Tommy Tune as Cassidy successor? Deal close, assistant says

Broadway superstar Tommy Tune is close to being named David Cassidy's replacement in the MGM Grand's production of "EFX," according to Tune's personal assistant.

The nine-time Tony award-winning singer/dancer/choreographer/director, known for his lanky 6-foot-6 frame and upbeat persona, is "one or two calls" away from finalizing the deal, Tune's assistant, Tom Reidy, confirmed Thursday.

Cassidy, the former "Partridge Family" star, announced Wednesday that he will not sign a new contract when his current two-year contract expires at the end of this year. Michael Crawford, the former "Phantom of the Opera," originated the role in March 1995 and left the show in September 1996 due to injuries.

Tune, 58, traveled to Las Vegas three weeks ago to tour the $45 million special effects extravaganza, Reidy said. Final negotiations will include discussions on how the show will be adjusted to play to Tune's strengths, including adding new musical material.

"They need to come to an agreement of how the show can work for Tommy," Reidy said. "He's seen both the video of Cassidy and the Michael Crawford version; his will be closer to the Crawford version."

MGM Senior Vice President of Worldwide Entertainment Richard Sturm declined to comment on any ongoing negotiations with Tune, saying "there's nothing done yet. I don't want to discuss what we're doing at this point."

Tune is expected to sign for an eight-month run and move to Las Vegas for that time, after which he will return to Broadway for rehearsals for a much-delayed revival of "Easter Parade," co-starring Sandy Duncan.

It was another delay of the show that enabled Tune to fit "EFX" into his schedule, Reidy noted.

Tune's Broadway career spans more than 30 years and includes musicals such as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Nine," "My One and Only," "Grand Hotel," and "The Will Rogers Follies."

The Texas-bred performer is the only person in theatrical history to win in four categories of the Tony Awards, for best actor, featured actor, director and choreographer. His 1973 role in "Seesaw" was the first openly gay character in a mainstream Broadway musical.

His most recent musical performance was the one-man show, "Tommy Tune Tonight!" which appeared on Broadway and toured worldwide, including a 1994 stop in Las Vegas as a fund-raiser for the Nevada Dance Theater.

Tune's only film credits are for the musicals "The Boyfriend" and "Hello Dolly" -- a screen credit he shares, ironically, with Crawford.

In 1995, Tune suffered a foot injury that derailed the musical "Busker Alley," but allowed him to write and publish his 1997 memoirs, "Footnotes." He also recently released his first solo CD, "Slow Dancin'," a collection of romantic ballads.

Despite his credentials, the MGM's only concern, according to an unnamed source at the hotel, is that Tune may lack the "marquee value" of a pop TV star such as Cassidy.

But those in the theatrical community responded enthusiastically to the news.

"I think Tommy Tune is great," Nevada Ballet Theater company manager Norman Cain said. "He's a real audience-pleaser, multi-talented. As far as I'm concerned, he can do anything."

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