The Official Adam Pascal Love Thread, part eleven- Page 146

[Allie]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 1:12pm

Hello, new-Allie! Always lovely to have another. :)

I had rehearsal last night. Lots of fun... but I found out that I lost my leading man. And the replacement is older than the first guy (but not grey!)! And get this - he's a minister. Beautiful tenor voice, though.

[Dancinqueen123]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 1:15pm

Alex, I'm just really sick. I have a high fever and I feel like crap!

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 1:18pm

Aw, I hope you feel better!

[Chloe]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 1:22pm

Sorry to hear that, Dancin. Fevers make you feel like crap.

I first saw the incorrect "Jay" as Adam's middle name on IMDb, but I don't know if it originated there. It just goes to show the rather frightening ease with which false information gets spread around the net. I've just posted a correction on his IMDb page, but it probably won't show up for a while.

I think Craww brought up a valid point about objectification. It made me think. However, I actually wasn't crazy about Adam's looks when I first became a fan. I liked him as a performer first and then got to appreciate how he looks, so I like those pictures because they're of Adam, I don't like Adam because of the pictures.

ETA: Allie, sorry you have to deal with a new leading man, and while ministers are human like the rest of us, I think I would find it hard to act flirty with one too. Updated On: 1/22/07 at 01:22 PM

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 1:36pm

Chloe - You make excellent points. I heard his voice long before I saw a picture of him. It just happened to be a positive that he was attractive as well as talented. I wouldn't call it "objectification" as much, as just natural silliness. I mean, at least in the time I've been on here, I haven't seen anything out of line said about him. Emcee's arm fascination or a few comments about his abs I would not see as such a big deal. Most people would be flattered. But from what I have seen, the regular ladies on this board comment on his vocal/acting talents much more than looks. So a page of physical admiration shouldn't be that big of a deal. Plus, a day of giggles is sometimes the best thing, for people of all ages! Just my thoughts.

[Chloe]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:01pm

Right, and though I don't think we objectify him, I do think Craww is right that appreciation for his looks doesn't really make up for what might be hurtful criticisms.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:02pm

true, true

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:15pm

For the record, while nice arms do happen to be one of my favorite male physical features, my "OMG ARMS" comments when it comes to Adam are pretty tongue-in-cheek. I know this thread, for the most part, is a place amongst people I know I can joke around with, and who won't take me too seriously if I say something like that. His arms are nice, but they're not his selling point, nor one of legitimate infatuation. I'm just being silly. It's sort of to the point where it's like, the expected reaction when someone posts a picture in which Adam's arms are prominently featured -- so now I do it just out of playfulness.

I suppose Craww's point is valid, in the sense that appreciative remarks about physical attributes can very well be used, hypothetically, to cover for hurtful criticisms, but I want to make very clear that that's not my intent at all. Skittle's post to which she replied, I think, was not meant to be taken quite so literally as "well, see, we think he's really hot, so therefore we're not mean spirited!" but rather that from the overall feel of the group, we're obviously not mean; clearly, we're fans of his. Take what's implicit, which is, I'd think, the opposite of mean.

This is just my personal opinion -- I think a lot of people in fandoms find this kind of harsh -- but as someone who supports a performer's work, I think I (we, really) reserve the right to be critical. That's not a statement that can be taken to mean that people who subscribe to it are less of a fan, or something. It's a different kind of criticism than that done out of genuine dislike for a performer's work. Part of their professional territory is having a backbone, not being too thin-skinned, etc, so as long as criticism isn't meant to be hurtful, I think it's all part of the give-and-take, so to speak. I don't believe in blind adoration, nor in overbearing censorship of opinion just because of who might be reading -- and that's not spin, I've said it directly to a performer, on more than one occasion. Honestly, in a lot of cases (such as this one), I don't really feel the need to constantly make disclaimers and explain myself, because the fact that I adore Adam and his work is not something that would take rocket science to figure out. I don't make fun of him out of malicious intent, so therefore it would be impossible that I use compliments about his looks to cover up for the fact that I like, take some sort of thrill in hurting him. I'd assume any even casual reader of the boards, and this thread in particular, could figure out that even my criticism is said out of affection and support; it's not as paradoxical as it may seem. I think the same holds true for the thread as a whole -- it seems pretty easy to see that we appreciate far more than his looks, as opposed to them being the only thing we actually like, and just using them to give ourselves permission to be mean and awful.

