Posted: 2/9/17 at 4:19pm
Wait. When is Malloy subbing? I really enjoyed Josh, but I'd love to see Dave one last time.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 4:33pm
I'd gladly accept Dave Malloy taking over. But if it had to be a known figure, I like the idea of Michael C. Hall. He's incredibly diverse as an actor and while not an outstanding singer he has shown us many times that he's more then capable.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 4:37pm
themysteriousgrowl said: " Wait. When is Malloy subbing? I really enjoyed Josh, but I'd love to see Dave one last time."
http://www.playbill.com/article/great-comet-creator-dave-malloy-will-step-in-for-josh-groban-for-10-performances
Malloy, who originated the role of Pierre in the show’s initial Off-Broadway runs at Ars Nova and Kazino, will perform the role May 4 at 7 PM, May 5 at 8 PM, May 6 at 2 PM and 8 PM, May 7 at 3 PM, May 9 at 7 PM, May 16 at 7 PM, June 13 at 7 PM, June 20 at 7 PM, and June 27 at 7 PM.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 4:39pm
Thank you so much, kreichelt!
Posted: 2/9/17 at 4:47pm
"I wouldn't describe them, or Groban (who is absolutely wonderful as Pierre), that way either. You seem to be confusing "dream casting" with "type casting."
I have seen the show. I've also read War and Peace. Having done both, I would suggest that describing Pierre as a "sad-sack loser" is, to put it mildly, a vast oversimplification. In any event, I have absolutely no problem imagining Yazbeck succeeding brilliantly in the role. "
Haven't read War and Peace, so I'll give you that, but the musical already simplifies all of the characters a fair amount as it is. But I'm curious to know how you would describe Pierre? Within the first five minutes of the show, he's described as "one of a hundred sad old men living out their final days in Moscow" and he says of himself that he's ridiculed and laughed at. Physically, Natasha and Andrey both describe him as sad and stout. Do I think someone like Tony Yazbeck could do it in a concert? Sure, of course- he's a good actor with a beautiful voice (although, Pierre really shouldn't have a purely beautiful voice anyway). But this is a show that, in it's opening number, asks the audience to remember the characters with clear identifying markers- young, hot, slut, plain- so type of course matters here. And as far as I see it, casting a traditionally handsome and muscular guy as Pierre does not suit the characterization that Malloy and the creative team have made.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 5:31pm
Like Josh Groban, Tony Yazbeck is an actor capable of playing a role very different than his own persona.
How would I describe Pierre?
World weary, selfless, dissatisfied, scholarly, kind, beloved, gentle, existentially stricken, self-consciously directionless, very unhappily married, wealthy, trustworthy, intellectual, uncomfortable in a shallow social whirl that surrounds him, compassionate and loyal.
I certainly wouldn't describe him as a loser.
And, though the musical doesn't go there, politically enthusiastic - later to the point of obsession - first in his admiration for Napoleon, then in his contempt for him.
As an archetype, I'd say he's a philosopher.
As to the description from the opening number, you've quoted it correctly. But there is irony and subtext in it. It is not meant to be taken so literally as to reduce him to "a sad-sack loser." Which, by the way, I have little doubt Yazbeck could also portray.
Updated On: 2/9/17 at 05:31 PM
Posted: 2/9/17 at 5:46pm
My point was not about an actor playing a role different than his own persona, but about appropriateness for the role. And to play "sad, stout" Pierre, Tony Yazback, Stephen Pasquale, or Hugh Jackman don't strike me as appropriate choices for the role, even if yes, they could technically play it- and I think this bears true if you look at the casting history of the role. Regardless, I doubt any of these men are ever going to play the role ever.
I do like the Norbert Leo Butz suggestion quite a lot, I bet he'd be great. And I hope to see Dave Malloy when he returns to the show as well.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 7:32pm
I like the idea of Michael C Hall or Michael Cerveris! How about Jason Danieley?
Posted: 2/9/17 at 9:27pm
If this were a few decades earlier, we would all be saying David Bowie.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 9:40pm
what about James Corden? (although he's probably busy with his show)
Updated On: 2/9/17 at 09:40 PM
Posted: 2/9/17 at 10:27pm
I always thought Josh Young had a similar voice to Groban. Granted, I've not seen the show.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 11:45pm
This replacement is SO good. I don't know how much of a draw he will be. But it is a bit of a jaw drop. A VERY interesting choice to say the least.
Posted: 2/9/17 at 11:49pm
IslandBoy27 said: "This replacement is SO good. I don't know how much of a draw he will be. But it is a bit of a jaw drop. A VERY interesting choice to say the least. "
Any idea when itll be announced
Posted: 2/10/17 at 12:06am
Marlothom said: "I always thought Josh Young had a similar voice to Groban. Granted, I've not seen the show.
"
I've always thought that too!
Posted: 2/10/17 at 12:08am
Alex M said: "IslandBoy27 said: "This replacement is SO good. I don't know how much of a draw he will be. But it is a bit of a jaw drop. A VERY interesting choice to say the least. "
Any idea when itll be "
That I don't know.
Posted: 2/11/17 at 10:37am
Who is it?
Posted: 2/11/17 at 5:48pm
Is Michael Park someone who could sing the score?
Posted: 2/11/17 at 6:16pm
Color me intrigued...I hope we have the same definition of "SO good".
Updated On: 2/11/17 at 06:16 PM
Posted: 2/11/17 at 6:33pm
Ha, that would...something. The first name that came to me when thinking "good" but not necessarily a ticket selling name was Danny Burstein.
Posted: 2/11/17 at 6:37pm
I love Danny Burstein but could he handle Dust and Ashes?
Posted: 2/11/17 at 6:42pm
Will chase?
Posted: 2/11/17 at 6:45pm
We clearly have very different ideas of who would be good as Pierre.
Sally - I think Burstein could handle it at least as well as Stangland or Malloy.
Updated On: 2/11/17 at 06:45 PM
Posted: 2/11/17 at 10:11pm
Should the rumors of Denny Osmond replacing Groban be taken seriously?
Posted: 2/11/17 at 10:55pm
Jack Black would be inspired.
