Norbert lands a sitcom deal! — Page 2

Yes, but most of the aforementioned actors succeeded in television dramas, not comedies. Comedies can be a tough sell. But of course Norbert has the comic charm and timing down, so let's hope the writers can match!

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Updated On: 11/9/05 at 12:04 PM

B. D. Wong, Jerry Orbach...

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Hahahaha!! Life with Norbert... I may just reference to that once I see him on TV.

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In my opinion, I think the biggest problem with the ones that failed was that they were situations built around a personality, or for a personality that wasn't all that compelling to watch, for most people. They're great actors (Chenoweth, Bette, etc.) but their personalities alone aren't enough to make most people tune in week after week, unless the show has a unique hook. They saddled them with standard sit-com plotlines and circumstances and they ended up just being pretty bland and not very funny. And, with the exception of Bette, most of them weren't stars in any world outside of theater. (ie, not a household name)

Same with Norbert. I'd say if you conducted a poll in BFE, Iowa, one out of every hundred people would know who he is. In order for the other 99 to tune in, even one time, it would have to be the subject matter that made them give it a shot. It's not gonna be "some guy who won some award on that show that bumped HOUSEWIVES that one night".

I think if he uses this opportunity to find a really compelling hook to his show, and something that showcases his unique abilities, and then makes himself part of a super talented ensemble instead of trying to carry the whole thing on his shoulders, he could really do something. "Funny Struggling Musical Theater Actor searches for fame and love in the big city" ain't gonna do it. But, a show like "Scrubs" with Norbert in the Zach Braff spot would probably work. "My Name is Earl" with a Norbert in the lead would be great. "Arrested Development" with him in the Jason Bateman spot...etc.

Of course, this is all just one guy's opinion. Norbert...if you're reading this...good luck.

Good for him, although I'm not a fan. I know he won the Tony, but his performance in DRS did nothing to to change my mind either.

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This is so wonderful for him...I can't wait to see it! No matter what the outcome is, Norbert is a wonderful actor and he'll always have the broadway community waiting with open arms to come back to. Way to go Norbert!

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Hell yeah!

I hope it's good and survives the first few episodes (unlike Head Cases, one of my favorite shows also starring a Broadway vet).

Norbert does have a knack for physical comedy. I assume he will not lose weight for this role, as seeing him 'play with his flab' during DRS made the show all the more amusing for me.

I think your tickets should be safe. =)

Yay. Wow I'm excited for it. Just needs some good writers and every one will hope its a hit.

best12, neither of those are recent. The recent instances have not been successful.

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I've seen some sitcoms that were much better than *some* musicals I'e seen. Perhaps Norbert will strike gold in Hollywood, creatively and professionally. I wish him all the luck in the world!

That was my point. Times have changed.

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I totally agree. You can't just take an actor and not give them a compelling or attractive "situation" to star in. You'd just have a "com" rather than a "sit com." Those go no where.

Even though the shows I mentioned were developed for the Broadway stars chosen to play them, those scripts and concepts were generated very likely BEFORE an actor came to mind. You have to find a good marriage of idea or "hook" as you called it, and personality. That goes with all shows on TV.

The problem is that Hollywood has proven again that they STILL don't get how important the basic writing and concepts are. They're all about star power now, and "putting the packaged deal together." And no, you can't just take Cenoweth or Butz or Lane and prop them up on the screen in ANYTHING and say, "Look, aren't they funny? We've got someone funny for you to watch!"

Bea Arthur would have failed as well, if "Maude" hadn't been so well written and conceived.

You gotta have a gimmick (as the song says) FIRST. Hopefully a fresh one, but it better be GOOD at least.

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