Hugh Panaro to play Bobby in Company at Seattle's 5th Ave. Theatre

[Luckydave14]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:42pm

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/101703.html

Broadway's Hugh Panaro, late of Lestat and The Phantom of the Opera, will play Bobby in the new 5th Avenue Theatre staging of Company in Seattle this fall.

5th Avenue artistic director David Armstrong will stage the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical about marriage, friendship and the pitfalls and joys of committed relationships.

Performances will play Oct. 17-Nov. 5.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:44pm

Oooh, good casting!

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:45pm

I guess that means he won't be doing the tour of "Lestat"?

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:48pm

I wonder if Suzannne Sommers will understudy?

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:51pm

"I wonder if Suzannne Sommers will understudy?"

"Oooh, good casting!"

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:55pm

He does not strike me as a Bobby type at all, in physical terms. I think he reads a little too fragile for the role, but he certainly has the talent to do just about anything vocally. I will be excited to see how he is reviewed.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:58pm

Well, you wouldn't have to ask me twice to listen to him sing the score, that's for certain. He's attractive, which I guess is sort of a plus when you're playing Bobby, but I don't know that the character has *that* strict of a "type." Certainly doesn't have to be super-butch, or whatever.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:05pm

No I agree with you about the voice, and it's not a specific type, but I think that having Bobby read less fragile physically adds to the emotional fragility in the show and the idea of comittment and leaning on someone else. I think Hugh will make it work because he is extremely talented. I am definitely interested in this.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:08pm

Lestat is not touring?

God what a bummer. Seriously, glad he landed this role . He should do fine

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:18pm

That is awesome news. He will sing the hell out of that score. I really wish I could see it.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:20pm

Can he play his own instrument? If so, maybe he can replace Raul when he leaves.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:21pm

He'd only have to play cymbals and half of a song on piano, not the whole score. I don't think Raul played much piano if any beforehand, and that he was taught Being Alive, but that's kind of it. You'd never know.

Updated On: 8/29/06 at 06:21 PM

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:23pm

I think he's been studying cymbals for the past 35 years, so he should be fine.

But, seriously, I'm very excited for him. He has an incredible voice, and perhaps his phisical features can bring something new to the role.

[actormcfamous]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:32pm

All I can say is WHOA.

I was incredibly excited for this when the 5th announced it as part of their season back in February/March. But now that the cast is assembled... WOW. Besides Hugh, it's a ton of incredibly talented local actors. Definitely gonnna buy tickets for this.

[almostxfamous]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:38pm

I wish I could see Hugh do this role. He will sing the hell out of that score. His 'Being Alive' and 'Someone is Waiting' will be FANTASTIC.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 6:39pm

And he won't have to play his own instrument but I'm glad to hear he can if need be.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 7:21pm

What a step up (for intellectual theatre) for Kendra, who will be playing Amy. For all you Wicked fans, the tour's Glinda. I have confidence that she will pull off "Not Getting Married Today" with ease.

[Fabrizio2]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 7:23pm

When do tickets go on sale for this?

[KQuill]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:08pm

he does play the piano

[Becky2]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:15pm

I'm glad he's doing another show. He had quite a talent and I'm sure he can play any role well.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:39pm

I'm excited as well! It's nice to see Hugh getting the chance to put his talent to work! LOL! Looks like I'll have to make a visit back to my roots in West Coast this fall. :)

~Roz

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/30/06 at 1:35am

I guess that means he won't be doing the tour of "Lestat"?

Tours are not conducive to running away from your scary East Coast fans.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/30/06 at 2:36am

And it's good to know that he doesn't have to play his own instrument

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 8/30/06 at 10:28am

I don't think this is the greatest casting in the world. I agree with aspiringactress. But i find his acting to be just fair.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 8/30/06 at 1:40pm

oh.