Josh Groban or Dave Malloy?

[bandisepic]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 5:35pm

I want to go see Great Comet and tickets are almost $100 cheaper to see Dave Malloy. So my question is, who is the better Pierre? 

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 6:13pm

I only Josh, so I can't answer, but this thread has reviews of Dave's performances in May. 

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1097814&page=2

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 6:16pm

I prefer Malloy. He seemed to for the world weary Pierre better...

[HSky]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 6:54pm

They each have their own spin on Pierre. Groban's Pierre strikes me as someone who was initially fearful of the world and shut himself in as protection, while Malloy's Pierre is wearier and already defeated. (As an aside, I'd put standby Scott Stangland's take closer to the Dave Malloy edge of the spectrum.) It's possible their vocal styles influence how I interpret that. I'm looking forward to seeing Malloy again on Tuesday but don't think there's a "wrong" choice in the bunch.

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 9:39pm

HSky said: "They each have their own spin on Pierre. Groban's Pierre strikes me as someone who was initially fearful of the world and shut himself in as protection, while Malloy's Pierre is wearier and already defeated. (As an aside, I'd put standby Scott Stangland's take closer to the Dave Malloy edge of the spectrum.) It's possible their vocal styles influence how I interpret that. I'm looking forward to seeing Malloy again on Tuesday but don't think there's a "wrong" choice in the bunch."

I've liked all three (and looking forward to Oak) but my #1 is Dave. I'll be on the Banquettes Tuesday.

 

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 9:52pm

I was also just looking for tickets. I'm not sure if it's some kind of website bug but I did a search on Telecharge for availability of all performances between now and July 30th and every single one had the note about Dave Malloy playing Pierre on every single date I clicked through. Isn't Malloy only supposed to be in on Tuesdays through June?

Also I'm only seeing a price difference of about $20 (at least in the stage seats).

[Jarethan]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 9:55pm

Josh Groban has a great, pure voice.  Dave Malloy does not.  

Pierre is not really a star role...it is an ensemble show.  If you don't have a desperate need to see Groan, I'd save the $100.  If it is only $20 difference, I would go for Groban.

Updated On: 6/9/17 at 09:55 PM

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 9:56pm

greenifyme2 said: "IAlso I'm only seeing a price difference of about $20 (at least in the stage seats)."

There was a coupon for Dave dates: e.g., This Broadway Box Coupon for the Banquettes and other seats (not the tables)

[The Josh]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 10:19pm

I saw and loved them both.  

As others have said, Dave feels a little wearier, a little more defeated. His passion for the piece comes across so clearly, and it's really incredible to see him put his whole heart and soul into it.  His voice isn't perfectly trained like Groban's, but it's gruff and full of soul.

 

Groban feels a little more naive, a little more clumsy.  Malloy and Chavkin have discussed the idea of Pierre as a sad clown- and that's exactly what Groban is.  The world's got him down, but he still has that childlike innocence.  

 

So if Groban is the draw, go for Groban.  If money is an issue, go for Dave.  You're in for a great treat either way :) 

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 10:21pm

Groban's out for the Saturday matinee tomorrow if you want to see Scott?

[Rainah]

Posted: 6/9/17 at 11:16pm

Jarethan said: "Josh Groban has a great, pure voice.  Dave Malloy does not.  

Pierre is not really a star role...it is an ensemble show.  If you don't have a desperate need to see Groan, I'd save the $100.  If it is only $20 difference, I would go for Groban."

Seconding this

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 6/10/17 at 1:17am

greenifyme2 said: "I was also just looking for tickets. I'm not sure if it's some kind of website bug but I did a search on Telecharge for availability of all performances between now and July 30th and every single one had the note about Dave Malloy playing Pierre on every single date I clicked through. Isn't Malloy only supposed to be in on Tuesdays through June?

Also I'm only seeing a price difference of about $20 (at least in the stage seats)"

It's a bug with the Telecharge system, I've had the same issue.  As long as you double check the event page to make sure you're selecting a date for actor you want to see you'll be fine.  If you're really worried, call in the order.