I also agree that while no one should be limited to what they can or cannot discuss, there is some basic humanity and sympathy and tactfulness and sensitivity that should probably be displayed in the confines of a conversation about a man's performance only days, weeks or months prior to his departure due to an extremely serious (and life-threatening) illness. That's all Bob is saying, Brian.
"Yes Bob - but this is a Broadway theater discussion board - not Roger Rees personal blog/website. We are here to discuss theater, shows, the performances and the performers..."
And we are discussing a performer. We're discussing the unfortunate condition he is in that required him to leave a show early. There is nothing about the rules on this website that claim we can ONLY discuss a performer's performance and nitpick, and really, the fact that the news of his having to leave due to illness only prompted you to discuss how bad he was in the role is kind of gross.
"Was uns befreit, das muss stärker sein als wir es sind." -Tanz der Vampire
"there is some basic humanity and sympathy and tactfulness and sensitivity that should probably be displayed in the confines of a conversation about a man's performance ...."
Do you think you should have used some of that humanity sympathy and tact in your post about his illness?
ANYWAYS. I know Brian and he's not a dick so please stop trying to turn him into one here. All he said was that he found the performance weak and feeble and next to Nelis' Anton, he was. I always took it as a character choice but you guys are making it sound like Brian said he's glad Roger is sick.
"We are discussing a performer. We're discussing the unfortunate condition he is in that required him to leave a show early. There is nothing about the rules on this website that claim we can ONLY discuss a performer's performance and nitpick, and really, the fact that the news of his having to leave due to illness only prompted you to discuss how bad he was in the role is kind of gross. "
jane. I apologized after the fact. You would know if you actually read the posts in this thread. Nice try, though. I would also suggest that what I did was out of ignorance, not lack of empathy or sensitivity. To each his own.
Also, Jordan, I am not sure if anyone is trying to make Brian out to be a dick. He's succeeding just fine without others' help. I also don't see anyone in this thread suggesting that he is somehow happy or pleased with Roger being ill. They're just asking for him to show a little tactfulness and civility by tempering his negative remarks at this time. I think it's pretty reasonable to ask for some respect, no?
"Since that post was deleted quickly thereafter and no longer exists, your question is trivial and unnecessary within the scope of this conversation. "
No, Jane's question was apt. If you had a shred of human decency, you would have taken her question as a cue to absent yourself from making further comments in this thread or on this topic.
You are the LAST person to lecture anyone on this board about anything.
Your deleted post was monstrously insensitive and inappropriate.
He's such a great actor. Nicholas Nickleby is one of my favorite series, and he is so great in it. I also thought that he was truly wonderful in The Visit, giving a bizarre and feeble performance that contrasted with the harsh nature of the musical. I hope that what ever he is dealing with right now he can overcome and that he is able to return to proper health. Wishing him and his family all the best.
The role Rees played was of a man broken down over the years by many things including what he did to Chita. It is not supposed to be a happy go lucky role. His acting was superb. He was never known for his voice.
Wishing him well and a speedy recovery and a quick return to the stage.
Historical note: I happened to see Mr. Rees play John Adams in 1776 on the Friday evening after 9/11. He began the show with a brief curtain speech about the ideals of the characters in the play and what they meant to him (as a Brit) in the context of that terrible week.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
He then went on to be the best John Adams since William Daniels.
I don't need to know what ails him to wish him nothing but the best!