Odds & Ends: Kelli O'Hara on Auditions, Billy Elliot Is Tougher Than the Military & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Kelli O'Hara on Auditions
Kelli O’Hara is full of admiration for kids auditioning today compared to when she started out. “People are looking for that money note. I’m not an American Idol type singer; I don’t have that one note to make people fall out of their chairs,” the five-time Tony nominee told Variety. “With my voice, I need to tell a story. I wouldn’t be here today if the world had worked that way then.” We beg to differ, Kelli, but you're adorable to say so! You can catch her telling the story of The King and I eight shows a week at Lincoln Center.

Rafe Spall to Join His Dad at Old Vic?
Rafe Spall, who made his Broadway debut in 2013's Betrayal, is in talks to star opposite his father at London's Old Vic, according to the Daily Mail. As previously reported, Timothy Spall will headline Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker at the venue and Rafe is thought to be up for the role of Aston, a part that has formerly been played by luminaries including Oscar winner Colin Firth.

Mayor de Blasio & Lin-Manuel Miranda Team Up
Mayor de Blasio has appointed Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and mega producer Daryl Roth and reappointed playwright George C. Wolfe to the Theater Subdistrict Council. They will be responsible for administering New York’s Theater Subdistrict Fund and allocating grants with the goal of promoting the production of new theater work, developing new audiences and showcasing Broadway’s role in the history of American theater.

Broadway Bares Solo Strips Canceled in Protest
The Broadway Bares Solo Strips show on May 10 at 42West has been canceled in protest after proprietors linked to the location were connected to a Senator Ted Cruz event. Cruz has been a strong opponent of same-sex marriage. In a statement the organizers said: “We cannot in good conscience hold an event at a venue whose owners have alienated our community, as reflected in Thursday’s New York Times story and today’s follow-up.”

Billy Elliot is Tougher Than the Military
We loved this interview and thought it the perfect story to (high) kick off the weekend with. David Alvarez, who won a Tony in 2009 as one of the three boys to alternate the role of Billy Elliot, is now a swing in On the Town. And in the interim? He joined the army. About which Alvarez has to say to The New York Times: “When I did basic training, I always thought, this is hard but it’s not Billy Elliot hard.” Take that, naysayers—Broadway is the ultimate test of endurance!