Sean Hayes "Virile Enough" to Play Romantic Lead to Anne Hathaway?

-- Brian Juergens from AfterElton.com

In his Broadway Matinee column, Post writer Michael Riedel mentions that Burt Bacharach's musical romp Promises, Promises is heading to workshop for a possible return to Broadway. He then mentions that Will & Grace star Sean Hayes will be playing the romantic lead opposite Anne Hathaway, and questions whether Hayes is "virile" enough to pull off a role originated by Jerry Orbach, who could crush buildings with his bare thighs.

First off, are people excited about seeing a possible revival of this show? And notwithstanding the fact that Sean Hayes is apparently far too limp-wristed to even pick up a songbook, do we think he could stand up to the role? Or could Anne Hathaway, for that matter?

Honestly, if professionally gay straight actor Rogert Bart can turn in a horrifyingly hetero role in Hostel 2 after playing an assortment of swishy queens both on stage and on screen, I think perhaps Broadway audiences might be able to forget about Jack McFarlane long enough for Hayes to do his job, don't you? Or do you agree that Hayes is miscast?

Comments

[chandler in lasvegas]

If he gets enough straight parts under his belt and he grows a pair then mebby he'll pull a NPH and FINALLY come out. As for me, I give him the Rosie/Ellen/Nathan pass for now.

[Tom]

In case people are wondering, I just want to say that I've known Michael Riedel for many years, and he is NOT homophobic. He's gotten into a lot of trouble in his POST days for making nasty casting comments. He was physically attacked by a producer when he derided the FIDDLER ON THE ROOF revival for not casting any Jews.

Anyway, Michael loves to stir up trouble, and he's quite good at it.

[David Ehrenstein]

Evidently Tom's definition of "NOT homophobic" means "Won't shoot gay people on sight but will tastefully lay in wait for them armed with a blunt object."

[Rick]

Oh please get off it. Let's not forget that Patrick Swayze, John Lequizamo and Wesley Snipes all donned dresses for "To Wong Foo . .. " and that was a travesty of a completely different sort.
Sean Hayes will probably knock NY's socks off!

[Rick]

Oh please get off it. Let's not forget that Patrick Swayze, John Lequizamo and Wesley Snipes all donned dresses for "To Wong Foo . .. " and that was a travesty of a completely different sort.
Sean Hayes will probably knock NY's socks off!

[scar2]

Of course he can. He is an actor after all.

[richard weaver]

Reidel is straight?!?! hes not virile enuff to play a straight man either. I'll never forgive him for trashing Boy George and Taboo. the bitchy little queen is lucky I've never seen him in public!

[James in Chicago]

The bigger question is WHY are they bringing back Promises, Promises. Do people remember that its a snorefest with such hits as Turkey Lurkey Time and She Likes Basketball?

[Flower of Life]

oh. oh dear.