PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts- Page 3
PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
jordangirl
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/1/06
#50re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 11:30am
IMHO, those were the most impressive...even if extremely reminiscent (to me anyway) of the Garden of Eden costumes in Gypsy. Maybe that was the point?
The rest were...clothes, really.
Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
#51re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 12:32pm
I was so looking forward to this production. I can't believe it's getting such negative remarks on here...too bad.
I hope they turn it around, it's such a fantastic show.
#52re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 12:53pm
The reason to revive "Pal Joey" is a true star-quality leading man waiting in the wings to take on this role and truly shine in it.
That wasn't the case here. Why Hoff? He was a poor choice from the get-go. He's simply not the kind of actor that holds the whole stage and owns the room, and as Best12bars pointed out, he's also just not the right type.
If Hugh Jackman had wanted to star on Broadway in "Pal Joey", this should have been revived in a New York minute. But otherwise? Forget about it.
#53re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:18pmGoing into the show last night, I knew nothing about Pal Joey, but I had a good time. I agree that Martha Plimpton stole the show, but I thought that the other actors did a great job as well. I was surprised to see the negative reaction this is getting online. Hopefully they make the changes needed so that everyone enjoys it.
#54re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:22pmI'm confused, so Martha's character now sings "Zip" in the updated book? What happened to the reporter?
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.
barcelona20
Broadway Star Joined: 1/19/08
#55re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:36pm
Reporter is gone. Martha's character is dressed up like a reporter initially, and as part of the act, starts questioning him.
Joey leaves, and then Martha takes center stage with Zip.
#56re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:19pm
I liked the costumes alot, and the sets were very good.
It was just Hoff--- his character is just too central, and on stage way too much, to have someone perform the role so poorly.
I had no connection with him AT ALL.
I kept wishing he would turn into James Marsden !! (or anyone else, but Marsden was the first to pop into my head)
There is a certain charisma/charm needed for this role (other than the obvious ability to dance and sing), that Hoff just doesnt possess.
#57re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:51pm
"Reporter is gone. Martha's character is dressed up like a reporter initially, and as part of the act, starts questioning him."
So, they combined those two female roles then? I was wondering what happened to "Stritch's part." It's gone now. Absorbed and blended!
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#58re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:56pm
.... and while we are at it... Could we at least have COLOR Playbill's the FIRST night !!??? :))
mc1227
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/07
#59re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:05pm
I have tickets to this show in January and I hope they make some improvements. I was pleased when Hoff was announced as the star, but didn't realize his singing and dancing wasn't up to the task. Like most others, I thought he was marvelous in "Jersey Boys".
I hestitantly chose this show as one of three at Roundabout this season because of Joe Mantello's involvement. I honestly believe that he doesn't get the best from the actors he is given. He doesn't make anyone better, he just hopes that the cast he has gives him an A+ performance. Let's hope he can make the necessary adjustments.
The only review of a show that matters is your own.
#60re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:06pm
...and I'm sorry but that set looks like the trendy entrance to a men's room in a WeHo dance club.
Maybe it loses something in the photo.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#61re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:52pmCan someone print the cast list/songs page? thanks.
And I Am Always So Vitriolic
#62re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:14pmAND that section of the set is used for a barely 5-minute song and dance number and doesn't reflect what the majority of the show looks like.
I love America. Just because I think gay dudes should be allowed to adopt kids and we should all have hybrid cars doesn't mean I don't love America.
