OhHiii said: "He has more energy and charisma than Morrison did for his first bow. At least this doesn't scream cringe.
All-in-all can't see this lasting past Labor Day without Groff. The material was so in his bones, anyone who fills the shoes after isn't going to match that. The show was conceived FOR him."
Saw the show this (Labor Day) weekend and Jeremy was in fine shape. Comparing all the footage I've seen of Groff, I get it, he's just in a league of his own. Not surprising, considering the show was built around his unique charms.
Jeremy, some months in the role is, in a word, fantastic. He molds his ruggish, scrappy charms and rich, soulful voice around Bobby and to me, feels like it's probably more accurate to the real Bobby who grew up as someone gruff from pounding the pavement, proving his worth. Sure Jeremy's not the best mover, he admits as such, but that's not why we're there. We're there to watch him sing and act, and he more than impresses. And he's ably backed up by a great supporting cast, from Olivia Holt and Carrie St. Louis, and most especially Debbie Gravitte as his mom.
The house was packed, and still running like gangbusters. I'm still not sure it'll go off the rails with the upcoming reality show stars - these are pretty challenging roles - but for now, it's well worth seeing.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008