Official Norbert Leo Butz Love Thread- Page 46

[Alejandra925]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 9:11pm

wendy: OMG, that would be the dream come true! :)

I have a hard time picturing other actors in these roles, especially Norbert.

Alejandra

[Alejandra925]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 10:47pm

Quote of the day, from Broadway.com:

Norbert Leo Butz
Best Leading Actor in a Musical Nominee for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
"I feel great…and a little tired. I have two small kids so I was up very early in the morning with them. I was literally dropping them off at school when I found out from my manager. She always insists that she gets to call with good news 'cause she usually has to call with bad news! I've been just trying to stay employed and to do the best material. I've gotten really lucky, but you never know. The work chooses you. It's just a big dumb-luck game. But I'm thrilled to be in the company that I'm in. You just gotta enjoy it graciously. I'm so happy that [John Lithgow] was nominated. That was one I was keeping my fingers crossed on. I was gonna have to pull a Julie Andrews if he didn't make it. 'I will not appear! They neglected my friend and I decline your nomination!' I didn't tell my kids yet. They don't give a crap about any of this. They want their Trix, and they want it now! I'm sitting here spreading peanut butter on apples for lunch. My five year old has a friend over, and they're making wooden pizza for me, which I'm about to sit down and enjoy. All my kids care about is Wicked. They're still mad at me for leaving that show. They thought it was my job forever and that I'd be 70 years old wearing those tight white pants, singing 'Dancing Through Life.' They could care less about this."

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 11:02pm

I love that story that made my day!
I did not get in DRS, the lottery was really strong today which is a great sign though!
I saw Chitty and did not like it much.
Trying DRS again tomorrow!

[broadway betty]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 11:17pm

I love that quote! Norbert's Tony nom seems to be a bigger event in my life than it is in his, lol! He's just happy to be working but if this nom and win mean that he'll get more roles, them we both will be "VERY, VERY, HAPPAY!"

I've just been thinking that Norbert is the best so he should win but people have been saying that he has no chance or that Tim Curry will probably win. That kinda got me upset. I don't want to care this much but I do. I want Norbert to win so badly and I will be in a horrible funk if he doesn't.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 11:20pm

Who thinks Curry will win Betty?
I will hunt them down and knock them over the head.

[broadway betty]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 11:43pm

Chrys loves Norbert but she thinks that Curry will win because of Rocky Horror. I've heard other people say that, too. And Alejandra told me that some Wicked fan said Norbert had no chance of winning. It's foolish of me to just assume that Norbs will win because he's the best nominee. I haven't considered the politics involved. I'm going to be a wreck for the next month, thank goodness that classes are almost over!

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 11:50pm

But (and admittedly this is more a hope than a fact)
Norbert is the BREAKOUT performer, I really think Curry got his nomination more on his name. The politics could point Norbert's way too, people say Lithgow will be pushing for Norbert instead of himself. I think there will be lots of BAD publicity if they go with Curry. I really only see it happening in that worst case scenario, a Spamalot sweep... I would hate that.

[hedwig14]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 12:15am

Thanks for posting that quote Alejandra! I loved that Julie Andrews reference.

I really can't believe people are insisting that Tim Curry should win the Tony this year. It really drives me crazy every time I read something about it. Even though I love him as a performer he does not deserve an award for this role. And how in the world can someone even think NLB doesn't have a chance of winning??? Craziness!

[wendy72]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:15am

I don't know who these people are who are saying Norb's chances are slim, but I point to the facts--Norbs was nominated for the OCC--won, the Drama Desk, which Curry was not, and received the best reviews of any male performer this season. All the posters on talkin'broadway seem to think Norbs is a lock for the award.

Don't forget, "Nothing is too wonderful to be true." LOL

[sabrelady]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:48am

Remember who the voters are- 700 "insiders" & while Tim is a long time member of the thespian community, Norb ain't egzacly a "come lately" He's paid his dues in regional, in workshops, in benefits,as swings/standbys, touring as well as leading roles which gives him a LOT of contact w the varied membership who does the actual voting. PLUS Norb has a LONG career ahead of him &these are the folks who are gonna assoc w him during that career. It's to their benefit also that Norb gets the honours that are his justly earned due. Final analysis: NORB WINS!!!

After thinking a bit more, there is one set of circumstances that could change this and that is a life threatening illness- never underestimate the Liz Taylor/Butterfield 8 element!! Otherwise I stand by my prounouncement. Updated On: 5/11/05 at 09:48 AM

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 2:18pm

I also really hape you are right, I think those things are very true about Norbert paying his dues. I will be very very distraught if Norbert does not win.

