Actor Broderick calls Broadway 'peculiar'

NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Film actor Matthew Broderick, who took part in an off-Broadway production, says the New York theater area is in a "peculiar" state.

Broderick, 47, recently completed his part in a production of "The Starry Messenger" and said his take on Broadway is it appears only productions that are popular musicals or feature a recognizable name are seeing the light of day, the New York Post reported Sunday.

"It's very peculiar right now. It seems that almost all shows need to have a big star in them. Right now, it seems to be a limited run with a big star in it or a musical that's a brand name," Broderick said.

Broderick expressed concern he and his fellow "Messenger" cast members will not enjoy a Broadway run.

"I don't think we will. I guess people want a really sure bet when they spend money on a ticket," he told the Post.

As for Broderick's new film role as a disliked former children's musician in "Wonderful World," the actor admits playing misanthropes may have a unique appeal.

"Well-adjusted people can be dull. (My character) has a lot of conflicts to fight against, I guess. I like playing happy people, too," he said.