A question about Adam Pascal's performance in Chicago and the current state of the show

[winston89]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 1:21am

So, for awhile I had wanted to see Pascal and Spanger in Chicago since I am a fan of both of them. They were both fine and enjoyable. However, when it came time for Razzle Dazzle, Pascal made a very noticeable flub. When it came time to sing the first verse he started singing the second one. Rather than just going with it or quickly fixing his mistake and moving on, he just flat out stopped singing, continued on with the dancing, and the ensemble had to cover for him. I felt bad for him, but on the other hand this isn't his first Broadway show and he's been doing the role of Billy Flynn for awhile now and should know how to cover a mistake instead of making it obviously noticeable.


For what it's worth, I think that the show in and of itself is a good show. But that doesn't mean that it should be neglected by the creative team. I honestly think that they need to get Bobbie in there to give notes. I feel that because many of the ensemble members have been in the show for a very long time, that they are clearly sleepwalking through their tracks. Many things that should have been attractive and enjoyable about the choreography were thrown to the wayside because of that. And, I think that because its a long runner, the producers are taking the view of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" view. But, they need to do something because this production has the ability to be very good but I feel that the quality of the show has dwindled over the years. My question is, does Pascal have a reputation of not being able to remember lines?

Finally, it was sad yet comical to see a crew member not wearing all black almost walking out on stage during Razzle Dazzle. I was in the Mezz off to the side and he was too visible and further out of the wings than he should be. And, kudos to the ushers. There was a woman a couple of rows down and to the right of me who was filming during Cell Block Tango and the usher did a great job of putting an end do it.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 1:24am

I know that at least a few years ago that Bobbie and Reinking would occasionally return to check in. Not sure if they still do?

[winston89]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 1:32am

If they do, then it is high time that they come in again. If I had my druthers, I'd do to the ensemble what CamMac did with Les Miserables on Broadway awhile back. Fire everyone and make them audition again for their parts. If they don't make the cut hire someone new. I guess what I find so irksome is that I walked out of that theatre feeling frustrated only because I knew that there was more that the show could have given me and it just wasn't doing it.

[darreyl102]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 8:34am

Well damn, there goes our bootleg of Chicago with Pascal!

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 8:58am

I recall hearing some story, though I can't remember its source, that Pascal had issues with remembering lyrics in Rent. Something about lyrics being taped onto a table, and staging his song so he was always close enough to get to them, if needed.

[winston89]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 10:04am

Madbrian,

I vaguely recall reading something somewhere about how Pascal isn't the best when it comes to learning lines. I will give him a pass for Rent. After all, with Rent, he was a rock singer who had never done theatre before in his life. Now, he has done a few Broadway shows and should know what is to be expected. Hell, even if he had a brain fart and switched the verses around, that would be fine. But, to stop singing when it looks clearly like you're supposed to, doesn't look professional or good. He made himself look like he had no clue as to what he was doing up there.

[ReggieonBway]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 10:48am

Let's be real, Chicago's been dead for quite a while. It doesn't matter that the lead is being unprofessional.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 11:18am

I'll add in saying the creative team for Chicago would benefit from cleaing house and having all of the current cast members re-audition. Some have been in the show for 5-10 years(Donna Marie Asbury, Sharon Moore, David Kent, Brian O'Brien, Michael Cusumano, Nicole Bridgewater, Adam Zotovick, Brian Spitulnik).

[mrscott]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 12:07pm

Saw the show a couple of weeks ago with Paige Davis as Roxie and thought it was holding up quite well, actually. Davis was very good. Pascal didn't have any line problems when I saw it, but I don't think it's a particularly good role for him. A friend in the cast said that Walter Bobbie comes around a fair amount. Don't agree about the ensemble - I liked the variety of age and looks and felt they were pretty invested.

[jennmurale]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 1:33pm

I've been lucky enough to see Adam Pascal in every single show he's done on Broadway (some shows multiple times) as well as seen him in concert. He as always been amazing and professional. He had an off moment at the time you saw him. It happens to actors just like everyone else. Try getting up on stage and do what these men and women do 8x a week. I'm sure you'd have a flub from time to time.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 1:48pm

