Greg Jbara Discussion - ONLY

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 3:43am

Gregory Jbara Discussion Thread - All welcome, but NO SPAM Please
Posted On: 8/26/05 at 03:40:19 AM by: JbaraFan1

First of all, if the mods feel this is repetitive or itself spamming, they can delete it, but please hear me out first.

I'm not dissing the other thread at all, but at the same I happen to know that some fans of Greg's have been turned off by a lot of what goes on in the love thread. I appreciate the regular posters on the "love threads" and their enthusiasm for Greg and their determination to keep the thread at the top, but at the same time I know where fans like Ali are coming from when they are critical of (dare I say it) frivolous posts (some of which, admittedly, may have at times been my own). And it goes without saying that Greg appreciates all his fans and their support.

However, and again, here's the reason for this new thread ... there are those, and this includes FANS ... who might genuinely like to discuss things related to Greg and his career, whether Broadway, movies or tv, but are a bit put off by things in the love thread such as all the animated gifs postings and so many completely off-the-topic-of-Greg posts there.

So hopefully this thread can be a place where all fans - and that includes those who post on the love thread, should any besides me venture over here - (or anyone) can come and post more ... (dare I say it?) relevant ... messages about Greg -- not chitchat; not image-posting contests; not weather reports and class schedules; not even play-by-play discussion of what's happening on Greg's cam on his webcam days; all that can stay on the love thread, far as I'm concerned. (Not that my concerns should concern anyone.) :)

I know there are people out there who stay away from the other thread but who are also admirers of Greg, of his career and talents. This thread is meant to be an alternative to the other thread, not "better than" it. A thread for those who feel lost or out of place when they venture onto the other one. Lord knows "Aunt Barb" here loves ya, kiddos ... but if I'm honest here, I have to admit that there are times I feel like one of those lost and out of place ones in the love thread. I'm just sayin' ...
I truly hope I'm not stepping on any toes, because that's really not my intention, and I hope all will take this in the spirit in which it's intended. Love threaders, know that I think you're terrific. I just want other Greg fans to feel like there's a place for them too.

If this topic moves off page one and beyond, so be it. I have enough faith to believe that if it does, it will eventually move back up again when someone has something to say. But whatever happens, let's just let it happen naturally to this thread. It's cool.

So to perhaps actually start the discussion, I'd like to hear from those who saw Greg on (or off-) Broadway in the past, before DRS. How was he in those earlier productions (Damn Yankees, Victor/Victoria, etc.); how does the Greg Jbara of those days compare to the Greg Jbara performing eight shows a week these days in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? Has his acting gotten better? Stayed the same? If you've also followed his film and tv career, how would you answer the previous two questions in light of seeng his film and tv roles over the past several years?

I've only seen Greg live on stage in DRS. And I've seen V/V on video. I'm not much of a critic as far as pin-pointing, but just as a member of the audience (live or in my living room), I thought Greg was great in V/V, but I think he's better than great in DRS. I can judge perhaps better when it comes to his on screen roles ... I think he keeps getting better and better at the craft of acting. Right now probably my favorite role that I've had the pleasure of watching Greg in was his guest star role on Century City as the father of a gay teenage son. CBS cancelled the series one episode, I believe, shy of airing this one ("Sweet Child of Mine"), but it shows up on some hi-def channel schedules (UHD, HDNET, I think) ... and I've heard rumors that there are "other ways" to get hold of this episode. :) I can find something to admire about any role I've ever seen Greg in (some simply because he can make me laugh so easily), but I don't know if anything I've ever seen him in has made me any prouder to actually know this man and call him my friend than his portrayal on that CC episode. Has anyone else seen it? It just touches me to the core everytime I view it.

I'm going to shut up, sit back, and see where this takes us.
(Hope I'm not double or multi-posting; keep getting a "that page isn't here" when I hit post.)

Love and Peace,
Barb


(Here's the link to the Greg Jbara Love Thread Pt. 3!) Updated On: 2/14/06 at 03:43 AM

[Tmyres77]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 5:58am

The Broadway version of "Victor/Victoria" is just that: a Broadway recording. They taped one of the live performances of the show when Blake Edwards directed in back in the mid-90s (I want to say 1995ish) and it was released on DVD a few years ago.

