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

[newsieboy23]

Posted: 10/15/05 at 7:32pm

Even after reading all these posts, i cannot picture him. though, im not at all a Lithgow fan. Saw the matinee today, was thrilled to see his understudy. Damn, i was WRONG. Even worse! Forgot 1/2 the lyrics in the finale. pssht!

[jimmirae]

Posted: 10/15/05 at 7:46pm

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.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/15/05 at 10:52pm

adamgreer: I am not saying the box office would not suffer with losing Litgow, if he is not replaced by a name. It is very unlikely though that it would fall to the 60% range, if Norbert is still in it, with the tickets available to buy (since people bought the tickets when John was out, no one else could buy them.) At least for awhile I think the show can sustain with a "Broadway" name in the role, I do contend it would need at least that.

That said, I think Pryce would be that kind of draw, a smaller, more theatre savy crowd. As some have said, you know him AFTER you read his credits in the playbill, you do not buy tickets to a show to see "That guy who wasn't Banderas in Evita."

*assuming "you" are a casual fan, not an educated type.

Updated On: 10/15/05 at 10:52 PM

[SirLiir]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:26am

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).

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:39am

Well I actually saw Jonathan leave the stage door, but I was talking with a group of people far away that despite recognizing him, I couldn't get to him to even ask what he thought. Ah well.

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. Maybe the numbers will drop a little, but I don't think to the numbers it did when John was out. The show still has tony-award winner Norbert and names Joanna Gleason and Greg Jbara, it'll do fine, if not quite the level it is now.

Ohh, and Newsie...was at the matinee today as well...loved Laura...but yeah don't get me started on what you commented on...disappointed would be a vast understatement.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:45am

"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.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:59am

Hmm, I'm trying to think of any situation where you could be wrong about the name Penguin, but I suppose you're right. However I know the DRS producers do want Pryce, which makes me happy. I guess I'll just say I'd be quite happy about it and I don't think the box office would hit that hard and I respect the fact that they're not just trying to get a name that doesn't fit the part.

Dennis...it's not even his take or anything about that...it's not forgetting a line here or there or even messing up a couple lyrics of the more we dance...

...it's missing about a verse and half a chorus of dirty rotten number w/o even covering so you just hear silence w/ him mumbling words but mostly silence until he finally comes back in halfway through the chorus...and...well may say more tomorrow, really should curtail this

but being such a huge fan of the show, seeing it for my 10th time today...I was so disappointed I am honestly contemplating writing a letter just to report my disappointment.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 2:53am

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)

[SirLiir]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 3:02am

I saw it with Dennis, liked him, then saw it the(4th in two months lol) Friday with John (Won the lottery AND had the seats behind where Norbert makes his surprise visit). There was a huge difference. Sorry Dennis. Though I should note he didnt mess up at all when I saw it the sun of the BWay Auction. His timing was a little off but not enough to be that noticeable. A bad Lawrence can sink the whole show.

[wendy72]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 9:49am

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.

[Ladyofthe Lake]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 10:40am

The show should be 90% because of Norbert, not John.

Nothing against Norbert, who I agree is absolutely wonderful, but I definitely disagree with the above statement. Freddy is obviously the flashier character, which lends itself to the scene-stealing you referred to, but he needs a strong Lawrence playing opposite, otherwise Freddy becomes nothing more than an annoying caricature. They are a team, and each member of the team is of vital importance. The posts about how the show suffered with a weak Lawrence understudy are perfect evidence of that.

[movieinmymind]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 6:20pm

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

[SirLiir]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 6:49pm

Lady, I do have to agree with you there. The team aspect is underplayed in this discussion. That was why I said the next Lawrence had to be comfortable with the licking of his face by Ruprecht. Working together and in synch is essential. If a poor Lawrence's heart isnt in it, the show will suffer and Norbert will probably have to overact to cover up for the weaknesses.

[wendy72]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:35pm

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?

[meagan9848]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:37pm

How old are your friends that they have no idea who John Lithgow is? IF one of my friends just doesn't know, all I have to say is 3rd rock. Why am I suddenly feeling old?

[Jon]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:40pm

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

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:44pm

I'd really love to see Alec Baldwin take over the role. I happily recall him making out with Eric McCormack on the season opener of WILL AND GRACE. (Swoon!)

[movieinmymind]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:49pm

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!!!

[broadway86]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:49pm

I agree with penguin. Lithhow is very underrated in this show. In fact, I enjoyed his performance more than Norbert's.

As for Alec Baldwin... I don't know quite what to say.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 7:54pm

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.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 8:44pm

Well I for one hope Jonathan Pryce doesn't take over the role. I won't see this show until next year and as I dislike him as an actor I'd probably avoid the show completely rather than have to sit through one of his performances.

[BenIdIct]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 9:02pm

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

[wendy72]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 9:12pm

Oh, I like the Barry Bostwick idea...

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 10:40pm

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!

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 10/18/05 at 12:33am

I'm sorry, I guess I'm just out of the loop, but was Alec Baldwin actually offered the role?! I hadn't heard this and the idea, to me, is laughable. Someone earlier in this thread said, "Alec Baldwin is an idiot." Those are my sentiments exactly. But my extreme dislike for him as an actor aside, I really just can't see him fitting this role.

Jonathan Pryce, on the other hand, would be extraordinary! I think he's an inspired choice.