Freddy Benson Replacement Ideas- Page 3

[DefyingPopular]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:19pm

David Josefsberg... that would be interesting! I could see Jack Black doing it... Maybe this is random, but Jesse Tyler Ferguson? He seems like he'd have the comedic timing to pull it off.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:26pm

I think Raul would be great as Freddy. And if DRS doesn't seem like "his show", then all the more reason he should do it. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang certainly didn't seem like "his show" which was the exact reason why he did it.

And did that go particularly well? I think it was ultimately a bit of a mistake. I'm not saying it was too far outside his range, because I think his range is with very, very few limitations, but that show did nothing for him, other than possibly proved that he could do the song-and-dance man thing. It's almost shocking to me that his reputation escaped that show pretty much unscathed.

I think there's very little that Raul can't sing, dance or act, but in some cases, just because he is capable of it doesn't mean he's the right choice for the show, or that the show is the right choice for him. Yes, he should step out of his comfort zone, but that doesn't mean that something is a good idea just because it's outside of an actor's comfort zone.

I think he absolutely COULD do Freddy, but it's not his element. There's a difference between him doing fine, and him giving the knock-your-socks-off performances he can give.

It's all pretty moot anyway; could you really see him considering this?

Updated On: 3/27/06 at 06:26 PM

[thez914]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:43pm

Jack Noseworthy...?

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 9:52pm

Someone said they don't think Dan Fogler could vocally do it.... has anyone heard norbert lately his voice has gone to HELL!

i personally think Joe Cassidy should come back and do it because he was SWAY better then Norbert.

[Holly Therese]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 9:56pm

Loving the Roger Bart idea!

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 10:07pm

I love Christian Campbell as well, but I think Jack Black would be absolutely IDEAL! Christian Borle is also good.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 10:23pm

Christian Borle is a great idea! Never thought of that! Oh my gosh!!!! I can totally see him doing it too!

[zoran912]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 12:39am

Jesse Tyler Fergusen is the best suggestion I've heard.

hmmm....Doogie Hauser maybe?

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:09am

Brooks Ashmankis

[SirLiir]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:17am

Norbert's voice going to hell? He sounded perfectly fine last week. Of course, having played the role for over a year now, he does not sound as great as did when he started. But that is to be expected.

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:33am

like it is just getting ruff and he isn't even singing parts of the show anymore.... it is ridiculous.....

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 2:16am

Brooks Ashmankas' voice sounds just like Norbert's, but I don't know enough about his acting.

Raul is all wrong.

Dan Fogler is too young.

Christian Borle is the wrong type.

Aaron Lohr would work, MAYBE...

I think the best "celebrity" fo the role is Jack Black - I would pay good money to see the show again if he joined the cast.

The current understudy is fine and tries his hardest to do his best Norbert impression, but he just doesn't cut it.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 2:28am

Well, BwayBaby18, I agree with you on a few things. There is quite a difference between Norbert's Freddy a year ago and Norbert's Freddy now. Mostly, I have noticed that he does not go for the high notes in Love is My Legs and Dirty Rotten Number. I imagine he is still dealing with the after effects of his node injury so for the sake of his voice, he really should not and thankfully is not. Besides, his acting and skill in the show more than makes off for the occasional gruffs. People need to look at a replacement for Norbert more as a package, rather than just a great singer OR great comedic actor. A casting of a skilled comedian with the powerful voice is what's needed. Can Raul, Hunter, or Brooke accomplish this?
Updated On: 3/29/06 at 02:28 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 2:30am

A big HELL NO to Hunter Foster. Love him, but please, no.

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 8:43am

You're right, SirLiir, when you say that Norbert still sounds fantastic. And he cannot be replaced. I am just looking forward to seeing Norbert in his next show (David Yazbek's Shrek perhaps?)

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 8:48am

I say a big HELL NO to jack black...but that's because I have a deep hatred for him...

and whoever said Ana G. for Christine...must disagree....Ana is more of a Joanna Gleason type then a Sherie Rene type...

-Steph

[ruprecht]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 10:07am

Didn't this thread/topic already happen a while back? Or was that on ATC? I think Andy Karl would be flawless. I know he's a bit less "charactery" and taller than many of the men mentioned but as far as comic ability, he's got it in spades. He also has the right rock-ish voice that is a good match for NLB.

[Crazy_for_the_Q]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:19pm

The problem with Andy Karl is that he's too pretty for the role. During the entire Rupchret scene you shouldn't be thinking "Rupchret is so hot!".. because that defeats the purpose of the role. Andy Karl is INSANELY talented but Freddy is just not a role for him

On the other hand, David Josefsberg would be absolutely fantastic for that role. I know they are looking for BIG names but if he had a shot to get that role he'd own it.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:24pm

i still say no to Jack Black. I really think he would ruin the show. he would be too over the top. I know that the character sort of calls to be over the top and norbert does it perfectly. But Jack Black would take it too far.

I don't think he will do it anyway, even if the producers ask him.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:38pm

Q, I know this is how the role "wound up" on Broadway with the hiring of NLB but let's not forget, Steve Martin was a handsome Freddy, (IMO). With a physical appearance more in line with Karl than Borle, Josefberg, et al.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:46pm

I've been saying David Josefsberg should replace Norbert for months now, and I'm sticking to that. ...Except he's got The Wedding Singer now. I'd LOVE to see David as Freddy at some point, though. The role is perfect for him.

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 1:56pm

Sean Connery.

Accept no substitutions.

[EdmundOG]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 5:18pm

Jack Black could do it.

David Cross should do it.

[Mamie]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 6:07pm

Roger Bart's was the first face and voice that came to my mind for this part. The only problem is that it means I have to see the show at least 2 more times if he's in it!

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 6:54pm

Roger Bart would be a good choice or Will Chase, but they're not chubby enough really. For some reason I keep wondering what it would sound like if James Barbour sang "Great Big Stuff", humorous probably.