Taylor Hicks: Broadway Star!

Well, you have to admit, Taylor threw a wicked curve ball to just about everyone when he announced he was going to appear on Broadway, at the Brooks Atkinson Theater, in *GREASE* starting June 6 and ending Sept 7.

Looking as handsome as ever on The Today Show last Friday, he seemed to be spilling over with excitement at this wonderful opportunity. He will be starring as the "Teen Angel", a flashy role that makes a grand entrance during Act II. Word from those who have seen the play is that he will fly in on a giant Ice Cream Cone! Yes, you heard right! A GIANT ICE CREAM CONE! I dunno about you, but I can't WAIT to see that!

In recent years, he expressed a bit of interest in acting, so this part will give him the opportunity to get his feet wet without being overwhelmed. He did say, however, that if he liked doing this sort of thing, he would look for bigger roles down the road. At the same time, he will be able to finish up his new album that we're all waiting with baited breath for. According to the Birmingham news, he's written some of the best songs of his life, with themes ranging from love to the socially conscious. I suspect the big plan is to tour after the album is released and the Broadway gig is up in the Fall.

For those who are a bit uneasy about this unlikely role for Taylor, consider this. I think Taylor sees himself as an entertainer by way of music, which is still his meat and potatoes - his 'day job' in other words. The man needs diversification. He's a pocket full of energy who needs creative outlets to breath. To be creatively challenged is his nourishment. Like he said, the role is a 'perfect fit' for him.

I'm sure trying out for American Idol left many of his friends scratching their heads in wonder, but in the end, it turned out to be a life altering experience. I see this temporary move to the Broadway stage as another bold move - something we as Taylor fans need to get use to - the unpredictability of his choices.

Some are concerned that his peers won't see him as a "serious musician". I disagree. I think pigeonholing him into a very narrow career path - one that can't be deviated from in fear on falling off course - is selfish on the part of his fans. Perhaps Taylor sees himself and actually is working towards a career that not only includes the soul and blues that he loves so much (and from what we hear, this new album will rock some serious socks!), but also include other creative outlets such as Broadway and perhaps movies and TV as well someday. He already has "author" credit to his name. Good for him! He's trying to *broaden* his territory and some are trying to stifle his growth.

It's like a homing missile. Those missiles are geared to hit a target but sometimes they go off-course once in a while - not in a straight, direct route - on the way to hitting the target. Eventually they DO hit it tho. I see Taylor's career like this homing missile.

Bottom line - Taylor envisions himself as an all-around entertainer. Those who want him to just stick to the "it's all about the music" mentality might want to reconsider. Maybe, just maybe, it's not.