Profile for The Distinctive Baritone

Does anyone remember if F. Murray Abraham sang well in the musical Triumph of Love back in the late 90’s?

Even if his singing voice was once passable (he has a great speaking voice), he is 84 and perhaps they realized in rehearsals that his days of singing professionally are over and subsequently cut his songs.

BorisTomashevsky said: "Does anyone have friends who are being auditioned right now? Is it the ALW Phantom material they’re singing? Or some other version?"

Someone mentioned in an earlier thread that longtime Phantom understudy Jeremy Stolle was involved in a workshop of it. From what I’ve read it is indeed the ALW version. The thinly veiled casting notice from a few weeks back confirms it I think.

Reading between the lines of the review - which, having become very familiar with Jones’ work over the past 20 years, I can say was obviously written to be as kind and supportive as possible - he’s basically saying what people in the board have: it’s a mess, and not ready for Broadway, but the score is interesting and Ghee is fantastic.

This link should have no paywall: Chris Jones Tribune review

east side story said: "After seeing a preview performance of The Producers, David Geffen allegedly told the creative team that they had a “huge hit on (their) hands, but one major problem. You’ve got to fire Broderick.”

I saw the original cast in previews and also thought that Broderick was the weak link. I was surprised when the reviews came out and everyone praised him.

Reed Birney is almost 70…

Of the list provided, Jefferson Mays seems the most “Herbie-ish” to me, and the most believable as a romantic partner to Audra.

I don’t think anyone has mentioned The Weir and Shining City by Connor McPherson. Both are more “creepy” than scary, although the end of Shining City contains a highly effective jump scare.

I read the entire original post in less than a minute. Some of you have no attention span (and are very rude).

Ah. So she is functioning kind of like the Emcee in Cabaret? Interesting. Wish I still lived in Chicago and could see it.

FWIW, Jim Williams was in his fifties during the events of the book. Tom Hewitt is about a decade too old for the role - although Pasquale would have read as too young I think. But yeah, Williams was around thirty years older than Danny. 

I’m disappointed to hear these mixed early reports. Why are they focusing the show on Lady Chablis? This makes no sense to me. Maybe that’s why Steven Pasquale dropped out - he thought he was playing the lead, and they turned the lead into a supporting role. The book has a lot of characters, but it’s mostly about Jim Williams.

I think that Borle’s Tony winning performance as Black Stache shows that he can do camp just fine!

I am now curious if Borle got the money Rannels was asking for but the producers wouldn’t give him. Borle is a bigger star with two Tony Awards, so I’m guessing…yes. I even have to wonder if Borle had expressed interest in the role during Rannels’ negotiations, which is why they were willing to let him walk away…

Do Americans know or care enough about the Burton-Gielgud production to go see this? As a Shakespeare person I’m in the target demographic, but am not sure how interested I would be… 

There are at least three or four Phantom of the Opera musicials, one of which is one of the most famous and successful musicals in the world. I can’t imagine anyone attempting to make another one. It must be the ALW version.

This seems a million times more interesting than a scaled-down proscenium stage revival. I’m excited.

chrishuyen said: "If you're not in the US it's possible they could've restricted it to a specific region, in which case I'd suggest trying a VPN"

I am in France right now. I guess that explains it, thanks!

Everything has been removed 😟

I wasn’t able to watch the ceremony…and I can’t find performances and acceptance speeches online. Any leads?

Pasquale is 47, but looks younger…I mean he recently played Booth in Assasins, who was 27. If it wasn’t for Google, I’d guess Pasquale is in his mid-late thirties. If the rumor is true, he’ll be fine.