Let the countdown begin: less than four months until Brian d'Arcy James says goodbye to the 90-minute makeup sessions that transform him into an ogre. That's right. d'Arcy has finally announced that he is leaving Shrek the Musical. The finally may seem unwarranted, but I have been looking forward to this day since I saw the production this past January. In fact, I wish d'Arcy had rejected the role from the start and reprised his role in Next to Normal instead. To be fair, Shrek has commercial appeal and it was a good way to put his name on the map - but he is far too talented to be performing such weak material night after night. Despite a star-studded cast, an impressive set, and great costumes, the musical never goes beyond the original Dreamworks picture in any meaningful way.d'Arcy is leaving Shrek to star opposite Laura Linney in the Manhattan Theater Club's production of Time Stands Still. According to the MTC website, "Sarah and James, a photographer and a journalist (Linney and James), have been together for nine years and share a passion for documenting the realities of war. But when injuries force them to return home to New York, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life." The show will also feature Alicia Silverstone and an unnamed fourth cast member. Previews begin January 5, 2010.
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