Matthew Morrison as PAL JOEY?- Page 3

[allofmylife]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 12:08pm

[allofmylife]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 12:15pm

Even the smaller parts were cast with amazing performers. Here's vaudeville and burlesque star Jack Durant as Ludlow in the song "The Hard Way" during which he did back flips over four kneeling chorus girls.

Durant had a partner named Mitchell and their act consisted of - I swear to God - Durant beating the crap out of Mitchell and finally throwing him screaming into the orchestra pit, all the while yelling "Hold Out Your Hand."

Apparently, he vanished in the 40s but popped up in 1972 on Laugh-In, telling Dick Martin to hold out his hand...

Updated On: 5/21/08 at 12:15 PM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 3:15pm

So, if they can't resurrect Gene Kelly, why do they bother reviving the show, that's the general concensus, uh ?
Matt IS a phenomenal dancer, whether some people here, want to give him a chance or not ! He is also a fantastic singer and an incredible actor ! I admit it, I am also not that familiar with the show, but if Curtis (who was suggested, without anyone reacting so viciously) can do it, than definitely so can Matt ! You all know I am biased in his favor, but the negativity from some people, towards one of the most talented and fantastic young people of Broadway, saddens me !
No one can be Gene Kelly, but the show IS getting a revival and someone will be cast, get over it ! Whoever he is, I wish him luck ! He's gonna need it, to withstand the unfair comparisons some people, stuck in the past, make !

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 3:42pm

I think the point about Curtis is that his combination of dance excellence, his singing and charisma makes him a natural for the part. I'm not bemoaning that there's no Gene Kelly these days. My concern is that recent productions have downplayed the dancing aspect of the role (think Peter Gallagher, Frank Sinatra, Larry Kert, etc., etc.). When FINALLY someone comes along who is an ace dancer and has the other qualities, it seems a shame to overlook him. Dance is equally important to this show as the other aspects and, no matter how good a singer, actor or presence anyone else can be, if they aren't spectcular dancers, it shortchanges the show. It is SO RARE that we have a combination like this. I'm sure that Matt Morrison could sing the role; I'm sure that Hugh Jackman would bring the charisma to it. But neither have demonstrated the superb dance qualities needed for Joey. I'm sure either would work out a respectable performance, but when we have a natural sitting in our own backyard, why shouldn't we use him?

Updated On: 5/21/08 at 03:42 PM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 3:51pm

Not stuck in the past. We who have been championing a 'dancer who sings' as opposed to a 'singer who can dance' are taking exactly the same position that anyone who loves "Gypsy" would expect a Mama who brings the goods or a "West Side Story" with a lyric soprano playing Maria.

"Pal Joey" was written for a superb dancer in the lead. It was not written for any of the dozens of "leading men" who were working Broadway during that period. It was specifically engineered for a superb tap and ballet dancer.

If you have the balls to stand beside Savion Glover or, God if only he were still alive, Greggory Hines and put your talent on the line against theirs, then perhaps Joey is the role for you. If not, jette aside and let someone who can dance take the lead.

It's just such a sad cheapening of the part to cast a Joey who isn't that good a dancer. It would be the same as lowering the keys of the lovers' songs in "West Side Story" or letting Rosie O'Donnell speak-sing Mama Rose.

This site would go nuclear.

This is me going postal (pre-nuclear.)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 4:37pm

And I don't disagree with that. But there are performers out there that could take a show like Pal Joey for their chance to shine. Matt started with primarily dancing shows... as did Michael Berresse. Just because you don't think they are capable doesn't mean they aren't. I know that Matt has been more pigeon-holed in the pretty boy roles for a while, but who knows? this could be great for him, if it is indeed what he is doing. I don't want a dumbed-down version either, and I am hoping that isn't what the revival brings. I think it's hard not to compare when it comes to shows like these... but each performer brings their own talents and perspectives to the mix. I think it's an amazing opportunity for anyone who gets the chance to revive. Obviously, I am also biased (hi GMF ) but I think that it is doable. Just wait until the show comes out before you go and just deny every single person who is suggested in this thread. Gene Kelly was amazing, but who's to say there isn't someone in this day and age that can bring a great revival of Pal Joey out there too? I personally would love to get to know the show better and see it revived because I feel like a lot of people love it. Whoever it may be, although I do have a personal favorite.

~Jkor

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 5/21/08 at 4:40pm

I understand what you guys are saying and respect your opinions ! But, for the record, I have to say, that what left me speechless with Matt and made me the huge fan I am, was probably first his dancing and then averything else, back in his Hairspray days !
I am not worried about Matt. I have blind faith in him and his enormous talent. As I told him (and made him blush), he IS on his way to become a Broadway Legend, he is still young and all the great roles are in his future!
Of course they have to cast the best and most appropriate actor/dancer in the lead ! So, what are Christian Hoff's dance credentials that make him the best for the role ? I am honestly asking, since I just can't picture him dancing superbly ! He is the only name rumored, so it's probably an indication of what the producers are looking for !
And Ed, you know I love you dearly, but I have to admit that Curtis left me unimpressed in Xanadu ! I can understand suggesting Cheyenne for anything, he is wonderful, but Curtis...