New Pal Joey! Hoff out; Risch in — Page 3

"Christian and John Lloyd won because there's no one who can do what they did in those roles. Go see JERSEY BOYS now. Every subsequent actor I've seen as Tommy or Frankie has paled in comparison to the originals"

elphie, you obviously haven't seen Jeremy Kushnier as Tommy.

Hear hear and Wordy McWord, erinrebecca.

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"Let's face it- Hoff, who is obviously heterosexual, will have opportunities in TV and film that actors who are openly gay or are perceived/suspected to be gay, will never have. Let's be happy that a hard-working chorus boy will get a big break."

Woah.

That was just a really weird comment.

Let's hear it for the gay-challenged boy! He's getting a break despite his (alleged) handicap. So let's all clap real loud for him and give him a shiny medal. Because the pretty gay guy will never work again.

Good gay boy! Good!

Good GOD.

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It's still very hard for gay actors to get good parts in TV or film. Musical theatre is still the only medium in which openly gay actors are hired to play leading romantic hetero roles. Heterosexual stage actors like Christian Hoff or Patrick Wilson get many more TV/film offers than Cheyenne Jackson. That's the world we live in....

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PRFMR20, you're right- CCM training is not a 100% guarantee of an amazing performance. I have not seen Risch as Joey but he is a wonderful young performer. He also has the right sex appeal for the part.

I just hope all the nay-sayers can wait till the show opens before passing their opinion.

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Curious...PRFRMR20 were you not cast in Pal Joey or not accepted to CCM?

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Ha. When I saw this I thoght we were talking about the closet. Risch out and Hoff still in.

Boy From Ohio-Are you from the Cincy area?

No, I did not audition for Pal Joey.

Did you read my previous post. "I can say FIRST HAND that CCM..."

Sorry, but I would prefer to only answer one of your questions. I would like to keep as much privacy as I can here, but I felt it important to state my history with CCM.

Matthew Risch graduated in 2004.

I'd like to wish Matthew R. the best of luck in his role in "Pal Joey." While the circumstances aren't the best, he will obviously "give it his all." Some people are criticizing him based on a couple of perfs. Try to be encouraging instead of discouraging. Give him time. He'll be fine. Good luck to Matthew and the cast of "Pal Joey." Get well soon Christian Hoff. from RC in Austin, Texas

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"Those of you who insist on knocking his performance based on one preview (and most of you have not even seen him perform) should hold off on the black crepe. I realize a few of you resent him because he's young and hot."

I may vomit! The postings on this thread are over the top! From the first preview on, every musical comedy maven knocked Christian Hoff as Joey! In fact many of the ancient musical comedy mavens knocked him when it was announced he was cast in the role. Now, some folks are attacking Matthew Risch. Talk about eating your young.

For those who expect any actor to give an opening night performance at first preview, know nothing about the acting process!

By the way, I'm sure there were people who complained that Harold Lang as Joey was no Gene Kelly.

posting a bit fearfully here... because the climate seems a bit chilly.

Nothing against Hoff, and wish him the best in the future.

Saw the show Sat. eve, Risch's first night on, liked him a great deal, wanted already to see him again in the role- liked his chemistry with the three actresses, esp. Vera.

Disclaimer: don't know either Hoff or Risch's previous work ... saw Hoff in this role only.

Disclaimer: longtime fan of SC, and cannot see anyone else at Vera - I was really moved by her take on the part, and by her take on Bewitched...

Really liked what Risch brought to it ( his own take on it) and the chemistry even his first time out (Sat. eve).... and his chemistry particularly with Vera (Stockard) - that seemed to work well, and that's important for the show...

I was actually looking to see if I might catch him in the role again and then saw he'd taken it over.

Chemistry in a role is a funny thing- personally- I really liked what I saw Sat. night, and look forward to seeing it as it evolves. It must be a difficult thing for Hoff, no matter what the reasons surrounding it-- but again, chemistry is an odd unpredictable thing- I liked Risch a great deal Sat. night, I'm pleased I'll apparently have the chance to see that combo again -his Joey with Stockard's Vera, and with the other two ( quite lovely performances,both) actresses in the show.

Not that it matters THAT much ... but I just thought I'd chime in and say that I saw Matt as Warner in LB and he was fantastic.. he sounded absolutely wonderful and did as much as he could with the character.

I hope this launches him into another level. I like watching ensemble members who work their butts off get a chance to shine :)

*before I get attacked..the last statement in no way assumes that leads work their butts off any less*

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