J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance — Page 2

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#26

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 6:34am

Bobby won me over from the moment he started "I've Been" the first time I saw the show at Arena (another one who had resigned herself to someone else, but at the time thought Dan would always be Brian in my heart), and he has just grown exponentially in the role. By the second time I saw it at Arena, I was asking myself "Wait...who DID play this role before now?" He's truly made it his own and does an AMAZING job embodying the character so genuinely and believably.

Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!

#27

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 8:03am

I thought his performance on the show was terrific and he walked away with that number. He's also the best thing about the OBC recording. It's unfortunate that he was somewhat overshadowed by Alice Ripley's showier role (and showy performance). I thoroughly enjoy his understated strength.

#28

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 8:47am

The whole cast is unbelievably kind at the stagedoor, but he is especially so! I went with a friend who had never been to a stagedoor before and he was amazed at how gracious everyone was and how willing they were to spend time with the fans. It's so obvious that they all just love being a part of the show.

I, too, loved his Tony performance. Thought it was great to see him so up close (via camera) and thought he was very effective.

"grace, you're stuffed in a box getting rid of ass plaque. let's face it, this evening is a bust."

#29

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 9:23am

I love reading everyone's comments about Bobby's powerful performance on the Tonys in this great show! In late August, I did a JBB interview (http://jerseyboysblog.com/jbb-exclusive-interview-with-j-robert-spencer-3/2975) with Bobby & he was beyond thrilled about the "Next to Normal" opportunity...here's what he said:

JBB: Congratulations on the award! Then, you?re off to Washington DC to star in ?Next to Normal?! It sounds like this is an amazing opportunity for you and it will be a major departure from your role as Nick.

BS: I?m very optimistic about ?Next to Normal.? This piece is completely original?it?s emotional, heartbreaking, uplifting, and chaotic. It?s going to be an amazing piece of theatre?it?s not full of fluff. I think audiences want to be challenged. It is an emotional journey with a tremendous cast with music by Tom Kitt and a book by Brian Yorkey, and it?s directed by Michael Greif, who?s a fantastic director?one of the best.

I play ?Dan,? the husband and father, and it?s exactly the role I NEED to be doing after playing Nick Massi.

Jersey Boys Blog

#30

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 9:50am

I agree that he's outstanding in the role. I saw first preview and was sort of underwhelmed by him, but he has grown into the role so unbelievably well. Not that I could very easily choose a favorite performance in next to normal, but JRS blows my mind regardless. He's also said in several interviews that he gets people coming up to him at the stagedoor who saw him in Jersey Boys saying, "I didn't know you could sing like that! Wow!" and he's said it's really nice to get that recognition now, that this is the role he's been waiting for.

#31

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 11:25am

J. Robert Spencer is the only person I've seen in the role, and I can't imagine anyone else. He commands it completely. I love how steady he is, yet I can sense his character's emotional despair at the same time. He really, really impressed me.

#32

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:04pm

Someone actually said that to Bobby last Tues at the stagedoor--

(regarding his range- they basically said they didnt know he had that in him)

His response -- "Neither did I" --- :))

He's very cool !

#33

re: J. Robert Spencer's Tony Performance

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:15pm

He is the sweetest man. I told him once at Arena...maybe after the second weekend I was there...that honestly when I went in the first time at Arena I had merely resolved myself to not seeing Brian and just dealing, but that he had completely won me over and I now could see no one else in the role. I swear he had tears in his eyes when he thanked me. He has never failed to be amazingly generous every time I've seen him, even before that encounter.

Experience live theater. Experience paintings. Experience books. Live, look and listen like artists! ~ imaginethis
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!

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