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.
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.
"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.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
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.
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.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
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. "
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. "
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