I decided to pop in and say hey because a little bird (2 little birds, actually) shared some of BK's casting woes with me and I was curious to see how it was going with BRAIN casting. I've been catching up and I have to say, BK, I feel for you. The process is frustrating enough without all the insanity you've been dealing with. If it makes you feel any better, you're not the first person who has had certain experiences with a certain performer whose name may or may not rhyme with Zandria McFardel. I would have tried to talk you out of it. But that's just me.
At any rate, BK, if there's anything I can do for you to make this easier, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I'm sure your CD has done his best and I'm sure there are two sides to every conflict, but I have to say there are certain aspects of your casting troubles that seem really odd to me. Naturally I'm not about to step on any toes, but I'd be happy to offer any assistance that would be helpful and appropriate.
In other news... had a great day with DR Jose at ANGRY HOUSEWIVES auditions today. Our monitor was a delight and we had a good time listening to lots of interesting renditions of pop, rock, and country songs. EPAs can be draining, but this was a great day thanks to having cool people to work with.
I don't know if it's anything but a string of bad timing, really - while I had issues with our casting guy, I know he's been trying really hard lately, and I've certainly seen all the correspondence that's coming back from agents.
And the reality is we've actually only offered to four women and five men. Of the four women, two had young babies and child care issues that couldn't be surmounted, one was the actress you mention (and yes, I learned a valuable lesson during the wasted week), and one had conflicts during the run. Of the five actors, one had LA commitments, one was in Europe (so the offer doesn't even really count), one wanted to do it until he was offered Die Mommy Die at the last minute, one booked a commercial shooting in China during our week of performances (the candidate who would have done the show instantly), and one got a paying off-B'way gig.
It's a little nutty for me trying to cast a) from long distance, and b) have people pitched to me that have nice names and good credits, but who I have no clew as to what they sound like or how they act and if they can do humor.
Give me a call if you like or drop me an e-mail and I can certainly be more specific, and I'd certainly be grateful for any suggestions - at this point desperation is setting in, which is not the best way to cast.