Burke Moses in: James Moye out

[mallardo]

Posted: 8/4/06 at 7:08pm

What happened? Anyone know why Moses replaced Moye as El Gallo in the Fantasticks? It's a tough break for Moye, especially since a recording has been announced.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 8/4/06 at 7:44pm

From the press release: "The director [Tom Jones] identified the need to move the role in a different artistic direction. Moye agreed, believing that this decision best serves the artistic needs of the show and himself."

I'll be speaking with a member of the company in the next few days, and if it's appropriate will post more info.

[chrrymn]

Posted: 8/4/06 at 8:34pm

I saw the show last Sunday. James Moye was the only thing I liked about the production. He was dead on and looked like he was enjoying himself. He's got a spectacular voice, and his mesmerizing good looks don't hurt either. I wish him luck in finding something better.

Updated On: 8/4/06 at 08:34 PM

[Someday]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:02pm

I respectfully disagree. I saw the fourth or fifth preview. Douglas Ullman, Jr. (normally the Mute) filled in for an ailing Santino Fontina as Matt. Understudy Betsy Morgan played the Mute. Both did well, especially considering the situation.

Moye on the other hand.... He didn't do anything blatantly wrong and was in strong voice. But the night I saw the show, his performance style simply did not fit the Fantasticks’ stylized concept. I realize that the space is small, but it felt like he was method acting for camera close ups – just too drawn in. And his reserve manifested itself in a laid-back way, not in a smoldering, intense way. His El Gallo seemed only moderately interested in the plot proceedings, and it certainly did not feel like he was the driving force behind the telling of the story.

Moye’s El Gallo was occasionally charming. But to me, the primary fault was that his El Gallo had none of the ambiguous but palpable menace needed. The show doesn’t really work unless El Gallo simultaneously entrances audience members and makes them feel uneasy. A “curious paradox”, so to speak.

This is something I strongly associate with one of my theatrical heroes, the late Jerry Orbach. That dynamic of a hint of danger folded into show-biz razzmatazz was an Orbach secret weapon in most of his major roles (Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Paul Berthalet in Carnival!, El Gallo). I think of it as the “Orbach touch”…. Charm laced with harm.

In the end, Moye seemed to be having a decent time, but the lack of danger and intensity in his portrayal did damage the show’s impact. But I wish Moye well. I saw him do excellent, spot-on work in the Little Shop tour, and his talent is evident.

For now, it’s time to get tickets to see Burke Moses – and Santino Fontina for that matter.

[Someday]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:02pm

double post Updated On: 8/8/06 at 03:02 PM

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:37pm

I saw Moyes in a production of 110 IN THE SHADE at Signature in DC (as the sheriff). He was a very good, very naturalistic, actor...with an understated dignity and a fine voice. I have heard he is a favorite of Tom Jones', but it was hard for me to picture him in the FANTASTICKS role...but that is from only seeing him once in a very different kind of assignment.

There is another thread on the Moses performance on the board. He seems more the type for how Gallo is usually played, at least at first glance.

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 9:15am

"For now, it’s time to get tickets to see Burke Moses – and Santino Fontina for that matter."


Santino is excellent! True, it's not the hardest part...they really just need a cute, funny boy with a nice voice. Santino's done a bit of Shakespeare and it's easy to imagine him doing so after seeing him in this show. He and Sara are great together...I loved before "Soon it's Gonna Rain" when they're sitting shoulder to shoulder and she nudges him. They work great together.

Did I mention that I love this show? :)

[nickatnight]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:04am

I've never been a big fan of Burke Moses' work. The look and voice is there, but (for me) no soul. But it's been a few years since I've seen him, so maybe he's marinated....

[dancinfan]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 1:40pm

I have my doubts about Moses being a great El Gallo. He is too self-centered for such a sensitive role. Not that he's not good in lots of things, but I'm just not looking forward to seeing him make The Fantasticks all about him.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 2:34pm

Such a sensitive role? Huh? I was there for his first night...first time I ever saw the show...it seems like El Gallo is the type of character that would want to make the show all about him...

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 2:58pm

the latest Opening Night postponement also lists replacing the Mortimer...wonder what happened there?

[nickatnight]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 3:08pm

wick, you are right to a point...but the show is framed with 'try to remember', which requires some real soul, some real honesty, to pull off in a way that's memorable...that shows another side to el gallo, if you will...

the self-centered part of el gallo should fit burke to a tee, however.
(and i really don't mean that with disrespect..his personal self-confidance worked like a charm for him in 'beauty and the beast' some years back. (i think i have the right show??)

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 3:57pm

yes, he was the original Gaston.

Updated On: 8/9/06 at 03:57 PM

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 4:06pm

"Such a sensitive role? Huh? I was there for his first night...first time I ever saw the show...it seems like El Gallo is the type of character that would want to make the show all about him..."

Not exactly...he's the one telling the story, encouraging the audience to follow the story of the young lovers.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 5:15pm

on, Playbill had the scoop on the Mortimer, I just missed it. The other article made it sound like he was replaced for good.

"Robert R. Oliver is temporarily playing the part of Mortimer while MacIntyre Dixon recovers from a torn Achilles tendon."

[dancinfan]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 3:11pm

El Gallo is the narrator who sings Try To Remember and tells the entire story. He puts on the role of El Gallo, the overly suave jerk who causes all kinds of problems for Matt and Luisa, in order to teach the characters in the play and all of us in the audience that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow." I distinctly remember a moment in the original staging when El Gallo stands in a special SL almost weeping about the lovers getting back together after all the pain he has caused them. Of course, it's a sensitive role, and it's a sensitive, gentle, pastoral show. Bombast is only part of the role. We'll soon see if Moses can portray both the Narrator and the El Gallo aspects of the character.

Posted: 8/11/06 at 4:01pm

"Robert R. Oliver is temporarily playing the part of Mortimer while MacIntyre Dixon recovers from a torn Achilles tendon."

I saw Robert Oliver last night, who was beyond hilarious. Stole the show.

Jones wasn't in it though. Which made me very sad....