groups have staged it. You've set me off now. Better get back on topic.
It's just a reading, like the play about H. Dean last month. he and his people are just letting people know that he is interested in doing a play, think of these as auditions. Besides Jake is looking to do something original, not a revival. Leaking this info out, which is usually a no-no on B'way is a way of keeping Jake's name out there.
Hi Anon - That's a good point and I've realised that and I suspect we're going to hear more along the same lines. It can be no coincidence that we've had news of two such readings in only a month.
One good side-effect of all these bits and pieces of speculation is that it allows us to ruminate over plays and musicals etc. And for those of us a long way from Broadway, it's an interesting world.
As you say, the whole world must know now that Jake wants to do a play.
Incognita - you like that one too! Like you, I used to have the vinyl but I now have the CD to enjoy.
Austin says the cutest things :)
Anouska the Wise - and that one was for you *)
Hi all,
Thanks for posting Austin's comment - it's great. I'd love to hear him sing for real too! One of my favorite rock operas was "Tommy", and of course "JC Superstar". I think I must have played them so much I wore them out as a kid! Yes, "Walk on By" was great, Dionne Warwick had such a bittersweet singing voice, the songs were too. Bacharach and David had so many wonderful songs. :)
Hi Marina - I know, that's a lovely comment from Austin :D
Hey, another rock opera fan. I loved Tommy - I lost my vinyl copy years ago, so I must replace it. I also really enjoy War of the Worlds and I've been playing that a fair bit recently.
Maybe we can think of a new version of Hair starring Jake. We can debate here whether it should be a Bafta Version or a Cannes Version!!
Cannes. No question. :D
That's funny Incognita
And Ruby - you're a good friend and I do hate to disagree with you but it must be done - every single hair on Jake's head should be BAFTA HAIR :D
Ruby! Fight, fight!!!
WDW I think the "Orso's" look strikes a good compromise!
This is the most wonderful blog. I go away for a day o r two and return to news of Jake on Broadway and in Toronto. Great news all around.
Hi Sass - Welcome back! I'm so glad you like the site :D
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