John Pinette

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:10pm

Has anybody seen John Pinette on tour. How is he as an Edna. He's never even done musical theatre before. How is he?

[zbigner]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:14pm

I saw the tour in Houston a few weeks ago, and I thought he was good. This was the first time I have seen the show, so I don't have much basis for comparison. To me his acting was the strongest element he brought to the show. His singing was adequate to above average, but I thought his dancing looked sort of like he was going throught the motions and not totally natural. This approach kind of grew on me though because it fits the character, so it may have been on purpose.

I think the key to enjoying his performance is to just realize he's not Harvey, and sit back and enjoy the show.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:36pm

There's a very detailed review that BroadwayGuy2 posted either this week or last. You'll have to run a search, though.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:07pm

Saw John Pinette during the Seattle leg...I thought he was okay, but I kind of feel that role needs a star, or at least a recognizable personality. I'm not really sure why, but it seems to work better that way...I thought his performance was very insipired by Divine, and I don't know if some of the subtleties he used didn't really fit the role as written for the stage. The Tracy however (I don't feel like looking up her name) was fantastic with big brassy voice. Much better than WInouker who I feel was the weakest and most overated member of Hairspray's original cast.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:12pm

I believe you're referring to Keala Settle (Tracy).

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:21pm

Okay, I know I'm totally bias, but, after working with 5 different Edna's, John really makes the part his own. I've said this a million times, "Nobody is Harvey but Harvey". So PLEASE don't compare them. I know Bruce Vilanch was COSTANTLY being compared to Harvey. It's just not possible to compare ANYONE with Harvey. He is his own brilliant self, as is Bruce (now in NY). John has such a charmingly sweet quality to him, that you can't help but fall in love with his Edna.

Imagine Bob's Big Boy in drag.

Each Edna that I have had the pleasure of working with, brings their own unique quality to the role. I suggest seeing them all!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 12/4/04 at 1:19am

exactly TheatreDiva.

Like I said in my review, Pinette is a vocal dead ringer for Nathan lane -- it's almost creepy how much they sound alike.

[Radford]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 4:10am

I saw this show for the first time tonight in Memphis. It was wonderful. This show was recieved by this audience tonight probably better than anything that has come through Memphis in a while.

John Pinette was great. I may be a little biased because I love all his work. Two people clapped when he first came out on stage. (Memphis doesn't applaud any entrance unless they are on the marquee outside) There were young girls giggling at Intermission, "Tracy's mom is played by a boy! It's in the book, his name is John." "You're Timeless to Me" brought the house down like no other number did tonight. I loved this show far more than I thought I would.