Casting challenges and triumphs in ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’
The evolving landscape of casting young talent
After three successful seasons, one might assume that casting the young stars of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” would become a routine task. However, Emmy-nominated casting director Wendy O’Brien reveals that the show’s growing popularity has actually made the process more challenging.
“It’s a struggle to find and vet young actors that don’t have a lot of experience. Especially when you’re talking about a kindergarten class,” O’Brien admits. Despite these challenges, the success of the series has led to an increase in the number of children auditioning, many of whom are already embodying their characters during auditions.
The search for natural talent
O’Brien emphasizes the importance of finding kindergarteners with natural ability over those with just a telegenic face. Before presenting casting suggestions to the producers, she meticulously sifts through numerous auditions to find the perfect fit for the show. This season, the new class of “Abbott Elementary” not only includes fresh young faces but also features cameos from well-known personalities like Bradley Cooper, Keegan-Michael Key, and Tatyana Ali.
Celebrity cameos and full-circle moments
One of the most exciting guest appearances this season was by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had expressed his desire to be on the show over two years ago. His appearance, along with teammates Jason Kelce and Brandon Graham, was seamlessly integrated into the storyline through a Zoom call.
Tatyana Ali’s cameo as Ava’s former sorority sister turned frenemy was a particularly special moment for O’Brien. Ali, who grew up in comedy as a regular on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, brought a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of comedic timing to her role. O’Brien was looking for someone who could match the energy of Janelle James’ character, and Ali fit the bill perfectly.
A new direction for ‘Only Murders in the Building’
While “Only Murders in the Building” didn’t need to cast children this season, it faced its own set of challenges. The show’s third season moved from the Arconia Building to Broadway, providing a fresh setting and new suspects for the crime-solving trio of Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez.
Casting for a play within a show
The new season required casting directors Tiffany Little Canfield, Bernard Telsey, and Destiny Lilly to find fresh faces and cast a play within the show. With a mix of screen and Broadway veterans, the casting team had a plethora of options. The addition of Meryl Streep to the cast raised the stakes, pushing the team to elevate their game.
“I’ve never seen that side of her,” Telsey remarks about Streep. “That’s what acting is all about, everyone getting to stretch and do things that they would never get to do.”
Balancing busy schedules and showcasing talent
Aside from Streep, the season featured appearances by Paul Rudd, Ashley Park, Jesse Williams, and Linda Emond. Casting theater veterans meant working around their busy Broadway schedules, but the show’s creators were more than willing to accommodate.
“John Hoffman and everyone else in charge really responds to theater artists and is happy to work around crazy schedules,” Telsey explains. “That allows us to go crazy.”
Lilly adds that the show provides a beautiful platform to highlight Broadway’s biggest talents, allowing them to showcase their comedic timing to a broader audience.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to really give them a showcase to be seen by more people,” Lilly reflects.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, the casting process is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how our favorite shows come to life. The meticulous effort that goes into finding the right talent, whether they are seasoned actors or fresh faces, is a testament to the dedication of casting directors like Wendy O’Brien, Tiffany Little Canfield, Bernard Telsey, and Destiny Lilly.
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In the world of entertainment, casting is an art form that requires a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the characters being brought to life. As viewers, we often take for granted the seamless performances we see on screen, not realizing the intricate process that goes into selecting the perfect cast. Whether it’s finding the next young star for “Abbott Elementary” or bringing Broadway veterans to “Only Murders in the Building”, the work of casting directors is crucial in shaping the stories we love.