Adam Pascal Quote in NYTimes: Ew, Ew, Ew!- Page 8

[PerforMeg]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 4:06am

"No professional acting, and no acting that he will openly mention in most interviews. But that was not his absolute first time on stage as an actor."

Then the article should have said that.


"I mean, just because he hit a stroke of luck, does that make him less deserving? And to say he's badmouthing the people who work hard? Just because he hasn't gone through the ranks doesn't mean he doesn't understand what hard work it is to maintain a leading performance eight times a week, and it doesn't mean that he never worked hard on stage. Come on, he deserves more credit than that."

Of course he's not less deserving! But be appreciative. All I am saying is that his comment shows a lack of respect for people who would die to be in his position. I don't doubt that he worked hard and built stamina and learned a ton from doing Rent, but APPRECIATE it! That's all I'm saying.

If people keep telling the general public that Broadway sucks, then over time people will stop going. Is that what we want?

[luvtheEmcee]

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

The article isn't responsible for telling his life story. And, if he didn't mention it in whatever interview they did, then how were they supposed to know? Telepathy? Place blame on who you will.

He said the MATERIAL sucks, not that the people working hard suck. If you want to read into things, knock yourself out, but pay some attention. I don't think saying that the material isn't good is the same as not being appreciative. Like I keep saying, I don't think it's fair to read THAT deeply into the comment, to say things like that he doesn't appreciate how lucky he is, when you've just read a comment in type. If you heard him say it, that would be a different story. Just think about how muddled things get on the internet alone; on a board like this.

Maybe if the public stopped thinking that it was okay for jukebox musicals and the fluffy crap and the like to be so far abound, and stopped fuelling the fire, we'd have better theatre to go see.

Updated On: 9/5/05 at 10:11 AM

[Chloe]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:15am

PerforMeg, no doubt many people living in Third World countries would die to be in your shoes too. Do you make the appropriate humble expressions of gratitude every day? Probably not, because we all play with the hand we're dealt and don't think about what others might want or have most of the time. But I think what you said points up what a lot of this is all about, which is the feeling that Adam somehow doesn't deserve his success.

As if, when he auditioned for RENT out of the blue, the creative team gave him the part out of temporary insanity or negligence, or after he won a slew of praise, nominations and awards for that part, it was only because he was new. Isn't it obvious that only someone very talented could have pulled all that off?

For those of you who perceive him as arrogant, has it ever occurred to you to wonder how such a jerk has managed to retain the friendship and admiration of so many of the people he's worked with? Don't you think his fellow RENT cast members, Heather Headley, Sherie Rene Scott, Susan Egan and Raul Esparza have healthy egos of their own and might have noticed if he were so arrogant?

When a fan on Susan's website asked her about working with Adam in Cabaret, she described him as "hard-working, dedicated, talented, supportive and kind" among other wonderful things. She congratulated the questioner for having such good taste in being a fan of Adam's.

I think it's time for everyone to get over this.
Updated On: 9/5/05 at 10:15 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:20am

*stands up and claps*

As I've transcended the camp that just says "ooh, pretty man" and actually become a fan, I've come to see how many other people that I respect also speak highly of Adam. So, case in small point, I guess.

[marvin2]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:30am

I think that perhaps Adam's wording was a bit dramatic/harsh, but it is true that some of the material on Broadway isn't as good as it could be.

Edit: I came up with a better way to say what I meant.

Updated On: 9/5/05 at 10:30 AM

[QueenAnne82]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 12:58pm

Ok... I will say that ASU, GV and Lennon leave something to be desired. However, B-Way gave Adam his start, not to mention the only reason he is in film at all.

And Broadway needs to support itself... not implode negative thoughts. Just cause there are some not so great shows is no reason to turn your back on the art of theatre. And while it may be true what Adam said, it does sound just a bit uppity. Bitting the hand that has fed you.

I hope he gets whatever he wants. He is a great performer. I hope B-way delievers some amazing shows next season, for some truly talented B-way perfomers who love being there.

PS: I don't think he's an asshole. Maybe just should've considered his words a bit more carefully.

Updated On: 9/5/05 at 12:58 PM

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 1:06pm

Wtf guys??

Adam is right, there are very few good roles going out right now, few good shows.
I can name...what...3 good shows right now?? is Adam right for any of them?? no.

I can't believe some of you think he is an asshole now...that's just..outrageous..

damn the truth hurts

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 1:09pm

The opinion that Adam is an asshole is not old; a lot of people hate him, and many do so because they're jealous that he just got lucky, among other reasons. But I think that the people who are making such a huge deal of this aren't ones who suddenly think he's a jerk based on this one article; they've probably disliked him for a while, and this is icing on the cake.

[thetheatrekook]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 1:21pm

I don't know if this has been said before (yes, I am going to be one of those people I loathe and admit that i've skipped the 8 or so pages of Adam-bashing)...but has anyone who has taken offense to Adam's quote stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, we're not getting the whole story? I'm a fan of Adam's yes, I've met him and he was as nice as could be, and I don't profess to know everything about him, including all his shows on Broadway. I mean, isn't it possible that there was more said before or after this quote? We weren't there, we don't know. All -I- know is, controversy sells. A newspaper is going to get a lot more attention (in this case, from theater fans) if it has a bit of controversy in it (a la Adam quote.) Grain of salt.

[PerforMeg]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 2:38pm

Chloe-As a matter of fact I do make expressions of gratitude daily. Thanks for asking!

I do not disagree that there is some less than desireable material out there. But there is also plenty of good material (i.e. Piazza, Spelling Bee, Ave Q-which I think is quite original and fun-the upcoming Sweeney revival,etc.) that the public's attention needs to be redirected towards so they know that jukebox musicals aren't the only thing out there. Who better to do that than the people who have access to the media?

I have been misquoted in articles before, so I will give Adam the benefit of the doubt there. The trend of Broadway bashing is getting old though.