Constantine Maroulis as Roger in RENT a few years ago..... — Page 2

From what I've heard of him, I'm glad I saw his understudy here in Boston.

Not to change the subject but....

I also enjoyed Merle Dandridge's performance just a few weeks ago along with Matt Caplan's Mark (he's my favorite character anyway) ...but I was not however a fan of Cary Shields (Roger)- anyone else?

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Merle love! I thought she was AWESOME. On showtunes night on AI, when Constantine mentioned that he had been in RENT, my first reaction was, "You can do Broadway? But I though pouting was your only talent!"

I'm one of few who REALLY liked Constantine. I thought he had a very unique and believable portrayal of Roger that seems to be lost on others, or passed off as being "bad acting". I don't think it was bad acting at all, it told an interesting story, and maybe that came from being in the front of the theater, but I just loved him. He's smack in the middle of my list of Rogers, number 7 out of 14. Because yeah, while I did love him, there's six I loved more.

i will also spread the love for Merle Dandridge... saw her as Joanne and thought she brought the sophistication and class that is needed for that role... the woman has an awesome voice and just oozes bitchiness and classiness all at the same time in the role...

My opinion is that Merle is either hit or miss. While she's never terrible (she's a very talented lady), I feel that when she's not having a good night she's *really* not having a good night. However, when she's "on" she's "on". The first two times I saw her I was greatly disappointed (as Joanne & Mark are my favorite characters), but the third time something sparked and I really enjoyed her. I've found that to be the case with a handful of "RENT" cast members over recent years

Speaking of "RENT" and Mark ... I had the pleasure of seeing Matt Caplan's very first performance as Mark here in Florida a while back and he was breathtaking. He and Cary were always my favorite duo so you could imagine my excitement to see them reunited on the Great White Way. I don't think I could have been any more disappointed ... at least in Matt. I could barely understand a word he sang/spoke (and I *know* the show!), his chemistry with most other performers was lacking and he just seemed so bored as to make a fool of himself ... to keep things interesting ... for himself. That's probably my biggest peeve regarding theatre: please don't break character for the amusement of yourself or your fellow actors. I found it irritating with Kristin in "Wicked" and equally so with Matt in "RENT". ... ARGH! Sorry, end rant!

BUT - back on subject ... I never had the chance to see C.M. as Roger, but was never too impressed with his AI performances.

~Joshua

P.S. - Sorry this post is so long! See what happens when you disappear from BWW for a while? You go through withdrawls!

~Joshua

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