[turns and winks directly into the camera]
- Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) on 30 Rock
perfectliar
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
#63re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:16pm
CAST (in order of appearance):
Joey Evans... Christian Hoff
Mike... Robert Clohessy
Val... Nadine Isenegger
Gladys Bumps... Martha Plimpton
Diane... Kathryn Mowat Murphy
Cookie... Lisa Gajda
Linda English... Jenny Fellner
Hank Armour... Brian Barry
Seaver Swift... Timothy J. Alex
Vera Simpson... Stockard Channing
Ted... Anthony Holds
Drummer... Matthew Risch
Ernest... Steven Skybell
Tailor Shop Customer... Anthony Holds
Ludlow Lowell... Daniel Marcus
The Kid... Hayley Podschun
Workman... Mark Morettini
Ensemble... Timothy J. Alex, Brian Barry, Bahiyah Sayyed Gaines, Lisa Gajda, Anthony Holds, Nadine Isenegger, Mark Morettini, Kahryn Mowat Murphy, Hayley Podschun, Matthew Risch, Krista Saab
Swings... Abbey O'Brien, Eric Sciotto
Club Patrons... Meredith Forlenza, Quinn Mattfield, Nicole Orth-Pallavicini
perfectliar
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
#64re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:20pm
Musical Numbers
Act One:
Overture
Chicago (Joey)
You Mustn't Kick It Around (Joey, Gladys, Girls)
I Could Write a Book (Joey, Linda)
Chicago - Reprise (Girls)
That Terrific Rainbow (Gladys, Girls)
What Is a Man? (Vera)
Are You My Love? (Joey, Linda)
Happy Hunting Horn (Joey, Girls)
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (Vera)
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Reprise (Vera)
Pal Joey (What Do I Care for a Dame?) (Joey)
Chez Joey (Joey, Company)
Act Two:
The Flower Garden of My Heart (Ludlow Lowell, Gladys, Girls)
In Our Little Den of Iniquity (Joey, Vera)
Zip (Gladys)
Plant You Now, Dig You Later (Girls)
Do It the Hard Way (Joey, Linda)
Zip - Reprise (Val)
I Still Believe in You (Linda)
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - Reprise (Vera)
Take Him (Linda, Vera)
I'm Talkin' to My Pal (Joey)
I Still Believe in You - Reprise (Linda)
I Could Write a Book - Reprise (Joey)
#65re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:22pm
perfectliar, who are the understudies?
I assume Hayley Podschun is covering Linda, Matthew Risch is covering Joey, and Nadine Isenegger is covering Gladys?
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#66re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:51pmFrom what I have been reading it is Hoff's singing that is bad and his dancing and acting that are good. Isn't this the opposite of what everyone was predicting?
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
#67re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:56pmHis dancing was passable and his acting was one-note, so I wouldn't agree with that.
I love America. Just because I think gay dudes should be allowed to adopt kids and we should all have hybrid cars doesn't mean I don't love America.
[turns and winks directly into the camera]
- Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) on 30 Rock
#68re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 4:56pm
<< From what I have been reading it is Hoff's singing that is bad and his dancing and acting that are good. Isn't this the opposite of what everyone was predicting? >>
I thought his singing was horrible---- his dancing and acting are just bad.
#69re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 5:08pm
Is anyone familiar with the orchestra seating at Studio 54?
I have always sat in the mezzanine there and just picked up a seat in Orch Row A Seat 4 for tonight.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Mattbrain
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
#70re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 5:26pmSpecifically, what's wrong with his voice. Has it gotten worse since Jersey Boys, not better?
Butters, go buy World of Warcraft, install it on your computer, and join the online sensation before we all murder you.
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ATTENTION FANS: I will be played by James Barbour in the upcoming musical, "BroadwayWorld: The Musical."
#71re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 5:44pm
I'm sorry but if these reports are accurate, then he should definitely be replaced and someone with actual dancing skills and enough charisma to carry the show should be brought in.
I'm still surprised that Stockard Channing doesn't seem to be doing well in the show either, wonder if it's just a matter of her getting comfortable with the material.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#72re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 5:53pm
Mattbrain, I'm not really sure how to go into the specifics of "miscast."
Basically, his voice does not qualify the smoothness and subtle power of a crooner which this part was clearly written for. He struggles in his upper register which is heavily used during the score and uses what sounds to be an underdeveloped head voice. He also closed off many of his vowels and word-endings in order to carry off notes therefore muffling his already bad singing.
I love America. Just because I think gay dudes should be allowed to adopt kids and we should all have hybrid cars doesn't mean I don't love America.
[turns and winks directly into the camera]
- Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) on 30 Rock
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#73re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 5:56pmWell maybe he's just trying different things? Who knows. I'm sure he'll be up to the task by opening night - at least one can hope.
joneswright08
Swing Joined: 6/21/08
#74re: PAL JOEY -- First Preview Thoughts
Posted: 11/15/08 at 6:35pmMattbrain-how could anyone have known about Hoff's singing in Jersey Boys? He didn't sing much at all...
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