Joey Fatone is perfect as Seymour!!

Posted: 6/23/04 at 2:24pm

I saw the show with him, and he was just GREAT! I can't belive i'm saying that, because i thought i'm gonna hate him in that role, but no!

Go see little shop! He is great!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 2:27pm

Already a thread about him.

I am glad that people are enjoying him!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 2:51pm

Thanks for your opinion, Mrs. Fatone. How did Grandma like it? Did the man-eating plant scare the bejesus out of her?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:03pm

I knew he wouldn't be BAD in the role. Every one complains about the stunt casting and the pop-stars, but a lot of pop stars CAN act well, if you give them a chance.

He was good as Roger in RENT. The role of Seymoure kind of has the same character voice, if you think about it.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:24pm

Hook, he was *Mark* in RENT. He could sing it quite well, but IMO, he couldn't act it well.

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:31pm

He acted the role of Mark just fine. It's not like it's too hard of an acting part, anyway.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:38pm

Oops, that's what I meant. Mark. :-P

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 3:39pm

I figured you did.

And... it's just my opinion, but I hated him in Rent. He was my first Mark, and that time I felt like Mark had no personality. He was so boring. The second time I saw Chad Richardson, and I absolutely loved Mark. He had a lot more heart.

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 4:37pm

He was my first Mark, too. He wasn't bad, but he wasn't great (unlike Matt Caplan, who I saw the second time...wow...). I think he works fine in the nerdy guy role, actually. The only role he'll ever get on Broadway is the nerdy character. So when LSOH closes, hell have to wait for the next show with a Mark/Seymour/nerd guy.

[nystateomind04]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 5:00pm

just dont let him try to break into the producers, in any way whatsoever. nickole kidman is bad enough.

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 5:46pm

nystateofmind04-

Are you joking?

[jezzebelle]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 6:08pm

Mark is more than just the "nerdy guy". When acted right, he's really quite endearing. Mr. Fatone's Mark just did nothing for me. He was just there.

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 6:12pm

Yes, he can be endearing. And that is exactly why Ken M., from Broadway.com, enjoyed Fatone's performance.

[boborunstheshow]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 6:31pm

i will have to disagree with the title, from what i saw on Regis and Kelly.
It was a high school performance, and though his voice wasn't bad, it certainly wasn't up to the same quality as other broadway professionals. Bobo gives the thumbs down.

[Broadwaybaby614]

Posted: 6/24/04 at 1:17am

I have to agree with Bobo. I've said this too many times on this board, but Joey was BAD. Honestly, we did Little Shop at my high school this year, and our Seymour was better. Our Seymour who was a football player and had never sung or acted before. Our Seymour who ALSO had the flu. I kid you not.

[twogaab2]

Posted: 6/24/04 at 9:48am

Ok, kiddies, its 2 cents time.

1. Fatone IN NO WAY disgraces either himself or Broadway. I went wondering if he could handle the comedy (as it is farce and EXTREMLY difficult to do). He wasn't up to what Foster did with the role, but given that he had around 2 week rehearsal and 2 performances under his belt he was in no way "bad". He even added a few charming touches of his own. Foster had the entire rehearsal period, Florida run, restaging, and preview period to hone the role (by the way I thought Foster was terrific in the role). If Fatone doesn’t come up to his level at this time (a very short time) I really think we should "cut him some slack". After all he is the one up there putting himself on the line and "doing it". If he can bring audiences to this excellent revival (yeah, I said it) I applaud the choice. By the way the house was full and the audience LOVED it (Once again).

2. His did seem to have some problem with pitch in the B section of "Grow for Me" and few of the more recitativey places. This could be ascribed to nerves or vocal stress from the rehearsal period. Otherwise his singing was quite fine.

3. The other two additions to the cast were very good.

All in all, given the circumstances, he acquitted himself rather admirably, knowing (as I'm sure he did) that as a "pop" star there would be others out gunning for him. This alone causes a LOT of stress.


Just my opinion, I may be wrong.

[LouW95]

Posted: 6/24/04 at 11:38pm

Just returned from Joey Fatone's official opening night in Little Shop(although he has been in the show since Tues). The theatre was sold out, the crowd went wild over him as well as the other cast members and the mob at the stage door was equal to Hugh Jackman's crowds. Joey's singing was really good with excellent harmony in a few numbers. He will grow into the part as each performance passes. He isnt bad at all. So much for all the nay sayers. Isnt it better to keep shows open and wish people the best?????

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/24/04 at 11:45pm

Lou and twogaab-

I agree with you. Saw the show Tuesday night, and... well, AMEN!

[Poppy]

Posted: 6/24/04 at 11:57pm

...the other two additions...?????
Robert Evan has not joined the cast yet.

[LouW95]

Posted: 6/25/04 at 7:40am

If you study the history of Bway casting, using non-traditional Bway actors is nothing new. Opera stars were given star status over 50 years ago (Ezio Pinza in South Pacific, Jackie Gleason in Take Me Along and many more), Disney shows have long rins with pop stars. This certainly is better than closed shows with all those unemployed on and off-stage theatre people! Open your minds and save jobs. Updated On: 6/25/04 at 07:40 AM

[Covershop]

Posted: 6/25/04 at 11:34am

Robert Evans had concert committments and will join the cast of Little Shop on June 29th. Early word is he is hysterical and equals or surpasses the performance of Doug Sills. With this addition, the show will run and withstand the constant brickbats of people who either haven't seen the show, or are wishing for the Orpheum orginal to somehow be created.

[moonys_autumn]

Posted: 6/25/04 at 1:42pm

My only exposure to Joey Fatone has been on Regis and Kelly, but after Hairspray got out last night, there was quite a mob at the stage door across the street. What bothers me, is that Little Shop signs are now "Joey Fatone in Little Shop of Horrors" and "Starring Joey Fatone." I miss the pictures of Hunter... Joey just isn't Hunter...

[LouW95]

Posted: 6/27/04 at 5:04am

Hunter was great and Joey is an excellent replacement who seems to have injected a new life and box office boost into the show. Many expected this wonderful show to be gone by now but it is climbing back at the box office. Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! Updated On: 6/27/04 at 05:04 AM

[saddle shoe side kick]

Posted: 6/27/04 at 4:58pm

My singing instructor saw Mr. Fatone in LSoH as Seymour and said he was very good.
I, personally, did not enjoy his performance on Regis and Kelly and don't intend on seeing the show again... The original cast was so wonderful. Hunter Foster will always be my Seymour. I wish Joey Fatone the best of luck in the role though. -Penny

Updated On: 6/27/04 at 04:58 PM

[SexyMelvin]

Posted: 6/27/04 at 5:07pm

Hunter's A LOT better than Joey. His performance on Regis was so...boring.