Harvey Fierstein to Join LA CAGE AUX FOLLES as Albin February 15 — Page 3

Way back in the olden days, I was just a mere acting student in a university in the frosty north. Our gay and lesbian group didn't have much of a budget, but they had enough to bring one show to the school. It was Harvey Fierstein doing his one-man act. I, being obnoxious and self-promoting, suggested that some student (but who? who could it be!?) should do the opening monologue from Torch Song Trilogy as a way of honoring his work. I also roped another student into doing a monologue from Safe Sex. We got to spend some time with Mr. Fierstein backstage...and he was a fabulous. Kind and acerbic at the same time.

After we did our pieces, we watched the show from the wings. Harvey decided to sing I AM WHAT I AM. Was it like listening to Barbara Cook sing GLITTER AND BE GAY? Nope.

But it was the most fiercely delivered, moving version of that song I've ever encountered. Ever. Put me in the camp of thrilled to see it.

It's not an exact analogy, but it's a bit like JCM in Hedwig. Others can be good. Great. Transcendent.

But there's only one that just IS.

Harvey just is.

Mike Myers is apparently in the mix to replace Grammer. Oy.

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/harvey_to_kick_up_his_heels_WMgJZaYGZQbfpjNRPUoHSI#ixzz14r2NIjzK

Riedel spoke directly with Fierstein. I'm sure there's some truth to it.

But, he recorded that CD years ago. I want to say that there was even a noticeable difference between the Hairspray and Catered Affair recordings and it wasn't for the better.

"Who says that the character of Albin is necessarily a great singer with a heavenly voice?"

It's a bloody hard sing!

It's outdated info. Mike Myers is not playing Georges.

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But God help you if you try saying something even slightly salty about Elaine Stritch's singing.

Well maybe Reichen can do it. His show is down to 2 perfs a week now, right?

Did he?!? If so then he's definitely free to partner with Harvey!

Hmm...now, Stritch as Albin...THAT Id see.

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I wouldn't go as far as to say that casting Fierstein in a role he wrote is the same kind of casting as Chicago does. I think it's highly intriguing.

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My goodness, have people here lost all of their senses since the Mendel Auto-tune was introduced to broadway?

Here is a list of people who would NEVER make it on Broadway today because by the standards set here could not sing very well:

Yul Brenner
Angela Lansbury
Ethel Merman
Carol Channing
Jerry Orbach
Mary Martin
Gwen Verdon
Zero Mostel
The afore mentioned Stritch
Rex Harrison

But I would pay anything to have seen these actor/singers in their heyday. I would put Harvey in this category. Charisma and commitment to the material and the ability to transform themselves believably into a character is a much more valuable thing than being able to hit all the notes in a auditory pleasing manner.
Better to please the soul than the to please the ear when it comes to musical theater.

If you come out of a performance saying, "He sure sung purdy" is all well and good. But to come out saying, "He moved me in a way I have never been moved before is, as they say, PRICELESS.

So stay home and listen to your Josh Groban and Christina Aguilera cds. I am sure you will enjoy their pretty studio enhanced singing.

Just my opinion.

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