Hoff is PAL JOEY with Channing and Plimpton- Page 4

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 2:52pm

Roundabout has put on some stunning revivals. But they usually go wrong by re-orchestrating their revivals and have them played by 5 musicians.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 5:44pm

In the fracas about Hoff and Channing, I'd almost overlooked the orchestration concern. And yes, you are absolutely correct. Roundabout always is screwing up glorious scores by using a small band. No wonder the Rodgers/Hammersteins won't let them touch an R&Hammerstein score. Now, keep off of the Rodgers/Hart scores until you're ready to use a decent-sized orchestra -- I don't expect the South Pacific treatment, but at least give this glorious score a chance to shine once more.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 5:58pm

ljay889, your information about the severely reduced orchestra size for most Roundabout musical revivals puts the negative icing on the cake: I no longer am interested in seeing this up-coming revival of PAL JOEY. Having a decent sized orchestra is too important to me, especially with such a magnificent score. I will make do with the Encores! recording of the production at the City Center which I went to years ago and loved. They used the original orchestrations by Hans Spialek and the orchestra sounded great, as did all the singers: Peter Gallagher as Joey, Vicki Lewis as Gladys, Daisy Prince as Linda, Patti LuPone as Vera, Bebe Neuwirth as Melba(singing "Zip") and the amazing tenor Arthur Rubin, who used to be an executive with the Nederlander Organization. I am listening to that recording as I write this.

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 6:02pm

I, for one, have confidence in the Roundabout. They have given us several successful revivals of musicals, and, despite a few missteps, are generally reliable. I prefer to have faith in a production before it opens, trusting that the people involved (one of this country's most prominent non-profit theaters, one of Broadway's greatest current directors, a trustworthy and experienced musical theatre leading lady, a Tony-winning actor, and one of the most prolific and highly-praised young actresses on Broadway) will join together, conquer their weaknesses, and put on a good show.

People said Johnny Depp would ruin Sweeney Todd because it requires a strong singer. What happened? He was one of the most emotionally engaging and deep Sweeneys we have ever seen, and he delivered a solid performance.

Have confidence people. Because if this is brilliant, you're all going to bite your tongues.

EDIT: You are all going to *eat your words.*

Sorry for the momentary lapse in lucid expression.


Updated On: 6/21/08 at 06:02 PM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 8:38pm

No. You don't mean "bite your tongues."

You mean "eat your words" or eat your hat" but not "bite your tongue."

"Bite your tongue" is what you wish we'd do NOW.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 9:46pm

The film version of Sweeney Todd was a different kettle of fish than the stage version. I've seen both and loved both. I think there is strong feeling that Depp, though brilliant in the film, would find doing the stage version daunting.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 6/22/08 at 12:24am

scaryclowns123, I am sorry to burst your bubble but the director is certainly NOT one of the greatest current directors, the Tony Winning star did NOT win a Tony for the talents this show calls for, the Roundabout will cheapass this orchestra and THIS will be the only revival many of us will live to see on Broadway.

Take off the rose-colored glasses and see what we're talking about.

[A Director]

Posted: 6/22/08 at 1:25am

The orchestrations for Pal Joey aren't set in stone.
1940 - Hans Spialek
1952 - Special Orchestrations: Don Walker Orchestrations - Hans Spialek
1976 - Michael Gibson
2008/9 - Don Sebesky

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/22/08 at 9:24am

Who did the orchestrations for the Lena Horne/Christopher Chadman/Debbie Gravitte (the Shapiro) tour?

That was an amazing production.

Updated On: 6/22/08 at 09:24 AM