John has a really wonderful way with him, and I think it's safe to say in his earlier films, he primarily cast actors who came with a strong theater background. (film.avclub.com)
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Director: Michael Gracey Starring: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Zendaya I grew up with a deep love of musicals and have a music theater background. (paulstriptothemovies.com)
Watson, the one with the least musical theater background, isn't likely to suddenly launch a second career as a pop singer, but still more than holds her own alongside Stevens, giving numbers like «Belle» and «Something There» plenty of emotion, as does Thompson with the title track. (ign.com)