For me, it was difficult *at first) to follow, because I am such a huge fan of the original 1982 film release with Julie Andrews and Robert Preston, and the stage version changed some stuff (particularly "Le Jazz Hot" - my favorite song). But, after a few viewings, it comes to grow on you. And I'm a bit fuzzy here - as it's just before 5 a.m. - but what I can remem ber of Greg's role, I liked. He plays Squash Bernstein, the role of King's bodyguard.

As for getting it at Blockbuster, um good luck. I've never seen it there. BUT, Netflix has it and any movie store - FYE or Suncoast, etc. - should be able to get it for you!

Hope that helps!

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 8:02am

Victor/Victoria dvd ... Amazon.com has it for $17.99. I just checked and right now it's saying ony 4 in stock, but says more on the way.
Also says "63 used and new from $9.99".
V/V 1995 Broadway Production

[Tmyres77]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 8:40am

Sarah, it's actually a musical in both the movie and the broadway version ... each has something to offer, but I gotta' be honest - the movie is *still* my first love!

Get a used copy - it's much cheaper and they're just as good.

So, has anyone heard The First Lady Suite? I've caught a few tidbits here and there. From what I've heard, Greg sounds very ... shall I say Billy Flynn-ish? Thoughts?

[Mamie]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 8:52am

Thank you Barb. I appreciate what you're trying to do here - as you know only too well! There is this incredibly wonderful group of young folks over on the other thread who were attracted there because of their admiration for Greg. It's encouraging to know that they are drawn to someone as terrific and downright decent as Greg is. It's a testament to Greg (and Lord knows - he deserves it) and it's a testament to their good taste!

Having said that though..... I just couldn't go through any more pages of cartoon gifs, monkeys, one-word-posts-made-to-make-the-thread-as-long-as-possible, endless comments on the sexiness of bell boys, etc. One time I saw that thread go for over 4 pages, praising everything and everyone under the sun EXCEPT Greg Jbara. It gradually became less and less about him and more and more about everything else.

This thread probably won't be self sustaining simply because the sort of fans it addresses don't spend all their spare time on this board - or on the Internet for that matter. Still, it's wonderful knowing that a place exists for them to comment when they are here.

Now - I did see Greg in Victor/Victoria. I was really excited about this show because I loved the movie so much. I'm afraid I was basically disappointed in most of the major players though. Julie (who I adore) was unable to sing as well as before and this hurt the most. Add to that the fact that Tony Roberts, who I've never liked in ANYTHING was attempting to replace the irreplacable Robert Preston. MAJOR disappointment! Michael Nouri registered zero. I didn't like him or dislike him. I couldn't even remember him 2 minutes after he left the stage.

The two major highlights of the show were Rachel York and Gregory Jbara. I would have said that anyone trying to replace Lesley Ann Warren was also facing an impossible task. But Rachel did it and she was WONDERFUL in it! And Greg Jbara? I LOVED THAT GUY! He was just wonderful. My greatest frustration came at the end with that mini-aria. Why in the world was that his only chance to sing? STUPID STUPID STUPID!

I'd never seen Greg in anything before that and (as you know) I've only seen him one time - and for one act only - since then. But I became a fan with V/V and I remain one now. The one show I probably regret not seeing the most was his Billy Flynn in Chicago. Do you know what dates he performed and who played his Roxie and Velma?

Updated On: 8/26/05 at 08:52 AM

[Tmyres77]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 10:08am

I could be wrong, but if I recall, he played "Chicago" at the Las Vegas venue. And I do know that Nana Visitor (most widely known as Colonel Kira Nerys on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) played Roxie Hart for a while in Vegas and on Broadway. I'm pretty sure Greg and Nana performed together.

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of that LOL!

[ckeaton]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 10:11am

Just kidding.

[Tmyres77]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 10:27am

Once again, I'm amazed by the maturity exhibited by some posters. *rolling my eyes*

But I did check, yes, Greg and Nana both performed in the Las Vegas run of "Chicago."

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 10:40am

ck, you're funny.

In the B'way production of Chicago, Greg replaced James Naughton as Billy Flynn sometime in 1997. I don't know exact dates or just who played his Roxie and Velma while he was in the show (I know! some great official site webmaster I am!), but if I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure Marilu Henner played Roxie during that time ... not sure if she was the only one or not. I've emailed Greg and when I hear back from him, I'll post any further info he relays.

