Chris Kattan in The Frogs

[Razz77]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:18pm

Did anyone see Chris Kattan before he left "The Frogs"? Could you comment on his performance at all...

I saw it about two days after he left, with Timothy Gulan playing Xanthias...I'm curious to know how Kattan did (getting the CD in the mail today made me think of this...)

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:22pm

He lacked chemistry with Nathan -- he wasn't the most giving "partner" in their comedy bits together, often pulling focus and "competing" with Nathan, rather than being second banana, which is how the role was written. That, coupled with the fact that he didn't really know his way around a stage and couldn't sing (and that apparently he wasn't working as hard to compensate for his deficiencies in rehearsal as he could have) led to his dismissal.

Updated On: 1/16/05 at 08:22 PM

[Razz77]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:32pm

Your wealth of information just doesn't have an end...Thanks alot!

[andyf]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:46pm

Yup, I went to go see him but couldn't get cheap tickets and was not about to pay $90 to see The Frogs.

While not putting it as eloquently as Margo, I heard the same things, i.e., he was really flaky in rehearsals and had no idea what he was doing onstage, so they gave him the boot.

[lna]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:07pm

I saw him, and saw him on a talk show. He was so flat, unenthusiastic about the show, he barely mentioned it. I think he had to be prompted by the host. (There was another guy on promoting a new talk show, and the difference was extremely notable.)

[mallardo]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:07pm

I saw him. He was definitely the weak link. Lack of stage craft about says it.

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:08pm

And how wonderful it was when Roger Bart arrived! What a difference! I saw Chris earlier. Margo said it correctly. I'm enjoying the music from the CD and love hearing Nathan and Roger together. Great pairing.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:12pm

Also, according to published reports, Kattan had a commitment problem. He apparently didn't want to rehearse. Many have speculated that this was due to a, shall we say, "certain chemical problem in his nasal region."

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:17pm

Now, Veuve, I WASN'T going to mention that aspect of the rumors ..... he can't help if he has ..... "allergies" ....

[Popular]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:23pm

Oh God that is so sad to hear cause I really loved Kattan on SNL - but yes, I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean his talents lend well to the stage. Don't know anything about that show either so do you think it was just the wrong show for him? No excuses for sniffing and flaking either way...IF that is true. Not trying to spread rumors here...

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:43pm

actually, I don't think it was the wrong show for him. I never saw the show but after listening to the CD it's very easy to imagine Kattan in the role had he done it right. The part doesn't require a lot of singing and had he committed to it a bit more and had been willing to play "second bannanna" it might have worked, but obviously he just had no real will or desire to do it. But, alas, Roger is perfect. Updated On: 1/16/05 at 09:43 PM

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:53pm

LOL, Margo.

I wouldn't generally spread that kind of unsubstantiated rumor about a performer. In this case, however, I'm making an exception.

Kattan was cast simply because of his TVQ, not for his talent. Roger Bart was obviously the best choice for that role, and should have been there from the beginning.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 9:56pm

I don't get it... was he snorting coke or something???

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 10:05pm

Now, now, we're not ones to spread unsubstantiated gossip .....

and it's ALLEGEDLY snorted coke.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 10:24pm

Yes, allegedly!

And while we're on the subject, that malicious rumor about MargoChanning and I having "allergies" on the dance floor at Studio 54 in 1979 is utterly untrue. :)

[lna]

Posted: 1/16/05 at 11:52pm

I don't think it was the wrong role for him. It was funny, people were expecting him to overdo it because of SNL. Then I saw it, and he was too lowkey. He should have brought some of what he did on SNL to the part. I'm sure someone told him to tone it down, but it looked as if he toned it much too far down. At least, that was my impression at the time.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:08am

"And while we're on the subject, that malicious rumor about MargoChanning and I having "allergies" on the dance floor at Studio 54 in 1979 is utterly untrue. :)"

I should hope so. That's awful young to start having "allergies".

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:12am

YOUNG MAN

1) Just what are you doing out of bed at this hour?

2) Cover your eyes to any and all references to "allergies" and "Studio 54" in this thread -- no need to put any more naughty ideas into that head of yours than are there already.

Honestly, you'll be the death of me!

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:14am

*Sigh*

Come on teddy bear, off to dreamland...

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:15am

(And if that bear could talk ...........)

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:07am

There is a bit more to the story than is generally known.
More I cannot say.

Updated On: 1/17/05 at 01:07 AM

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:12am

Wow, I didn't one could still have "allegries" at Studio 54...
I really should see a show at that theatre one of these days

[Jon]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 9:36am

I heard that Justin Guarini had similar "allergies" that lead to his being fored from GOOD VIBRATIONS.

[jsp]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:54pm

First of all, wrong about Guarini. Haven't you heard? Some loony Aiken fan bragged about starting that rumor. Let it go. Guarini is such a healthy specimen, it'd be more likely he delved into overuse of vitamin shakes. Besides, it's rumored he left for another gig.

Second of all, if "allergies" were a reason for anyone to depart any role, there would be empty dressing rooms all down 42nd and the West End.

[Razz77]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:57pm

Who was he supposed to be in Vibrations anyway? I know it wasn't too huge of a part.