Jonathan Pryce- The New Lawrence in DRS? — Page 2

Pryce would be a most excellent one to carry on that "poor brave soldier's" Mission, and next to wear "Zee Royal Ring". Great casting thought!! And, We will always love John - He can make magic very well indeed.

---

The show should be 90% because of Norbert, not John. I still say Norbert steals every scene he is in. But John is a huge name and excellent in his own right. John's departure may be just what Norbert needs to really get his name out there (not that it isnt already).

"Why does everyone assume DRS needs a "name?" Sure, Lithgow was great for the role but just b/c Lithgow did it doesn't mean they need a name. I think there's a difference between purchasing tickets you're supposed to see a name in, then find out he's not in and seeing a show where a "big name" is not supposed to be in."

wickedrentq: That is exactly what I said.

I do not like Dennis' take on the Lawrence role and do believe it is important to cast it well, John is very underrated in the show. Norbert is great, it has been well documented that he is tremendous in the show.
Yet there is still no doubt that it would sell better with a "name" than without.

---

I would so love to be wrong about the show needing a "name."
Jonathan would be great, I think, I'm glad they are looking into him.

Dennis was so disappointing when I saw him, he messed up lines several times, I think he got all the song lyrics though, I thought his timing was awful though and that is what I think is the most important thing for the show.

I am at 9 times, by the way, with a tenth ticket in hand.
(I saw it once since the "Dennis debacle" and it was great again)

---

I think this discussion really underscores what a unique performer John is and that he won't be easy to replace. If you can find it, go back and see what Jack O'Brien has to say about John during the "Working in the Theatre" seminar--something to the effect that John can work in any medium in which he chooses, and most performers of his stature cannot be bothered to turn in 8 performances a week. I think that would be the problem with Kelsey--a good fit for the role, but after 11 years of Frasier, plus time on Cheers, why would he kill himself? Plus, John is 60 today (congrats!) and it is a demanding role.

I. LOVE. JONATHAN PRYCE.

and, i do think that he's a "name," if that's what people are looking for. EVERYBODY (in general that i know) has seen Pirates of the Caribbean-that's where *I* intitally know him from. and then, Miss Saigon. OH man, i loved him in that.

And, i'm sorry to say this, but Joanna Gleason isn't the "biggest" name, either. My uncle and I didn't recognize who she was until I saw her enter the stage. And i didn't even remember exactly where i knew her from. i just remembered seeing her before.

And none of my friends know who John Lithgow is. When i mention third rock from the sun, they're all like, "what!? i've never heard of that before!" but THEN i mention that he was the voice of lord farquad in Shrek, and then they only sort of recognize him.

Jonathan has a very good singing voice, the acting chops, so much EXPERIENCE (in both live and cinematic theater) and the look. I think that he'd be PERFECT. he would DEFINTATELY make me want to see the show again!

---

Updated On: 10/17/05 at 06:20 PM

Everyone who knows Jonathan's work seems to think he will shine in this role..I hope it works out.

How about Sherie's replacement? Kerry Butler, anyone?

Grammer probably consideres himself too big a star to go in as a replacement.

Let's see how John O'Hurley (sp.?) does in hsi stint as Billy in CHICAGO. He might make a good Lawrence for a national tour. He's now pretty famous as "that J. Peterman guy who was on that dance contest thing!"

Another idea - what is Barry Bostwick up to these days?

Updated On: 10/17/05 at 07:40 PM

my friends are all 16-17 years old. but, my 32 year old uncle, who i took to see DRS with me, didn't know who john was when i invited him.

i was just surprised when they didn't know who he was, cuz i've known who he is since i was little!

OMG, wendy. if kerry butler takes over for sherie, i will again, die. i LOVE HER. lol. imagine THAT! kerry butler, jonathan pryce, along with the rest of the original cast! OMG, PERFECT REPLACEMENT CAST!!!

---

I think Baldwin would bring a bit of creepiness to the role that just isnt there, judging by his recent film work at least...I dont know, maybe its me.

What about Equity? Isn't he not an American citizen? Isn't this a little Miss Saigon again?

Barry Bostwick can sing, dance and act...plus he's been away from Broadway for ages, hasn't he? I would LOVE to see him in this role. He's hilarious, too. Wendy72 is right: Good thinking, Jon. Maybe Pryce will turn them down and the producers will read your post!

---