Blake Bashoff Review
Blake Bashoff Review
Blake Bashoff Review #1
Posted: 12/21/07 at 3:10am
Didn't find anything on the new Moritz!! So here it is :)
So, I had seen Spring Awakening in its 3rd week of the run with the entire original cast and fell in love with it (as any 18 year old boy would), and bought the album and did everything else that involved Spring Awakening....
My grandmother (who introduced me to theater) had asked me if I wanted to go with her, and I was wary (because of the content, and the awkwardness it would bring). But we decided to go, not knowing that JGJ would be leaving 3 days before 
. So I got upset and heard about Blake coming in...so I thought stunt casting already (but then I realized hes not a true household name).
OKAY. He was fantastic. The cast was spot on tonight (Thursday the 20)....It was his 3rd performance and man alive, he picked up where Jonny G left off. This boy has extreme acting chops and looks the part (same hair as before...maybe a little smaller!). At first it sounded as if he was trying to immitate the way Johnny spoke and how he acted, but then I realized that he used Johnny's as a base for his interpretation and went even further! I was nervous for the Bitch of Living, but this kid put so much energy into the part that it was just so beautiful and fun to watch! Don't Do Sadness blew me away...I was not expecting some of those high notes to come out (judging by the earlier sining) and he sure as hell go them spot on! He also blended beautifully with Lauren Pritchard who was most impressive tonight. His suicide scene seemed more believable that JGJ's as well...Most importantly, when he was sitting in the "audience" he looked like he was having fun and enjoying himself. It was such a pleasure to see. And you could tell how excited he was at the curtain call (he had tears in his eyes!) it was so nice to see that he was THAT involved in the show. He meshed so well with his castmates and he fit so perfectly!
It was thrilling to watch the show a second time, especially seeing the Adult Women understudy! Frances [something or other], was absolutly brilliant, the first scene was a perfect balance of hilarity and awkwardness and the abortion scene was just as [if not more] intense as with Christine! I cannot wait for Kate Burton to re-take the role!!
However, one issue...was the actor who played the Adult Men...I felt like all of his parts were the same and at times hard (even for me, a 2nd time around-er) to differenciate who he was playing...but for the most part when I saw who he was, he was good! But thats my only critisim about tonight's show
For all you SA fans, never fear! Blake Bashoff does extreme justice to that part and it is worth seeing with him in it!
bit about him and Kate Burton thanks to broadway.com
https://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=557827
Joined: 12/31/69
re: Blake Bashoff Review #2
Posted: 12/21/07 at 11:10am"true household name"? Is he a household name by any definition?
re: Blake Bashoff Review #2
Posted: 12/21/07 at 11:39amNo. I have watched every minute of every episode of Lost, and had no idea who he was.
re: Blake Bashoff Review #3
Posted: 12/21/07 at 12:33pm
I was there last night as well. Sitting onstage for the first time (which is a whole other experience altogether). Blake was very good, but I could tell that he hasn't really grown into the role yet, which is fine because it's his third show. He will be fantastic once he starts to own the role. I can't erase the memory of Johnny's performance, though. Or Gerard's Moritz (I was sitting next to him last night, he's insane!). I have no doubt Blake will become a favorite of the fans.
And I agree with you, Lefou, about the Adults. No one can match Stephen Spinella's male characters, not even Frank Wood. This was the second time I've seen Frances and I really like her. Since I was sitting stage right near the piano, I got to see her during "My Junk" and she was hilarious. Still, I missed Christine and can't wait to see Kate in the roles.
~Steven
re: Blake Bashoff Review #4
Posted: 12/21/07 at 4:04pm
(but then I realized hes not a true household name).
I said he was NOT a household name lc
so it makes sense. :)
Joined: 12/31/69
Leading Actor Joined: 8/26/05
re: Blake Bashoff Review #6
Posted: 12/24/07 at 4:52pm
First off, Saturday night was my first Spring Awakening experience ever, except for a CD listening. Bashoff was incredible. People are saying he hasn't grown into his role, but I don't see that at all. He is adorable in his discomfort, while at the same time heartwrenching. Every word from his mouth is believable. His voice does not have the rock tone, whcih I was weary of, but it works. It matches his character's innocence. I'm no Tony voter, but if he had originated the role, he very well could have nabbed a nomination.
PS: MrMusic, Kate is quite excellent. Love her first scene with Lea Michele.
Updated On: 12/24/07 at 04:52 PM
re: Blake Bashoff Review #7
Posted: 12/24/07 at 5:11pm
That's great to hear, regnad. I had no doubt that she would be great, but thanks for the confirmation.
~Steven
re: Blake Bashoff Review #8
Posted: 12/24/07 at 5:21pmI saw the show Saturday night as well and LOVED it! It was my first time seeing the show, and I was blown away by Blake! Truly fantastic! (I wrote a review in another thread if aybody wants to read it).
re: Blake Bashoff Review #9
Posted: 12/31/07 at 6:50pm
I saw the show the day after Christmas, and I absolutely fell in love with Blake!! It was my first time actually getting to see the show, and it was more than I could have ever asked for!
First of all, I ended up getting onstage seats, so I was able to see every facial expression that Blake was making and they were all GENIOUS. I also really really liked his voice because it still had that innocent quality that I think Moritz has. You can't really say, "Oh, John was better" or "Blake's so much better" because that's all really based on personal preferance. They are both talented actors who portrayed the same role. How they played the role was totally up to them.
Now, I've never seen John perform the role, but I do know that Blake gives an amazing performance. If you ever get the chance to see the show with him in it, go for it. You will not be disappointed.
Also, if you wait for the cast outside the stage door, Blake is one of the nicest people that comes out. He was the most cheerful out of everyone in the cast, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet him.
re: Blake Bashoff Review #10
Posted: 12/31/07 at 6:56pm
I agree with everyone who said that Blake is fantastic. He's WONDERFUL in the role; his voice is amazing and he's an excellent actor.
One of my favorite things about his Moritz was the relationship that Melchior and Moritz had. It seemed more genuine; they seemed more comfortable with one another. With Gallagher's Moritz the friendship seemed a little but more distant... to me anyway.
Blake's suicide scene was especially good. The impression I got was that he was at peace with the decision that he was making and he was accepting it as the way out. It was heartbreaking.
Ms. Burton on the other hand....There were some parts I really did like, but there were some parts where she was so cartoonish and over-the-top. I just didn't work in some scenes. She was okay for the most part.
re: Blake Bashoff Review #11
Posted: 12/31/07 at 9:51pmI disliked both Blake and Kate. Kate was kind of amateur in the role and overacted the part. Blake, while he had a great voice, talked like a surfer dude the whole time and made the whole show into a cartoon, for me. There was nothing subtle about his performance at all. I was thoroughly disappointed.
re: Blake Bashoff Review #12
Posted: 12/31/07 at 10:01pmAh I can't wait to see Blake and Kate on saturday!
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