Ellen Barkin And Andrew Rannells Sign On To Do New NBC Comedy From ‘Glee’ Team

I learned last night that we have some new stars of the NBC comedy pilot The New Normal. Actress Ellen Barkin is in negotiations to star in a new comedy from the Glee team, Ryan Murphy and Allison Adler. It has been described as a heartwarming comedy about a blended family, a gay couple and a surrogate. They’ve signed on some real talent including the lead from the Broadway hit, Book of Mormon…

Ellen Barkin will be taking on the role of the surrogate mother. She is know for her work on Broadway and indie flicks including, Another Happy Day and The Normal Heart, for which she received a Tony award. Andrew Rannells has also signed on to play one of the male leads. He comes to us via Book Of Mormon, e the musical that collected 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and cemented it's stature as the best offering from Broadway this season.

Ryan Murphy is really becoming the man about town. Yesterday we heard that the American Horror Story creator confirmed on the late night TV talk show ‘Watch What Happens Live’ that the AMAZING Jessica Lange will be returning for the second season. The pic below is Of Ryan from the premiere in October.

The success of Glee has been astounding so I have high hopes for this new comedy. Though quite different, it will be fascinating to see what the Glee team comes up with. The casting is also interesting and bold, going with lesser known actors and people with Broadway and indie experience. I think Andrew Rannells was a great choice, he’s a fantastic comedic actor and will add a real sense of humor and life to the character. I am guessing that there will be a strong musical element to the show given that they are using actors with that background and given the experience of the writers and producers…what are you thinking? Will you watch the pilot when it comes out?

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