Hoff Withdraws from PAL JOEY, Risch Takes Over- Page 4

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/29/08 at 1:18pm

I think Hoff would be great as Nathan Detriot in the Guys & Dolls revival!

Especially with the cast they're assembling. He'd fit right in to the group so far.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/29/08 at 1:40pm

Why don't you ask GrodyBradyBunch what he thinks? He'll ask someone in the "inner circle," no doubt.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 11/29/08 at 4:07pm

I've said this before, but the injury was legit. I've been told that Hoff realized something was seriously wrong with it when he got home after the performane on Friday night. If it turns out to have been a blessing in disguise for the production and for Roundabout, I don't think any of it was deliberately done.

[Chelseapal]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 9:51pm

I saw him Wednesday night. I don't think I'm any more forgiving than anyone else, but I thought he was excellent. His acting was strong and he certainly held his own against Ms. Channing. He does have an inescapable sexuality. His dancing was strong even though the production could stand a bit more choreography. I wish they would create more for him to do. His singing seemed to start a little weak, but just in the first number. He seemed to gain confidence shortly into the show. All in all, I think he's really a big talent.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 9:59pm

What did you think of Martha Plimpton's voice, Chelsea?

[Chelseapal]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 10:22pm

considering low expectations (thinking she was just another name without voice, i.e. Stockard Channing) she sang wonderfully. I think she was the best in the show.

[Sondheim_Geek]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:41pm

All of the posters in the city have these Matthew Risch stickers placed over Christian Hoff's name.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/4/08 at 1:14am

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/theater/69435/thems-the-breaks

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 12/4/08 at 10:05am

Okay, why don't we all take a deep breath and give Matthew Risch a week's chance to develop his performance. Most comments, including mine, were based on having seen him the third or fourth time he did it. It's not like they replaced Hoff with a disaster waiting to happen -- so give the guy a chance. I agree with the comment that the choreography, as is, doesn't provide him with ample opportunity to showcase his dancing abilities. Hopefully, they can do some last-minute thinking on the choreography, now that they have a real dancer doing the part. My original comments were negative, but I'd hate to see a career destroyed for reasons beyond the performer's control.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/4/08 at 10:12am

That was very gracious, Ed.

[Usnavi]

Posted: 12/4/08 at 10:44am

wow. that's a lot of drama on stage and off. i've never heard of matthew risch but i hope he does well in the role.

i feel bad for christian hoff because for me he was one of the stand-outs in 'jersey boys'.

i'm kind of 'iffy' about this whole production anyway and more so now that i've read the extensive changes made to the original book.

i love me some rodgers and hart but i may just skip this one.