Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
Kinda surprised one of the understudies didn't get the role...
Broadway Star Joined: 9/22/14
The show need some sort of star to keep going!
Have you ever been tempted to say he's her son?
While I had hoped Will Blum would be full-time at some point, at least this means we'll still get three full-throttle shows a week out of him, and I'm super happy about that!
I definitely was hoping Will would get promoted to full time (and rightfully so given his fantastic performance), but I am glad to see Eric making his return to Broadway. Between Eric and Will, this show is in wonderful hands with either leading man.
Each performer will have fans, individual strengths, etc. Doesn't really matter who's doing it. This is an ALW automaton show nearly as much as Cats is.
We get it PThesbian. You work on the show and love it. No need to go to bat every time.
I guess i will be returning to the Winter Garden. Curious to see it with Jen too, as I think she's a better fit vocally.
Such a shame Will didn't get it, his performance is spectacular. Alex's last performance will probably be a blast, I'm going to try and attend. I wonder if he'll sing the high notes again?
How is first row in this theatre? Just occurred to me I've never been that close to the stage here. Is it fun for SOR?
everythingtaboo said: "How is first row in this theatre? Just occurred to me I've never been that close to the stage here. Is it fun for SOR?"
The one time I've seen the show, I was in front-row rush seats, and they're very good and not too high. I can't remember any neck pain or missing any key scenes.
Has anyone seen him in it recently? The performance on Thanksgiving day wasn't very good, but apparently he was sick. It would be the only show I could fit in just before leaving for JFK on a Sunday. Or does Will Blum usually do Sunday matinees? Thanks!
I don't buy that as an excuse.
Leading Actor Joined: 4/2/14
How is Eric in the role? I saw him in the Shrek tour years ago and thought he was excellent, but Dewey is a very different role both vocally and physically.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/6/11
Did Will Blum not want the role full time? I saw him early on in his Broadway run and thought he was sensational on every level, no mean feat given that I was humongously disappointed when I got to the Winter Garden and saw that Alex was off.
On a side note, saw the London cast recently and was surprised how underpowered they felt compared to the NYC team. David Fynn's Dewey is lovable for sure but not crazy or manic enough, plus not as strong a voice as one would have hoped. The big improvement for London is Florence Andrews as Rosalie. Her "Where Did The Rock Go" is glorious and wiped the floor with Sierra.
^I just PMed you a question, PT.
Featured Actor Joined: 5/5/14
Is Eric leaving soon? Just saw this casting notice:
http://www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-open-call-school-rock-bway-and-more/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Casting%20Posts
it could be for the alternate, too. Is the show touring this Fall?
ACL2006 said: "it could be for the alternate, too. Is the show touring this Fall?
There is in fact a tour going out this fall. It comes to my neck of the woods (Orlando) in December.
Hm. Interesting. I know it's a rough show vocally + high energy, but that sounds terrible. Is it just the nature of how they have to sing the songs? I feel like it's a fairly tough part to cast.
I rushed the show tonight and got a box seat. I'd see the show before, so I wasn't bothered by the view. It was pretty much sold-out, which for a Tuesday in Feb. is pretty impressive.
Eric Petersen took some getting use to. Overall: he was great in the role. But vocally, he had some more "musical theater" moments as opposed to a straight up rock sound. He was a little more low-energy than Brightman, but I felt like he made it more his own as opposed to Brightman who felt very shackled by the Jack Black characterization.
Emily Crumer (I think?) was on for Rosalie and she nailed it. It was so nice to hear someone actually belt/sing "Where Did The Rock Go?" Wish we could have a recording of her singing it. She nailed the operatic moments, but really nailed the pop/rock sound. She was fabulous.
Everything else felt more or less the same. The kids were all great, and the audience responded as such.
Oh nice! I would have liked to see Jenn, but Emily was wonderful! I loved her voice and her whole presence was perfection. That's how that song should be sung!
And nice! I think I was sitting near the new understudy/standby.
I do enjoy the show - most of the songs are a lot of fun - I just feel it gets a little "cheesy" towards the end. And some of the child actors are A LOT - like dial it back to a 5. But still a fun night out.
I noticed that today is Will Blum's final day with the show. I wonder if it was for his replacement?
Don't have my playbill with me, but I think they had announced his replacement.
^Jonathan Wagner is replacing Will - he was the previous Dewey alternate and is really great in the role.
I was at today's performance and Will's Dewey is just so perfect and I am sad to see him go.
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