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Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It — Page 2

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#26

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 11:44am

Matt is the only Mark that I've seen that I can actually say I've gotten, connected to, understood where it was coming from completely. I've liked the performances of others I have seen, but when it comes to knowing WHY they do everything they do, having it balance with the other characters and making it all believable, I think Matt has it down the best. People seem to forget Mark's situation at this point. There's no reason why Mark wouldn't be acting the way Matt portrays him, because there's no one way that a person would react to that stuff. He's been playing the role on and off for seven years. He knows what's going on, and obviously, if the powers that be didn't agree, he would have been out of there a long time ago.
#27

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 11:51am

I thought Matt Caplan was pretty much just goofing off a year ago, when I saw him in with Cary Shields.

Now that I've seen him interact with Will Chase, I've noticed that he has the potential to be a completely awesome Mark Cohen, but I do agree with Emcee when she says his performance is inconsistent. He was extremely grounded whenever Will Chase was onstage with him, but otherwise, he switched back to being funny.

Which isn't all bad, but the grounded nature of his scenes with Will made the show that much of a better experience.

Soooo... I can see why people like Matt, and I admit to liking him when he's around Will, but otherwise... I hope the next Roger after Will won't affect his performance negatively.

As for Matt's solo work, I've never heard it. Hm.
"Oh, good. After all, I can rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time, and I can do it with my eyes closed while whistling 'The Entertainer.' That's rhythm for you." ~ Snaps, proving that White Boys CAN have rhythm
#28

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 11:53am

"As for Matt's solo work, I've never heard it. Hm. "

Get it NOW.

That's the true Matt Caplan. Rent is just a gig that pays the bills.
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. " --Sueleen Gay
#29

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 12:00pm

www.myspace.com/mattcaplan
http://www.beintheheights.com/katnicole1 (Please click and help me win!) I chose, and my world was shaken- So what?
The choice may have been mistaken, The choosing was not... "Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
"And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler
#32

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 12:55pm

I was never much of a fan of Matt's Mark, and I admit I let this dislike carry over into my refusing to listen to his solo stuff. I eventually caved and got Overtones...absolutely love it! I agree with Colleen, his own music reallys seems to be where his heart is.
#33

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 12:58pm

Matt was my first Mark, and has been my only Mark, for the 5 times I have seen the show so I'll admit I am a bit biased because I have nothing to compare him to.

However, I think he does a wonderful job! I think the boy has a good understanding of when it is time to have fun and when it is time to get down to business. I feel like the ACT I Mark should be a little playful and relaxed. Matt's Mark I feel provides entertainment and laughs to the audience, which IS needed. Much of the play is serious and audiences need to enjoy a good chuckle. Everytime, for example, ACT I Mark pulls out a little dance move in Tango, Maureen, I feel as if the humor is well placed and works.

ACT II Mark I think should be more subdued and personally I have never seen Matt goof off during ACT II. In fact, he always kinda breaks my heart a little bit during "Halloween" and "Goodby Love."

Bottomline, I think he plays Mark very realistic. Yes, Mark is suppose to detach and be quiet and introspective, and whatever else people are making arguements for, and he does. But to balance out the character properly Mark should be the character to bring in a little lightheatedness, which Matt does.

Leave the brooding to Roger.
"Take all of your so-called problems, better put them in quotations.." - JM
#34

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 1:02pm

Matt was my first and only Mark. I've seen him four times. Though nobody could do better then Anthony Rapp, I think that he's a pretty good Mark Cohen. Sometimes the way that he delivers his lines bother me, but I think he does a good job and he makes me laugh at T:M. I also really enjoy Overtones. I'm excited to see who the new Mark will be after he lives.
#35

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 1:05pm

I'm excited for Matt to leave the show so he can spend more time working on his solo stuff.

Matt, if you're out there, I NEED A NEW ALBUM THIS SECOND!!!
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. " --Sueleen Gay
#36

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 1:25pm

Why would you not blame him for being bored with Rent, Colleen? There doesn't seem to be much excuse for that--if you no longer take joy in a role, find something else. Don't keep renewing your contract and subject the audience to a performance where you heart isn't in it anymore. Has he auditioned for other things? (I honestly don't know.)
#37

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 1:33pm

I've never seen Matt in RENT, but this is a Matt Caplan Appreciation thread.

I love Matt's solo stuff. His songs are amazing. He's extremely talented, and I think he belongs more in the songwriting/music scene if people don't like him as Mark that much.
#38

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 2:23pm

"Why would you not blame him for being bored with Rent, Colleen? There doesn't seem to be much excuse for that--if you no longer take joy in a role, find something else."