[Alejandra925]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 5:58pm

I agree with sabrelady and wendy. :) I'm keeping the positive thoughts. Norbert is due, having already gotten a nomination for TSN (despite it being a "dreadful" show) and winning other awards. He's getting a lot of attention.

Who is submitting a question for Norbert for the Q&A?

Alejandra

[wendy72]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 6:09pm

I think will..How about this.."Norbert, would you consider dating a fan?"...LOL

Seriously, I think I'll ask if he gets recognized more now because of DRS? something like that

[Alejandra925]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:16pm

thespian geek: that's a great question, one that leads to a funny response. :) Hope he answers. LOL it was awesome when Patrick answered your question...first!

y'all...there are some gorgeous photos from the reception today. Norbert looks smashing! I love his clothes. Sherie looks like an old-time movie star, so so pretty.

There are pics of John, Joanna, and David Yasbek, too.

Alejandra


Tony nominee reception photos Updated On: 5/11/05 at 09:16 PM

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 9:20pm

I love those photos, I'm still upset about not getting into DRS but the lottery having so many more people is a wonderful sign.

[wendy72]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 10:08pm

The pictures are great--Sherie looks amazing.

Kelli O'Hara is gorgeous.

Did anyone see John on Regis & Kelly soon after DRS opened? He told a story about one night in San Diego where Norbs as Freddy forgot to put on his protective padding for the "Ruffhousin" scene. It was quite funny..

[Alejandra925]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 3:05am

*bump* *bump*

wendy, love your new avatar! They look so beautiful! :)

I saw John on R&K. He was so charming and gracious! I loved how he mentioned that Norbert was young and had been in Rent and Wicked as well.

Alejandra

[hedwig14]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 9:49am

TG: And I was just going to comment on how HOT she looks in that lipstick color! LOL! It's dark but I think she pulls it off very well. She looks gorgeous and oh so stylish.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 9:53am

I love how Sherie looks in those pictures as well. I was also going to take that picture as my avatar, Wendy. You beat me to it! I loved that picture.

[hedwig14]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 10:29am

Has anyone seen the thread on the main board offering actor/actress suggestions for the DRS tour? I can't think of another actor who can pull off Norbert's role as well as he can.
(Although I may be slightly biased!) Any thoughts?

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 10:33am

I have not been able to figure that out at all, but I must say some of the suggestions are pretty weird. Someone said al the other people that played Roger and Fiyero, but I really think they would be awful. Norbert played those two and Freddy because HE has incredible range, Adam Pascal is great as Roger but would be an awful, awful Freddy.
The suggestion I liked was Neal Patrick Harris, it would be a very different take, but that is good and he has some comic chops and can play against his reputation.

[wendy72]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 10:49am

I saw some people suggested Chris Fitzgerald as Freddy--I have only seen him in "Wicked"--what do people think of that?

I have suggested Jeff McCarthy and Tom Hewitt for Lawrence.

Christianne Noll or Kerry Butler for Christine.

Norbs--hey, there's no one like him..

[hedwig14]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 10:49am

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought some of the ideas were Weird (note: capital "W").

I agree with you SP, Norbert's range is vastly wider than most of the men who have played Fiyero and Roger. I can't believe someone mentioned Joey McIntyre! I wonder if they have actually seen DRS. And the Jason Alexander idea really threw me. I saw him in The Producer's and didn't care for him at all. I think he is completely wrong for the part.

I think the NPH idea is worth exploring. And I did see that someone mentioned Hunter Foster. I'm not too familiar with his work, and was wondering if he would be a good fit.
Updated On: 5/12/05 at 10:49 AM

[hedwig14]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 10:58am

wendy: I only know Chris Fitzgerald from Wicked as well, so I don't know how well he would do with a role like Freddy.

Norbert is certainly leaving some giant shoes to fill!

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 11:08am

Yes the Jason Alexander as Freddy suggestion was just Weird. But the Jason Alexander as Andre, I could see working.

I really think it is strange that people think anyone who has played the same role in the past can automatically play all the other roles that person has played. Hunter Foster and NPH are the two suggestions of real actors who could take the role new places, but I still am worried it could be a disaster without Norbert. It is a Very Difficult role to oull off because it is so delicate to balance the comedy.
I have only seen Fitzgerald in Wicked as well, I really have no idea about a role like Freddy.
Tom Hewitt or as someone on the other thread Kelsey Grammar would be an interesting Lawrence.
Norbert's shoes will be very hard to fill, indeed!