Of course some Broadway-savvy Jbara/Chicago fan may beat me to it. :) Checked IBDB but it doesn't specify Greg's dates.

edited in PS ... dug this info up from an old "news" page of the web site; gives more "Greg as Billy Flynn" info, but these don't have to do with his Broadway role either ... thought I'd post it anyway:

CHICAGO APPEARANCES (this is other than on Broadway)

LAS VEGAS
January 18-February 27, 2000 - Mandalay Bay Theatre
------------------------------------
'ROXIE' COMPANY (National Tour)
August 17 - August 22, 1999 -Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Greenville, SC.

October 12-17, 1999 - University of Arizona

January 11 through January 16, 2000 - Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI Updated On: 8/26/05 at 10:40 AM

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 10:50am

Unfortunately I never saw Greg in anything pre-DRS, although I believe I have seen him on TV. I think he would be fabulous in as Billy Flynn, I wish I had seen that.

I love Greg in DRS and in the show last week (my ninth visit by the way! ) He was probably better than I ever saw before, but John's standby was not very good. I feel bad saying that but it was true.

Here is my discussion:
I figure in reality they will look for another "big name" to replace John, but I want to see Greg do "Larry." I think he has the perfect timing, and skills for the part. Do any of you think Greg would be great in the part? And would he take it if asked?
(what if I begged?)

Also, as a regular poster on "Adam Pascal Love," where things are always off-topic, and "Norbert Love" where it is generally on-topic, I think there are real advantages to both. I think Greg needs and deserves both.
But humor is always ok, like ck's little Pythonesque joke , and I'm always online because of work.

Great Job Barb!

Updated On: 8/26/05 at 10:50 AM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:00am

I like the idea of this thread as well Barb. I go back and forth on the other one.

I didn't realize V/V was out on DVD, I also happen to love Rachel York, so maybe some of the libraries around here have it, I'll have to look into it.

I did see him in Damn Yankees, which I've mentioned was my first show...but I was 7 and really don't remember much.

I also saw the Friends episode...which I think was great for his ability to keep a straight face(he said he thinks that's the only reason he got the part), but that being the hard part, it's hard for it to be showy or people to realize how difficult at least I think that is.

May get around to renting Out-Of-Towners, In & Out, Midsummer Night's Dream...I saw them all quite a few years ago, but may go back and visit them.

[Traci]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:09am

Thank you for this new Greg thread Barb. As much as I love the 'Love thread' it does, as you said get much too off topic at times. Although I admitedly have participated in some of that randomness. Though, more in an effort to 'stay in the loop' and not be as confused by a conversation myself.

Now, I've never seen V/V but have only heard wonderful things about it. I've looked at Blockbuster and they dont carry it. So thank you for posting the link to amazon. I have a birthday in the coming months and I just told my mom that that's what I want.

Chicago being one of my favorite shows I would have loved to see him as Billy as well, but that never happened. Perhaps in the furure he will reprise his role and I can see him then.

And I'm not as savvy with the computer as I thought. I've looked and looked and can't for the life of me find the dates of the chicago run, or the actors in the roles of Roxie and Velma. It's up to someone else.

And as for Penguin's question, I agree completely. I love Greg as Andre, but I too think he would make a wonderful 'Larry' in DRS. Though the chances of the happening are slim to none I'm sure. But if he did, I would be on a plane in a heart beat to see him.

I saw the show with Dennis, John's standby, also. I thought he was great. I didn't though like how he sung 'Love sneaks in'. But for being his second performance ever he was pretty damn good.

Updated On: 8/26/05 at 11:09 AM

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:14am

wrq, Greg only has one scene in The Out-of-Towners, but what a scene it is. Laugh out loud hilarious ... and he does it with a straight face too. One of the times I saw the movie at the theatre, there was one woman in the audience who just lost it when Greg says his quite memorable line during his scene. I was laughing at Greg on screen and laughing at her laughing at the same time. That scene still makes me laugh anytime I watch it. Greg's delivery of that one particular line is, IMO, sheer classic. Anyone who's seen it knows what I'm talking about! lol

[Mamie]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:35am

I'd trade my right arm to hear Greg sing "Love Walked In". (OK - it's no big deal. I'm left handed.) Nevertheless, I would love to hear it but unless he does it on his own, I don't believe I ever will. Unfortunately I believe that the deep drop in numbers for DRS during John's vacation have closed the doors on any possibility of Greg's replacing him. I think the shows producers, if they have the option, will go for a big 'star' name in that part.

