THE WEST WING - SCHIFF BLASTS STAGE MUSICALS

THE WEST WING actor RICHARD SCHIFF has blasted stage musicals, insisting audiences should watch serious plays instead. SCHIFF, who played TOBY ZIEGLER in the hit show, will make his London West End debut next year (07) with his one man drama UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL - and has promised to "work in some choreography" to attract a bigger audience. Plays are under threat in the West End due to rising costs, declining ticket sales and the influx of big-budget musicals, but Schiff cites current hit FROST/NIXON as proof people should give theatre a chance. He says, "It's tragic if people would rather see the 403rd version of CATS instead of that. People who would rather see a frickin' musical are out of their minds."