For how long has Bruce Vilanch been in Hairspray on Broadway?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 2:45am

Just wondering, when he entered the Broadway production.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 9:22am

I believe Bruce entered the Broadway production sometime in October 2004.

[timote316]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 10:42am

That sounds about right. My parents saw Michael McKean right at the end of his run, and they saw it in Sept '04.

[Jilani]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 11:22am

According to IBDB, he started on October 5, 2004, and is slated to perform through September 4, 2005.

[Corine2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 11:27am

I hope he plays longer then that.
;-(

[Mimi Imfurst]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 1:15pm

how is vilanch as edna- ive yet to see him do it.

[Hairspraydoll]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 1:44pm

I saw him on the tour in LA and I thought he was hilarious. His ad libs were great and he made alot of them fit with California. He was also very nice at the stagedoor and signed my poster.

[check your personality]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 2:06pm

I just saw Bruce yesterday as Edna. He is absolutely hysterical, great comedic timing and even a decent voice. Definitely see him if you get the chance.

[Corine2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 2:13pm

I love Bruce's assets!
He is faboo!

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 2:22pm

speaking of voice, i was very surprised by how well the original Edna, Harvey Fierstein, actually sang in FIDDLER when i saw it recently. He talk-sang most of it, which worked fine, but on ballads like "Sabbath Prayer" he actually sang with a sort of rough baritenor sound that i thought worked very well. It was actually melodic (his voice has always been musical, even when talk-singing, as he knows how to phrase very well). i haven't seen Vilanch do it, but i'm a big fan, and find it amazing that these "stand up comedian" type actors can find a singing voice that works in musical theatre without really being legit.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 2:35pm

Saw Bruce and Carley in Denver before they went to Broadway. Got the chance to get to know Bruce as a very good friend of his that is also a good friend of mine lives here in Denver and threw 2 parties. One for the cast that Bruce was only able to attend for 15 minutes, and then I attended a small private dinner party for Bruce at my friend's home. Talked extensively with him and he is a wonderful man. And just as funny offstage as he is onstage. He extended a backstage visit for me if I should see the show in New York. Cool guy.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 3:39pm

Bruce rocks

(Just see my avatar!)

[WickedOne2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 3:41pm

I saw Bruce in LA with Marisa. His adlibs were great -- he made comments about Bush, Arnold and the NJ governor who came out of the closet (his name escapes me now).

[almostxfamous]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 4:57pm

Governor James McGreevey.

Alright, this is semi-pointless to bring up, but TheatreDiva, I LOVE your quote. Elf is ... wonderous.

I'd like to see Bruce. He used to annoy me on Hollywood Squares, but my taste has changed, so it'd probably be quite enjoyable.

[Candleshoe2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 5:27pm

I love how Bruce has made the role his own and not copied Harvey.

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 5:42pm

I have seen Mr. Vilanch twice in the role and he has truly made it his own.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:01pm

I saw him on November 13th and thought he did a great job!

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:05pm

i'd love to see Bruce (GET BRUCE!). Who is playing Link right now in NYC? might be worth a return trip, i've seen the rest of the newer musicals...

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 7:26pm

do you guys know whos replacing him after september 4th? im seeing it in october!

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 9:21pm

His ad-libs were great here also. Jokes about the Rocky Mountains, Denver and I think even the Mayor. (It's been well over a year)

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:04am

John Pinette, who is playing Edna on tour right now (DC as we speak), is replacing Bruce. But I think he needs a little work. (You can see my "review" including my opinion of his performance in a separate thread.) I saw the show on Sunday, and he was ok. With some heavy coaching from Jack O'Brien, he may do well. I don't mean to sound obnoxious; I just think he needs to work on his timing, singing, delivery and so on.

[LightMyCandle]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:33am

He ad-libbed about Britney Spears, Corey Clark/ Paula Abdul, and Desperate Housewives when I saw him in June. Hilarious. When I spoke with him at the stage door, he said he was trying to figure in Russel Crowe's latest assault scandal but wasn't sure how he could work it in.

He was fantastic. HUUUUUUGE applause. Almost blew HIM off the stage.

[Hairspraydoll]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:36am

Why is Bruce leaving?