That's very easy to say when you're not trying to make a living in this business. A lot of people stay in jobs they're bored of for years on end simply because they allow them live comfortably. Performing is not an exception. Any human being alive is going to be bored of a role after playing it for 6+ years, and it's easy for someone not in that situation to say he should just leave but it's a scary thought when you don't know where your next paycheck is coming from. It's very easy for us to say "find something else", but considering the unemployment rates among actors it is not always easy to just find something else.

I don't know what Matt has been out auditioning for, or whether he has at all, but can anyone honestly think of many roles available recently that he would even be appropriate for?
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. " --Sueleen Gay
#39

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 2:56pm

Fair points. It just seems like situations like those are what cause shows to lose their "oomph" after a while. I've never seen Matt Caplan, so I don't have any opinion whatsoever on his performance, but it is a pity if he's visibly bored with the role.

Updated On: 1/28/06 at 02:56 PM

#42

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 6:03pm

you really can't explain Matt Caplan. He marches to the beat of his own drum and we love him for it. He is an amazing performer and Rent just doesnt highlight his attributes that much. I LOVE his Mark, but he needs to leave. And he is...soon. We're not sure when but its either March or he is extending till May. The new album is being produced by Airgo Music and is full band. at this moment he is still finishing it up and once his people know about it. it will be announced on his website

More information on Matt here is his website. www.mattcaplan.com

If you love Matt he is performing with Josh Kobak, Ryan Link and Katy Pfaffl on Wed Feb 1st at Crash Mansion.
hmm...
#43

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 6:54pm

I'm with sweetsiren on this. If Matt is that bored, he should just leave the show. Don't use "being in the business" as an excuse, because Broadway is full of people that get bored with the show they're in and just ride it out through the end of their contract, then move on to the next show (or hell, become a temp or a waiter). Lead actors don't continuously renew their for 5 years just because they're too scared to take a risk on another show.

There are dozens of roles out there for white, 30ish guys that can sing. His style isn't so distinctive that Rent is the only show he will fit in at. Maybe doing a show that stretches his skills a bit will do him some good. I just think he's gotten too comfortable at Rent to *want* to pursue any other acting roles.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how
#44

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 8:15pm

OS, it's got nothing to do with him being afraid to take a risk. He's auditioned for other things over the years, several times, and nothing appropriate has come up. You're off the mark, to think that the reason he stays is that he's 'gotten too comfortable'.

In all honesty, how can anyone seriously expect him to leave? Would you leave a job that you love, the job that is so competitive and so very difficult to come by, a job which pays you a six figure salary, with excellent benefits, and short hours, which allows you the luxury of pursuing your own music? Come on now.
#46

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 8:47pm

I really do love Matt Caplan, by the way. re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It I just don't love his Mark. *obsessively plays Overtones*

I guess I'm just selfish and want to see someone play Mark that's *not* bored. re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It Mark is my favorite character, after all.
Grief does not expire like a candle or the beacon on a lighthouse. It simply changes temperature. -Nocturne
#47

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 8:47pm

oops, double post.
Grief does not expire like a candle or the beacon on a lighthouse. It simply changes temperature. -Nocturne

Updated On: 1/28/06 at 08:47 PM

#48

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 9:03pm

Dramatic_Irony, What controversy? And I have only seen Anthony Rapp's Mark in the movie, and Drew Lachey's....So how does he play it differently?
#49

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 9:12pm

Heh, controversy's probably too strong a word. Basically, some people hate him, some people love him. He plays his character very differently then Anthony Rapp- I can't speak for Drew, seeing as I haven't seen him. But he plays Mark very humerous and goofy, almost pervert-y at times. He flirts quite a lot with Maureen, while Anthony Rapp is sort of angsting quitely over her.

I *like* his performance- it's entertaining enough. I just don't think it's in-character.
Grief does not expire like a candle or the beacon on a lighthouse. It simply changes temperature. -Nocturne
#50

re: Matt Caplan Appreciation or Something Like It

Posted: 1/28/06 at 10:09pm

When I saw Matt his Mark was on fired. I've studied the character Mark for years and I know the character inside and out, and he had the character down perfectly (in the movie Anthony raises Matt's bar by a lot). But it's all what you compare Matt to. Anthony Rapp? No, you can't. Anthony has more expirence and is the perfect Mark.

I love Matt and I always will.

And I love Matt's solo songs, too.

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