| As I believe I have posted before, Brian d'Arcy James's first Broadway credit was as a member of the ensemble in the Lincoln Center/Hytner CAROUSEL. Even if his singing voice then wasn't as fully developed, gorgeous, and powerful as it became by the time of TITANIC, I think it goes without saying that he would have sung the role of Billy in CAROUSEL far better than Michael Hayden, and would have acted it at least as well. I'd like to think that if Hayden hadn't come over with the production from London, Brian might have gotten the part; but on the other hand, according to ibdb.com, he is listed as an understudy for the roles of Jigger and Mr. Bascombe but NOT for Billy. So, go figure! |