"Eli Stone" cast's gotta sing, gotta dance

LOS ANGLES — "Eli Stone" — the ABC comedy/drama/fantasy/musical — is back for a second season.

Last year's midseason series is about a lawyer who has musical visions. Stone's visions can range from solo performances by rocker George Michael to elaborate production numbers by the entire cast.

Some of the show's cast members came to the series better equipped than others to handle the musical numbers. Jonny Lee Miller, who plays Eli Stone, didn't have to do much singing or dancing in the films "Trainspotting" or "Aeon Flux." And Natasha Henstridge never broke into song in either "Species" or "Species II."

The producers were just looking for good actors. It was a bonus that cast members like Loretta Devine, who appeared on stage in "Dreamgirls," could carry a tune.

Victor Garber might be best known to television viewers for his work on "Alias," but he's a seasoned veteran of musical theater. When he was cast, the producers told him there might be a chance later in the season to use his musical skills.

Once filming started, the cast realized the demands that are created doing a weekly series with so many musical numbers. There aren't weeks to practice dance moves or prepare for the vocals.

All that song and dance jazz has not been a problem for Devine. She says she has not seen the show as hard work but more as a fun way to make a living.

"When I auditioned, they didn't tell me I'd be singing. So it was like a wonderful surprise to be a part of this. So I really love it. I'm begging for more," Devine said.

Sam Jaeger, whose résumé includes roles on nonmusical TV shows such as "ER, "CSI" and "NYPD Blue," has a positive outlook when it comes to having to stretch himself for the musical numbers.

"Any job is wonderful. But I'm thankful I'm not on a crime show just lifting up evidence and putting it back down 40 times. Every week is a new challenge, a new experience for us as actors, and we're all really thankful for that," Jaeger says.

No one escapes the musical numbers. Katie Holmes is scheduled to guest-star Tuesday, and Mrs. Tom Cruise will be tapping and crooning with the rest of the cast.