NORM LEWIS as MISTA in THE COLOR PURPLE

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 1:05pm

you know who would play mista's role fabulously, my here, norm lewis. i could see it now. i saw the show in december, and all i could think was, what if norm was in it. he'll play mista, i'll make my debut as harpo, everyone would be happy.

give me your ideas.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 1:08pm

Brandon Dixon is a fabulous Harpo.

Despite what I am hearing, I think Kingsley Leggs is a great Mister.

[timote316]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 1:12pm

I agree, BSo (on both counts)

[ShineOn]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 1:23pm

I think Norm Lewis should always be working. The man is probably one of the most, if not the most, talented men working in theatre today.

Someone write a show for him already.

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 3:43pm

in my opinion norm hasn't really had an opportunity to shine. He hasn't played a role that really showcased him for his talents. I have nothing against Kingsley or mr. dixon but my love for norm overshadows my the performance i saw. now as far as my debut, it has nothing to do with the current harpo's talents, i just want someday to play that role.

[andyf]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 4:24pm

I think this man is the only person I would really pay to hear read the phone book.

Every time I see him perform, he ruins me.


I'm still not over "Make Them Hear You" from the first Broadway Unplugged. Ridiculous.

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 4:26pm

broadway unplugged? andy, do tell.

[Unmasked05]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 5:21pm

Did you say Norm Lewis as Mister



YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to see my idol as Mister.

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 5:58pm

unmasked, you have good taste. i've idolized that man for quite some time now. he is everything i wish i could be like. of corse not sacrificing my own identity, but wow, what it must be like to wake up everyday as norm lewis.

its disgusting, i know.

[iliketheater]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:35pm

not disgusting at all* Norm Lewis is incredibly talented (and a really great person to meet).

... I don't know if I'd like to see him do this or not. I remember really not liking the writing for that role, it didn't click for me. I agree with ShineOn, someone needs to write something *incredible* for him.

[Unmasked05]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 10:41am

After having to listen to Side Show because thats the show we are doing here at my college I was like "Norm Lewis is my Idol" and I never realized how many recordings I have with him on it. I listen to my HAIR benfit recording with him on it, and my DREAMGIRLS Concert Recording with him on it.


My top 10 Idols
1.) Brian Stoke Mitchell
2.) Norm Lewis
3.) Audra McDonald
4.) Heather Headley
5.) Lilias White
6.) Norbert Leo Butz
7.) Gary Maur
8.) Idina Menzel
9.) Kristin Chenoweth
10.) Sheryl Lee Ralph

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 11:54am

unmasked, what school do you go to? i would love to do sideshow. with all due respect i have to disagree with your list a bit. lilias and audra definately come before brian. thats just my opinion. have you heard heather's new cd. i'm curious, cause i havn't, but hated her first one.

[ShuQ]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 12:48pm

I think Norm's voice is too beautiful to listen to, nothing about him is harsh, and you need that in Mista. Don't get me wrong, I'm his No. 1 fan, I'd pay to see him in anything? But I just don't see the fit, there are other roles I'd rather see him in.

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 1:08pm

i think we underestimate norm's range. just because he's only been recorded and cast in roles that he needs to sound beautifully smooth in doesn't mean that he can't do anything else. i have faith that performers have more than one trick, and what i'm affraid of in this field is that people get boxed into one sound or character even if its not the best thing they do.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 1:14pm

Norm Lewis, in my opinion, is the best male singer on Broadway. He is very versatile, and can do most anything. He can adopt a rough edge to his voice easily. Side Show is a great example.

[Unmasked05]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 4:00pm

I go to the University of Montevallo in Alabama

Hahahha I like my list.

No I haven't heard Heather's new CD but my mom has it and she likes it alot, so it must be good cause my mom has picky taste.

[ShuQ]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 4:13pm

I, too, think Norm is one of the best male singers on Broadway, but that doesn't mean I have to want to see him in this role. He's got better things to do that work for Oprah.

[jasonf]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 5:02pm

Norm Lewis is my single favorite Broadway singer. Everything I've ever heard him do has been fantastic. Really - on a track by track basis - who has this kind of record:

-The Stephen Sondheim Album: Who Could Be Blue.
-Side Show - You Should Be Loved.
-Wild Party Eddie and Mae.
-Infinite Joy- Anytime.
-Hair Benefit- The Flesh Failures.
-A New Brain - Sailing (among others)
- Dreamgirls Concert - When I First Saw You
- Kurt Weill STAGES - Apple Jack
-Elegies - Learning to Let Go

Norm, I want to thank you....

He needs to put out a solo album!

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 8:54pm

that would be amazing. a solo album. i'd like to point out that of the recordings you left one is the reprise of "infinite joy" on the infinite joy cd.(one of my favorites)

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/4/06 at 9:52pm

if Norm Lewis was in Color Purple, i'd buy the OCR in a heartbeat.

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/5/06 at 1:24pm

i'm graduating from OCU this semester, and before i came here i was guilty of using any song norm has sang for my rep. its funny now that i look back, but i definately sang

the devil you know
sailing
you should be loved
when i first saw you
(if only the painter's song from amour could be used for auditions.)

oh.....,...naivete

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/6/06 at 4:40pm

i forgot to mention,

anytime(i am there)
and, infinite joy

***how much do i love bill finn***

[TheatreMonkey]

Posted: 3/6/06 at 5:23pm

Norm Lewis. Norm f*&^#'n Lewis. He shouldn't be taking over such a role, he should be creating a great role. Totally one of the standouts of men on Broadway.

Not to mention a super, super nice guy. I worked with him on "Ragtime" and even though I was a lowly intern, he always would engage me in conversation and be geuinely interested.

~Sam

[simplywill2]

Posted: 3/7/06 at 2:48pm

oh sam, i really should fight back my jealous side, but i just can't help it. i bet it was awesome. someday he'll actually share words with me, and yes, i think you're right. one of these seasons he'll originate something incredible.