[Logainne]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:36am

If Greg were to take on Lawrence, I would be at the theater so fast to see that. Sadly I've only come into my Greg phase because of DRS and haven't seen him in anything before. Now that I know about the V/V DVD I will definately try to get my hands on a copy. I've also been trying to rent the Out of Towners. Is the movie worth watching just for Greg? Plus are there any audio recordings out there of Greg in Chicago? I would love to hear him do Billy's number, I can only imagine he'd be fantastic.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:36am

I think I vaguely remember the character he played...don't remember the line but if I am remembering correctly the character he plays, that I don't doubt his brief screen time was hilarious.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:56am

Mamie - don't you mean "Love Sneaked In"

I think he is a master of accents and disguising his voice.

Between the way he sounds as Andre, in real life, and then on Drat! you would never know he is the same person.

I am also planning on getting First Lady Suite, as LaChiua is one of my favorite composers and Greg is on that CD.

Reviews on amazon actually gave him quite a good review.

[Mamie]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 11:58am

LOL - Yeah, I do. I'm so sick with the flu right now I'm amazed I remembered my own name....

I'm going to take a lot of controlled substances right now and go back to bed!

[Elphaba984]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:08pm

yay! i found the other thread. nice job barb. ok lets see what all have i seen greg in.

well i own victor/victoria. i got it for a xmas present one year. i absolutely love it. i'm actually a fan of rachel york. hence i asked for it. at the time i had no idea who greg was. after i saw DRS i rented midsummer night's dream and in and out. love them both. still wish greg would have had a bigger part, but either way he was wonderful in them both.

live: i've only seen him in DRS. i'm actually going to be going sometime this fall with my friend chrissy. i explained to her who he is and sent her the website. now she wants to try and get on the cam. hehe.. i've created a monster. so we're going to try and get cheap tickets and attempt to get on the cam.

i know this isn't the other thread. but anyone here who has been on the cam/backstage... any advice on how i could make that happen? i was talking to ali and from what she said was to email him and give him a heads up of when we're coming. i know it'll be a saturday. IUP runs bus trips to NY on weekends, so we just need to pick a date and get the tickets and go.

ok back to packing i go.

~meg

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 12:18pm

Mamie, I agree that it is unlikely with the level of the drop that they will replace John with anyone other than a "holywood star type," yet I see hope. I think the drop was only so severe because those people bought tickets wanting to SEE John. The lottery lines were still full and the TKTS tickets went, it was just people who bought tickets and tehn returned them that drove the numbers down. Hopefully, and I admit this is a big hope, DRS will not drop so much when people are simply buying tickets to see the show, not Litgow.
Also, I thought Dennis was servicable but pales in comparison to John. I may have thought differently had I no seen how John and Norbert interact and longed for that so much.

Back to Greg, his accents are tremendous, it amazed me when I actually spoke to him. I think he would have a totally new take on the Lawrence character than John but still take it to the same marvelous acting level. To hear him sing "Love Sneaks In" that's a dream.
Although I'd like to see Greg originate another part sooner rather than later. (I want to see him get a TONY)

[Thenardier]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:20pm

Click here for an ALL GREG forum

[WesternSky2]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:29pm

I just watched Victor/Victoria for the first time on Wednesday. What a great show. And Greg was just too funny. He also had the BEST moment of the finale. I love how the audience went wild!

I haven't seen Greg in DRS yet - I went during his vacation. But I'm going on September 3rd! (Too excited for words. )

Hmm.. haven't seen Out of Towners.. I have seen In & Out more times than I can possibly count! lol

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:30pm

I've yet to see Victor/Victoria and really only know a loose plot of it. What is Greg's characters role in it?

[WesternSky2]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:41pm

He plays a bodyguard to one of the main characters. He has some GREAT scenes. Very funny.

[Tmyres77]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 1:48pm

He plays Squash Bernstein, King's bodyguard, and I won't say anymore, because I don't want to give away any of the plot. Suffice to say, you will be laughing!

Kerrie - you went while Greg was out!? You poor girl! Thank goodness you're seeing it next week!

Is there anybody going in Nov that would like to meet up and say hi? I'll be there the 11-13 and would love to meet up over a soda (my treat!) and actually put names to faces!

I'm still debating whether or not to buy First Lady Suite? Any opinions?