DRS understudies

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/6/06 at 11:49pm

I saw DRS on Saturday and i saw the understudies for Norbert and Joanna. I was dissapointed when I got there and found out I was seeing understudies, but I'd already seen the original cast, so it was ok. I really loved both of them. Especially Rachel de Benedet. She has a much clearer voice (which isn't necessary, but was nice), and was less dopey, but more rich, bored housewife. I liked her wig, too. A smooth, sleek look. And she had amazing chemistry with (oh lord, I forget his name, you know who I mean).

Joe Cassidy was great, too. Seemed a bit older, but more hickish. And a great voice. He blended really well with Jonathan Price. Hearing two legit singers do the score was much different. I realized that the music was actually wonderful, not just the lyrics.

Anyone else seen them?

PS - Rachel York Rocks. A great choice for the role. She really made it her own without trying too hard. (And I am glad I din't see her with Norbert. I think i would've felt like he was cheating on Sherie Renee)

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:01am

Gregory Jbara

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:02am

Yeah, I looked it up right after I wrote that. Made me feel like an idiot. Have you watched the behind the scenes video on broadway.com for DRS? Jbara is sooooo cute in that. Big pencils, love it.
Updated On: 3/7/06 at 12:02 AM

[Mark Loves His Scarf]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:51am

Saw Joe Cassidy in Norbert's role. LOVED him. True, I was disappointed in missing Norbert, but he was damn good. Their vocals are similar and he kinda looks like him. He had great chemistry with the cast and was flawless as far as I'm concerned. I saw him with Sherie, however, but I didn't feel like she was cheating on Norbert (because I'm a great Norbert/Sherie fan. Loved then in L5Yrs and this).

Now a while ago I heard that Sherie leave was temporary, but on the official site they have York's picture. Now is this really temporary or is she never coming back?

[Kungaloosh1937]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:54am

Sherie comes back June 20th. She's off doing Landscape of the Body off-Broadway. It's a temporary leave.

Sara Gettelfinger is coming back too - before Scott, I believe.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 2:47am

Sara's coming back after she's done with Grey Gardens. As of now, the last performance of that was April 9.

I've seen Joe twice as Freddy and agree he was fabulous...he really has a fantastic voice and range(better than Norbert's even), and he's just great. Glad you got to see him because his last performance in DRS was Sunday

I've seen Rachel as Muriel 3 times and your comments sound very similar to my impressions the first time. Her youth if nothing else brings something else to the role, but she really has a gorgeous voice and good chemistry with Greg.

Updated On: 3/7/06 at 02:47 AM

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 9:58am

""And I am glad I din't see her with Norbert. I think i would've felt like he was cheating on Sherie Renee"'"

Is it sad that I'm REALLY happy I'm not the only one who had that thought...

[liotte]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 10:01am

I've seen Norbert plenty of times, but have also seen Joe and Jason as Freddy, and enjoyed both of the understudy performances!

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 10:26am

Doesnt Rachel go on frequently as Muriel? I have seen her on GregCam a number of times as Muriel.

[Malki5]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:08pm

We saw Rachel as Muriel last week and thought she was terrific. I have also seen Dennis Parlato as Lawrence and enjoyed him very much.

[HoshiForever]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:19pm

Does anyone know when Norbert's contract is up? I'm going to try really hard to go see the show before he leaves!

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 12:25pm

Well Norb hasnt officialy announced that he is going to leave yet but his contract is up in July and it is very likely that he will not be extending so he will probably leave the 23rd of July, along with Greg Jbara.

Updated On: 3/7/06 at 12:25 PM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 3:34pm

Well...I don't know how to define "frequently." Laura Marie Duncan, Joanna's other understudy, has gone on for her a couple of times, but Rachel has gone on a lot more. She was on and officially inserted into the playbill when Joanna was on vacation for a week, and has filled in other times when Joanna was having vocal, foot, or sick problems.