[seymour_ii]

I'm currently playing Nathan and wondering what people think over the male lead issue. Me, being the actor I am think it is Nathan considering he sets up the entire plot and without him, Sky's story wouldn't exist. But I'd like to hear what others think...

[what_the_heck013]

In my opinion, they're both the leads. Most don't consider Nathan the lead because he sings less... or sometimes not at all.

[theaterforme]

It all depends on the actors playing the parts. It would be so easy for Nathan to steal the show if played that way- the lines and character development are all there. (so go for it!)
I have seen some shows where a weaker actor was basically just cast to support Sky because the whole point was that the actor playing Sky was being showcased. Also, Sky gets the big songs and thereby gets more chances to earn bonus points with the audience. However, Sue Me is probably my favorite song sung by a male in the whole show. It get's me every time, especially that one note...anyway I'm definitely rambling now. I hope you have a great production!

[sunrae]

[what_the_heck013]

[ALoneWanderer]

Sky is without a doubt the male lead of the show. Nathan may be a better part in your opinion, and is definitely a part with good material for show stealing, however it IS show stealing as the show does not originally "belong" to him. The leading man is Sky.

[seymour_ii]

do you have evidence to back that up?

[what_the_heck013]

I do agree that Sky is the male lead because although much of the action revolves around Nathan at first, Sky is the one who really puts the plot into motion.

[seymour_ii]

Lets use another example...shall we? "Fiddler on the Roof" was the first that came to mind. The Constable and Motel. Motel starts the whole marriage without a matchmaker thing which leads all the daughters to do so. The Constable delivers the news to the town. Would you say that either of them is the male lead? Of course not, because even without all that conflict, you have a root story with Tevye. You know about him. Nathan and Sky are the same way. Nathan still has a whole different plot to deal with, the Adelaide story. Sky has only the Sarah story. Maybe I'm crazy, I dunno but I've always thought (even before my casting) that Nathan was the lead.

[what_the_heck013]

Okay... example #2. Company. Who decided that he DOESN'T want to get married? Bobby Bobby Babababababababa Bobby. Male lead. Without Bobby, there is no plot... well, there's no plot anyway...

[seymour_ii]

In that case, yes, Bobby is the male lead, but that is a different case.

[pinkstiletto510]

I'd say both of them are leads...

[BroadwayBud]

While the four principle characters are all great roles, I've always considered Sky and Sarah to be the two leads and Nathan and Adelaide to be the secondary couple. I think that Nathan and Adelaide or often put on the same level as Sky and Sarah because they have more comedic material; which is not to say that Sky and Sarah don't, just that Nathan and Adelaide have more. Now would Sky techincaly being the lead stop me from auditioning for Nathan? No way! I'd much rather be Nathan than Sky. Sky, Sarah, Nathan, and Adelaide are all great roles and, in my opinion, standards of musical theater.

[Salome]

Nathan is hands down the leading man. Its his story..not sky's. plus He had more stage time as well.

if anything all 4 roles are equal but if you need to pivk Nathan and Adalide are the shows principals.

[undecidedatlife]

They're both leads... no doubt. I played Sky, but the guy who played Nathan is a MONSTER of a singer... like, he could be on broadway without worry. Crazy.

But, here's the thing. Nathan is the Comic Lead whilst Sky is the Romantic Lead. Differences there, and those prototypes are many shows.

[pelierplay_male07]

This year our school is putting on Guys and Dolls and i really am not sure what part i want Nathan Or Sky. I know i can do either part but im still not sure so My friends tell me i should do Sky but im still not sure but i think thats what im goin to do!!

[DaddyDiesel]

Sky is the lead of this show. He sings alot more and is involved with the plot alot more, will usually get the last bow with his counnterpart. Nathan is the supporting lead. He has more of a part than a supporting role.

As for your fiddler comparison. Tevye is in every plot. I dont even understand your comparison there.

[Salome]

[DaddyDiesel]

hmmm Im going to have to read the script. I guess I am wrong on this one. It just seemed sky was more involved when I saw the show.