Justin Guarini, Original 'Idol' Runner-up, to Portray Patti LuPone's Son Onstage

By Christine Fenno Posted Aug 22nd 2010 02:49PM

Making his Broadway debut, Justin Guarini -- the singer with the infectious smile who lost to Kelly Clarkson on the very first season of 'American Idol' -- has just won a key role in the upcoming Broadway musical 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.' According to the Los Angeles Times, the production (based on the 1988 Pedro Almodovar comedy costarring Antonio Banderas) is scheduled to open Nov. 4 in New York, with preview performances beginning in October.

Lead performers already cast in the new adaptation include Broadway veterans Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sherie Rene Scott and Laura Benanti.

Guarini, who starred in the 2003 musical movie flop 'From Justin to Kelly' shortly after his rise to fame on 'Idol,' will reportedly play the role of Carlos, son of Lucia (LuPone) -- a role originated onscreen by Banderas. According to some reports, after starring in an early staging of the Beach Boys-themed musical 'Good Vibrations,' Guarini was offered a role in the 2005 Broadway production, but turned the job down.

Broadway producers have welcomed 'Idol' alums with open arms, and some have received raves for their work, including season 3 champ Fantasia Barrino ('The Color Purple'). Last week, season 6 champ Jordin Sparks made her Broadway debut, when she joined the Tony-winning musical 'In the Heights.'

Tags: American Idol, Broadway, justin guarini, Patti Lupone, Pedro Almodovar

Comments

(4)

Sunday 22 August

By Nick Mayor

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The show is actually at the Belasco Theater. It is a Lincoln Center production. This cast is very impressive. Too bad the score will be written by the talentless hack who wrote the dreadful scores to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Full Monty. With so many talented people out there, this is a crime.

Monday 23 August

By KR

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Justin will be great as Patti LuPone.

By Hep

Good for him! You can still have a good career even without winning American Idol.

By JP

Yet ANOTHER "Justin" who needs a new haircut.

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