Hugh Panaro: Really? — Page 2

There's this fantastic program called "ArtSpeak" where Broadway performers come to schools in my area to talk and sing. I was one of the lucky kids who got to interview him onstage and accidentally offended him by making fun of his sideburns in "Sweeney Todd." (What... how was I supposed to know that they were real?) If you search Hugh Panaro Artspeak on youtube, you can find a few videos from it-- it was really awesome.

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Nope, they're just of him singing. But there is this really cute little boy named Carlos who he had 'play' Marius when he sang "Bring Him Home."

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Ha, Schmerg...I don't think he was offended by your remark about the sideburns. I've certainly said worse to him and I have friends who've made a running joke about ragging on him about one of his old headshots.

He does use that first photo as his headshot - it was in the Playbill for "Les Miserables" in Philly last year and some other show programs.

Actually, I guess the Hong Kong Philharmonic didn't like it because they went and used the "Phamlet" photo (which was taken by my friend, Bonnie) from his web site in their program when he did a concert with them last fall.

For the record, not too many people like the current headshot. I use it on the site a lot because it's current, but I personally hate it.

Jan, a lady who helps me out with photos for some events like the Les Miz opening and closing nights, hates it as much as I do. When we walked into the lobby at Schmerg's school for Artspeak, Jan spotted the poster and said, "UGH!!!! Not that photo again!"

And I get a lot of e-mail from people who've met Hugh at shows and wonder what's up with the awful headshot!

As for the rose-biting photo...it was cute at the time and in context. It accompanied an article about "Lestat" and it was fitting. And a lot of people liked it. I remember some cute girls at the Palace stage door who brought him a rose and asked him to bite it for a photo with them. I'm a little tired of it after three years, but don't hate it like I hate the current headshot.

As for auditions, yes, he does. There are a few exceptions - he didn't have to audition for "Company" in Seattle. But, otherwise, he does audition.

Yes, that photo was from Artspeak. Before the show, Jan and I were hanging out in the drama room with Hugh and Mark Shugoll. One of the photographers there asked to get a photo of Hugh and Mark. Hugh scooped up an orange wedge from the table, popped it in his mouth, and took the picture liked that.

Hugh is by far my favorite actor and I loved him in Lestat however I do agree that Allison was phenominal and it was kind of her show to steal.

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I think he's kinda hammy (one of my friends said flaming) in general...

For the record I *really* liked him as Bobby in Company in Seattle one or two years back--and am intrigued that he's back there to play Georges in Sunday... I may have to make another trek.

I liked the headshot he used in the Lestat playbill. I think it captures a serious side to him and was very dignified as compared to this new one that I agree is terrible. I cant wait for an audio to leak out of his SITPWG. His finishing the hat should be devine. Paula, when hes done doing SITPWG convince him to revive Grand Hotel and star as the Baron! I need to see that happen in my lifetime.

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You guys are too funny.

All I can say is he is funny, free-spirited, sensitive, earthy and a very sweet guy and indeed quite a talent and highly regarded by those he works with.

His talent and reputation among his peers outweigh any quirky headshots.

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I wouldn't know, but they say his hot crossed buns are special. Actually Hugh's weakness is decadant chocolates.

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"All I can say is he is funny, free-spirited, sensitive, earthy and a very sweet guy and indeed quite a talent and highly regarded by those he works with.

His talent and reputation among his peers outweigh any quirky headshots."

Very well said. He's certainly one of the loveliest human beings I've ever met. And something that always stands out for me when I talk to or receive e-mails from people he's worked with - whether it was twenty-five years ago or last year - is the amount of love and respect they have for him.

Oh, and along with the chocolates, don't forget the ice cream. When we were in the drama classroom before the show, he was talking to the students from the tech crew and he got started on a long and very enthusiastic tangent about Ben & Jerry's Whirled Peace. Finally, he said something like, "Um, I really need to shut up about ice cream."

I love Hugh Panaro and I'm very jealous of Eric and anybody who got to see him do COMPANY in Seattle. He did a stage reading of MERRILY in L.A. about a decade ago and was excellent.

Those of you who know him might suggest he put out an album or two of Broadway standards. His recordings of good songs are too few.

Didn't he have a deal with Sony at one point to do a CD?

I've seen Hugh four times in "Phantom". I've never really agreed with his characterization, because I think he usually played the Phantom as too stand-offish. However, I think he nailed it perfectly at the 25th anniversary.

I would have loved to meet Hugh backstage when I was in NY helping out after Sandy. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to arrange it, because I didn't have any warning that I'd be off the two evenings that I got to see the show. I've heard that he's a great guy, and he's a real animal lover, so that makes him ok by my standards.

One thing I'm finding especially interesting on this thread: It's the guys (at least judging from their pictures and screen names) who are mostly the ones who think that Hugh is crush material, unlike some of the other Phantoms. Gerard Butler and John Cudia, for example, are two that have us (straight) females squealing. Still, I'd love to meet Hugh because he appears to be a lot of fun.

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