Matthew Risch To Step Into OTHER DESERT CITIES In December — Page 2

I know I stand alone on this, but I thought Risch was a fantastic Joey. I saw the show 3 times. What he and Stockard lacked in vocals, they made up for in chemistry, heat, and acting chops. That production is one of my all time faves. Not to mention Plimpton-who should have won the Tony.

I have to say Hoff is not sexy to me and I thought Risch brought the right amount of sex appeal and charisma to the role.

I'm a huge Risch supporter-not to mention he's incredibly nice to fans and down to earth.

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How long have Risch and Mantello been together? Michael Musto ran a blind item referencing them back in June, so it must be a relatively recent thing (6 or 7 months, maybe?). It wouldn't be worth a blind item in 2011 if they were already together during PAL JOEY, surely.

That said, I hope Risch does well in OTHER DESERT CITIES. I didn't know he was the understudy until I read this story, but my ticket falls during his run.

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"Channing is a pro. If she'd felt Risch weren't up to the demands of the role, she surely would have weighed in against his being hired. And I think the powers that be would find her happiness more important than Mantello's in this regard."

What else happens in the offices of Lincoln Center Theatre? I would love to know, and you seem to have all the inside info!

I'm not surprised at this, given Kirk's long association with Mantello (I can't believe how long ago it was I saw Love Valour Compassion!) and his stage experience.

Logistically, of course, it would have been tricky to wait until after Risch settled into the role before deciding whether to stay with him or bring in someone new in January. This way Justin Kirk will have enough rehearsal time with the rest of the cast.

This kind of long-range planning also suggests that Other Desert Cities is settling in for a substantial run, probably in anticipation of Tony attention.

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That sound you hear is me whimpering all the way in Chicago as I plot a brief rendezvous home.

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Updated On: 12/1/11 at 01:57 PM

Shakin' and cryin' and happy I didn't use my LincTix yet.

Was actually on the LincTix site the other night looking up seats for when Sadowski was in the show, but put off buying till a later date. Procrastination is a beautiful thing!