I, like many others, was hooked at first by his voice. I've probably told the story a number of times, but the first time I saw him was in Aida, and we ran into some friends of my parents' at the theater -- their daughter knew of Adam from Rent, and was going on about how cute he was. I looked at her like she had five heads. I just wasn't thinking that way, I guess. I loved his performance, but as far as "he's such a cutie!" I could not possibly have cared less. Obviously, I think he's a good-looking guy, to put it mildly, but looks alone would never have kept me hooked for so many years. I'm a little more complex than that. And there's a lot more to appreciate about him than that, too.

ETA -- Allie, you can't get away from the awkward, can you? I hope the show is going well overall, though! And Dancin, I hope you feel better soon.

And whoa, that's a long post. Lo siento.

Updated On: 1/22/07 at 02:15 PM

[GuitarGirl]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:41pm

The first time I saw Adam was in Rent the movie, which, the first time I saw it, I didn't finish. The second time around I saw Rent with my friends and thought that Adam's and Jesse L. Martin's voices stood out. They both had/have incredible voices! I got the OBC Recording and the movie soundtrack and then looked for solo music. Adam had solo music so I got his CDs, loved it as well, and became a fan of him. I didn't really start looking at his looks until I read stuff from internet message boards of people saying how cute he is. Personally, I think that he's good looking but he's not the best looking out there. There's so much to him besides his looks. I personally love it when he jokes around, because I love people with a sense of humor.

I would love to see him in concert one day.

[*brina-doll*]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:47pm

For me it was when I first bought the OBC recording of RENT; and listening to One Song Glory, I was hooked. I had no idea what Adam even looked like till I saw the film and recognized his voice. That's when I was like "Woh...Who's the hotty with the shaggy hair?" After that I discovered Model Prisoner and Civilian at my local Barnes and Noble; and I've been a fan ever since.

But in all honesty, I think the thing that bothers me the most is that, on his Myspace for example; I've seen posts that go along the lines of "LYKE-OMG-I-JUST-SAW-U-IN-RENT-UR-SUUUUUUUUUUUUCH-A-STUD-MARRRY-MEEE!!!!"
It seems that some people only view him for his looks and RENT then they do his own personal music and other performances. Maybe I'm wrong; but those type of people, who don't seem to take him seriously bug me the most. Don't get me wrong, I do think he's very easy on the eyes and looks extremly fetching in tight jeans and tank-tops; but there's more to him than just that you know?

Also, I feel that commenting on his looks (like the arm thing) is very tongue-and-cheek like Emcee said. We don't swoon and fawn every second when were on this board. We discuss what we feel about his career choices as well as other fun off-off-topic discussions. And I honestly think its a good thing that we do critisize (sp?) about some of his choices. You can't agree with everything Adam does, you should hold you're own opinions and be open for others as well. I know this post won't make a ton of sense (I can't help it I got 2 hours of sleep last night) but all and all, were fans. We're not going to jump all over him and say "I-MUST-AGREE-WITH-EVERYTHING-ADAM-DOESSSS"; we hold our own opinions and that why this thread is here.

[GuitarGirl]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 2:55pm

"After that I discovered Model Prisoner and Civilian at my local Barnes and Noble; and I've been a fan ever since. "

His CDs are sold at Barnes & Nobles? I looked at a few stores (B&N being one of them) near my area but didn't find anything, so I got them via amazon.com.

A lot of the things and people I like aren't because they look good, but because they have talent. Adam himself certainly has more appeal than looks. He's got great solo music, a great voice, decent acting skills, and an interesting personality. If he just looked good, I most likely wouldn't like him.

[*brina-doll*]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 3:09pm

I was lucky I found them there, they we're the only ones! But your right, for me personally, it's his voice that stands out the most. Adam has this rock n'roll type roar that is just amazing to listen to, and I also like that he doesn't seem uptight at all. Yeah, its a defiant bonus that he's attractive, but thats not the most important thing.

You know what? This might be a little random but this topic reminds me of Norbert Leo Butz a bit. I mean, he has such an incredible voice and truly gifted stage presence, but he really doesn't have the quote un quote "leading man" attractivness that Adam does. It kind of makes me sad when I let my ma listen to The Last 5 Years recording, then I showed her the CD booklet; and all she said was "Who's that ugly man on the cover?" There's more to someone then just there apperance. Beauty is within the eye of the beholder!

Updated On: 1/22/07 at 03:09 PM

[Chloe]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 3:16pm

I think what you're all saying is true for most of us.

