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

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 8:20pm

"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.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 8:21pm

Well, Ed, it still was a fast rise for Gene Kelly!

"Leave It To Me" was 1938 and "Pal Joey" was 1940. I know he had a show in between, but it's not like he went off for five years to study and learn to became a star. "The Time of Your Life" ran less than a season.

One season he was "chorus," a little over a year later he was "Pal Joey." And then he went to MGM, and the rest is history.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 8:23pm

Hear hear and Wordy McWord, erinrebecca.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 8:26pm

Before you all gang up on Matthew, please know that more likely than not, he is going to be checking out the board and reading your comments. I have quite a few friends who work on Broadway and most of them do go through this board and other board and check to see what people are writing.

Matthew is sexy, talented and should get our support and encouragement. Christian Hoff has a career, will have a career and will most likely successfully parlay his Jersey Boys success into successful TV/film work. 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.

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. Well, he also has worked incredibly hard to make it as a Broadway performer.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 8:37pm

"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.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:24pm

Best12 is right, Kelly did rise fast. Another great example is Bob Hope. In 1931, he was in the chorus of Fred Astaire's one real stinker of a flop, "Smiles" and by 1933, he was the star of "Roberta" (which in a weird revenge, Fred Astaire went on to play the lead in the movie.)

Hope could sing, act and dance. It has happened much more than we may remember because so many people who were in the chorus and went on to be big movie stars tend to forget their Broadway roles. (Fred McMurray, James Cagney, Bogie, Van Johnson, etc.)

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:26pm

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....

[PRFRMR20]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:30pm

best12bars, hilarious!

Allofmylife-As Ed mentioned, Gene Kelly went from ensemble in Leave it to Me to supporting in Time of Your Life to starring in Pal Joey. So, no that example doesn't count... I am not saying that you can't find one example but sorry Gene Kelly isn't one.

BroadwayBaby6-I completely agree that there are CCM alum who are great actors and have given amazing performances that require incredible (acting chops). However, that is not because of CCM. All I was saying, is that CCM is not a valid argument to support his acting ability!

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:39pm

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.

[PRFRMR20]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:47pm

Agreed, and I never said I wished or thought he would do bad. I have no way to know either way... I was just shocked by and questioned the choice of him being cast based on his previous experience.

Time will tell

[The Boy From Ohio]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:02pm

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

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:11pm

-- "Performing IS performing- this is why many pop singers are able to naturally transition into acting."


That's a really frustrating comment.

Performing is an umbrella that covers many different kinds of skills and talents. Acting is one of those. You imply that any type of performer would or can be an actor. That's simply not true and it's insulting to skilled actors to suggest that a performer of another variety, like a "pop singer" can simply do what they do.

Furthermore, I haven't seen a "pop singer" demonstrate captivating, nuanced, or believable acting when given the chance to play a character. It's usually mediocre and sometimes embarrassing.
Updated On: 11/24/08 at 10:11 PM

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:14pm

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

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:17pm

What I really liked about Risch's acting was his connecting with the other actors, he looks at them like he knows or wants to know them,
He never played smarmy or creepy till his ugly side slides out at his most vunerable moments.
Considering he had one rehearsal and one one show, on the Sunday Matinee he was very comfortable with the physical aspects of the character and the role.
I can't imagine he had time with the director to even discuss motive etc..
He has the youth and the charm to make this work, his good looks are a requisite for this role, that killer smile takes Joey a long way.

[PRFRMR20]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:23pm

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..."

[The Boy From Ohio]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:30pm

I am in the Cincy area. I guess reading the thread I over-looked the "first hand" part. So do you know Mr. Risch? When did he/you graduate?

[PRFRMR20]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:38pm

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.

[logan0215]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:43pm

I'll say that I'm certainly to happy have Hoff out, and absolutely believe that this was a cover-up but can't say I'm jumping for joy about Risch

He's gorgeous and if they have Joey shirtless for the majority of the show, they'll be in the clear, but I'm curious about his vocals. Only having the LB television performance to judge from (which I know is brief) his singing comes of rather strained..,
clip at 3:00

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:44pm

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

[logan0215]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 10:47pm

"I wish we could all get along like we used to in middle school... I wish I could bake a cake filled with rainbows and smiles and everyone would eat and be happy."


blerg Updated On: 11/24/08 at 10:47 PM

[A Director]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 11:02pm

"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.

[jeffrey1dog]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 11:15pm

I'm thrilled that Matthew Risch is finally getting his big break. This role is perfect for him and I'm sure he'll do an excellent job. I can't wait to see the show now.

[Ana11234]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 11:22pm

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.

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 3:09am

I agree that a majority of these accusations are way over the top. Yes, he is a chorus boy shoved into a lead role with little to no preparation. Risch is very talented and will undoubtedly wow 'em with his interpretation.

And in regards to: but I'm curious about his vocals. Only having the LB television performance to judge from (which I know is brief) his singing comes of rather strained.." I thought the same thing, though I realize now that it was a character choice.

[broadwayrob]

Posted: 11/25/08 at 3:48am

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*