Where shall I begin? I will agree with Jenn..that performers sometimes have an off day. Now, if he was forgetful quite a few times, that would be a cause for concern. He is obviously a talented artist. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been hired for that role. I've seen two Roxies so far: Bianca Marroquin 3x and former Roxie understudy Dylis Croman (who is no longer with the show). Bianca is fabulous and knows her role inside and out, all the while putting her own little touches. For Velmas, I've seen Leigh Zimmerman (who was delightful at the stage door) and Amra Wright (who has been on as Velma this past year for quite a number of months). I think that it would be sensible to have a few other persons try the role....given the opportunity. Personally, I'd love to see more of Terra C MacLeod on Broadway. She is uber-talented. With regards to the ensemble, yes, "Chicago" is known for keeping their members around for longer than average years. The casting people value their time and energy. At some point, it would make sense to bring in new blood. However, it is not for me to mention specific individuals. That would be a bit much and tacky. The producers are the ultimate deciders. I will make a mention of Michael Cusumano. He's a fantastic dancer...though I don't think I've heard him sing much. I was looking forward to seeing him in his "Me and My Baby" specialty. Now, another performer has assumed that particular role. I hope that Melissa Rae Mahon returns from her personal leave. She was one of the two Roxie understudies. MRM is an awesome and talented member of the cast. That's all I have to say about that. I'm looking forward to seeing "Chicago" in two days. Luckily, I'm staying at the Mayfair hotel, which is on the same block as the Ambassador. There's a 70 percent chance of rain, so an umbrella is necessary. I might go to the Stonewall Inn for a Tony Awards watch party. Maybe I'll see one of you there. Roman

Updated On: 6/5/13 at 01:48 PM

[jv92]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 4:11pm

I last saw CHICAGO five or so years ago. I was embarrassed for all involved. I don't think Reinking or Bobbie do much house cleaning.

I think it's a far worse show (writing wise) than CHICAGO, but PHANTOM, which is maintained on a regular basis by Hal Prince and his staff, was in terrific shape when I saw it last two or so years ago. The CHICAGO staff could learn from Prince.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 4:41pm

An actor dropping lines doesn't deserve its own thread. It's live theater, it happens.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 4:45pm

Please, Oh Wise One, present us with a list as to what is worthy of its own thread.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 4:48pm

wrong thread

Updated On: 6/5/13 at 04:48 PM

[finebydesign]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 6:09pm

I think it's important to note that all of these "flubbed" lines are tediously documented by Stage Managers. Each day these are sent to the producers of the show and I can't imagine a habitual offender getting away with it.

[winston89]

Posted: 6/5/13 at 7:34pm

Wilmington
There aren't rules about what can and can't be In a thread. Secondly, I'm aware that its live theatre and mistakes happen. I've seen shows where there were line flubs or a prop that was dropped etc. I'm aware that these things happen but that doesn't bother me. I'm not faulting Pascal for flubbing. SH*T happens. I just felt that he could have been better on the recovery of said flub.

And, I agree with what jv92 said about Chicago vs Phantom. I too think that it's a better show as far as material goes, but Phantom has done a better job with staying fresh over the years than Chicago.

[jv92]

Posted: 6/6/13 at 12:12pm

Well, the difference, winston, is that Hal Prince was a stage manager and producer before he became a director, which leads me to believe that he had to maintain second companies of PAJAMA GAME, et al. back in the day, and still believes in maintaining shows of his even when he's "Hal Prince, Legend." He's from the old guard.

They may be old, but the Weisslers aren't exactly from the old guard. They're more interested in what has-been that might sell tickets to plunk into their next show.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/6/13 at 9:19pm

Chicago does need to clean house. The quality has really gone down. And I hate to say it since I love the show and adore this production. The ensemble needs a total shakedown and they should bring in a new and fresh cast that has not done the show before. That being Broadway and on the road productions. Last time I checked in was during Christopher Siebers last run and there was mold at the core of the ensemble. It was so tired. Even the musicians need a little face lift.

[mimi6]

Posted: 6/7/13 at 6:26am

So, after all the brouhaha, how was the show last night?

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 6/7/13 at 9:18am

I thought the same thing, wonder how many in the audience was aware of the situation

[all that jazz]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 12:58am

I saw it back in February, and I was really excited since, as you can tell by my screen name and avatar, CHICAGO is one of my favorite musicals and I also idolize Bob Fosse. Unfortunately what I saw would've left Fosse in tears. While I loved the show itself and it was a huge moment for me to finally see All That Jazz and The Hot Honey Rag live, most of the cast seemed like they didn't want to be there.

For a show that relies so heavily on the sexiness of it's cast for marketing, I thought that at the very least they would all have amazing bodies. The dancers I saw were just sad looking, none of the guys had abs and I could see quite a few belies through those sheer shirts.

While Velma remained fierce throughout the show, she looked like she was marking her way through I can't do it alone.

Roxie was just into it, she looked noticeably bored.

The monologues during the Tango were also a bit of a disappointment, none of the girls stood out to me.

The show is in urgent need of some major razzle-dazzling, I really hope they can bring it back to life since the show is so much a part of Broadway's history and with the right cast it could really be sensational.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 1:03am

You had to bump THIS THREAD, right?? You have many troll-ish tendencies.

[blaxx]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 1:03am

The dancers I saw were just sad looking, none of the guys had abs and I could see quite a few belies through those sheer shirts.

Lol, yes love.

[broadway guy]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 1:08am

Oh so you are the boss of who can bump threads and who can't? HA don't make me laugh fool. Pathetic ego much?