Emcee, what I wrote wasn't aimed at you specificially, since I'm the one who referred to his "godawful outfit" a little early. I don't doubt for a moment your sincerity as a fan. There isn't any blueprint for being one either, and of course all of us are free to say whatever we want here. My point isn't about theoretical rules of behavior, but simply about how criticism feels to those on the receiving end. As any of you know who have been put through the wringer by a parent, friend or spouse, nothing ever really erases or makes up for those words. I have an old, dear friend who has many good points but also a very sharp tongue on occasion. Just recently she said she's finally come to realize that once those critical phrases are out of her mouth, nothing can really make up for them.

I've said it before, but I guess one more time won't hurt. A lot of us grow up with parents who feel the need to question our every move and attempt to whip us into shape with constant criticism. Since they are the main people we learn about love from, that can mean we believe love and criticism go hand in hand. Take it from me, they don't. Nothing will kill any relationship faster than treating the other person this way. This would be more of a moot point when we're talking about a fan relationship if the object of it hadn't indicated that he might very well be reading what we say.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 3:34pm

Oh, I know it wasn't. I was just giving a general rant on the whole subject. No worries!

In the experience I referred to above, I held my ground mainly under the pretense that he needed to grow up and take it, because I felt it very important to consider the root of the criticism and the background on the person from whom it came. I hold to those ideas -- that it's important to consider where the crticism comes from, and how it's intended (because this had NO mean intent) -- but they certainly has loopholes.

I have parents just like that. My mother believes in "tough love," and I know she does it because she loves me, but a lot of the things she says to me do eventually wear me down. It's an interesting parallel to draw, certainly. In my own personal experience, I'm hurt for a whlie, but more often than not, I'm able to brush it off and be very forgiving because hey, she's my mom and I know why she does it. Of course, the case for saying "well, it comes from love, so it's okay!" falls through if I go ahead and admit that lately, my mom has been saying some things whose scars on my persona are becoming somewhat irreversible. I guess I just feel this is a different case, because fans aren't trying to press any agenda on the performers, as parents are with their children. They expect to force something of it; we don't, really. We're just the peanut gallery.

Updated On: 1/22/07 at 03:34 PM

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 5:33pm

I agree with you Emcee. (Great post by the way, you took all the words right out of my mouth.)

I began liking Rent around a year before the movie came out. I was hooked on the OBC and my favorite song being Glory, I just thought it was incredible and loved how Adam sang it. At the time, I didn't really know "who" the original cast was. It wasn't until the summer before the rent movie that it really clicked who these people were and what their individual stories and careers were like. My mom was the one who actually picked up Adam's looks (during one of the Today Show interviews "Oh! He's a cutie!") I explored online each of the obc members and really loved Adam- his voice, his personality, and i'll admit his looks weren't bad. I think the most endearing quality about him is his sense of humor and his silliness, it just reminds me so much of myself and the people around me, that I can relate to him in some way. I am so glad I have found this thread, and can express my admiration for Adam with people who respect and appreciate his work without going overboard and swooning all day over his looks. (Though once in a blue moon is ok )

Of course we can nitpick on his fashion choices, hair dye, and funny comments, it is all in fun and games. I don't think anyone on this thread is intended to be mean or hurt Adam in anyway. Criticism of Adam's work is rarely (or never) negative here. It is always helpful hints or ways he could have changed something up. Comments about his work are aloud, and this is what this thread is for.

Updated On: 1/22/07 at 05:33 PM

Posted: 1/22/07 at 5:36pm

All the justification is cracking me up. Adam dear, I know you're not reading all of that text, so in short, I just want to sex you, hard. And do hash with you while watching Hair. No appreciation for your talent! Sorry!

(I'm kidding. Really, I am.)

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 5:38pm

haha, I love you Lexi.

[CanadianSnowbird]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 5:57pm

I love that you now have to post disclaimers Lexi.

[Ariella]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 5:57pm

Well, I guess we have to justify occasionally. I mean, it's been, like, years, and sometimes you have to remind yourself you're not completely crazy (though that's open to debate).

I'm sure Adam was immensely flattered by your post, Lexi.

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:01pm

He should be. It's not that I'm like, desperate to get some at this point and would probably bang that awful Roger understudy who hit on me. How could I be when surrounded by these amazingly straight NYU boys?

[CanadianSnowbird]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:17pm

Yes, but we know you have a Broadway pot fetish.

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:20pm

Well, that too... but that word has such an awful connotation.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:22pm

which word, pot or fetish?

[Ariella]

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:23pm

Or Broadway? That's pretty bad in some circles

Posted: 1/22/07 at 6:24pm

Fetish.

Well, both, but I was thinking the latter. It's not like I have a fantasy of Cary Shields and Adam Pascal extinguishing joints on my skin. Updated On: 1/22/07 at 06:24 PM