Report: Neil Patrick Harris to Open Oscars

Posted on March 2, 2010

Deadline reports that Neil Patrick Harris and Martin Short will open the Oscars with a musical number. Deadline bills it as a spoiler, but this is news that will make people tune in early. We know we will.

Anything can change, but that unlikely duo has been rehearsing an original opening song and dance routine that is one of 2 big production numbers choreographed by executive producer Adam Shankman. (The other involves extreme street dancers who’ve performed on So You Think You Can Dance where Shankman is a judge and who’ll hoof to samplings from the Best Original Score nominees.) Though Harris is predominantly a TV star, he's an awards show regular. Short also is a TV regular these days, but he has a long relationship with the broadcast’s musical director Marc Shaiman, who put together the opening number.
Deadline says that Robin Williams was approached for the number, but he declined. We say: a Neil Patrick Harris musical number is a brilliant way to start the show. We're not sure about Martin Short singing and dancing, but he is funny, so that could work.

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