Norm Lewis

#1

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:41pm

I was wondering if anyone else here shares my opinion of Norm Lewis. I think his voice is fine but lacks emotion, and though I've never seen him live and am basing this purely on photos and videos, from what I can tell his acting is even worse. He always looks bored and constipated. This is probably why he’s often given very wooden, stoic characters (i.e. King Triton, Javert, Billy Flynn). In those roles, audiences will leave remembering his booming voice but they won’t remember the acting at all. If he were given a role where he had to be comedic or have any semblance of personality, he’d fail miserably. Thoughts?

#2

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:49pm

100 percent completely disagree. How is Billy Flynn wooden?

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So Lauren Bacall me, anything goes! *wink*

#3

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:55pm

Disagree strongly. Have you heard him singing "You Should Be Loved" on the Side Show cast recording? He packs more emotion into his vocal performance on that song than most singers that i have heard performing - he actually stood out to me as a singing actor who conveys emotion much more powerfully than most. Seems to me that displaying stoicism for stoic characters and emotion for more emotional ones is just evidence of great and appropriate acting choices.

#4

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 2:48pm

This thread is making me VERY VERY ANGRY!!

#5

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 2:51pm

Actually, I kind of liked his Javert.

#6

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 2:54pm

Totally disagree. Norm has a great emotional range. His voice thrills m and the way he presents a text memorizes me. He is anything but wooden.

PS-I love his Javert.

Updated On: 7/18/13 at 02:54 PM

#7

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:02pm

He was incredible in Porgy and Bess.

#8

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:09pm

Loved him in Two Gentlemen of Verona. He and Renee Elyse Goldsberry set the stage on fire with Night Letter.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#9

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:19pm

He might have a great voice, but his face and body never tell a story. That is, except for PORGY AND BESS. I've always found him underwhelming, until his magnificent Porgy.

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"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#10

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:32pm

I saw him live as Javert in London and as Porgy on Broadway. I thought he was outstanding as both.

#11

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:36pm

You've never seen him live? I think you'd have to save full judgement of his skills as a performer until you do. You can certainly judge aspects, but making such a broad statement without ever seeing him seems out of line.

I've only seen him in Porgy and Bess, but he was incredible.

#12

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 3:39pm

@Carlos LOL! I have to disagree theatrefanatic, Norm Lewis is a incredible actor, his voice is gorgeous. I actually liked his Javert, I hope he plays the Phantom at some point. I would like to see him headline the new tour starting this Fall

Updated On: 7/18/13 at 03:39 PM

#13

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:00pm

I would like Norm's face and body to tell the following story: lay down, FindingNamo.

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Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#14

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:15pm

^ Excuse YOU but he's MINE!

#15

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:16pm

I've been up close and personal to him. There's plenty of Norm for us to split an order.

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Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#16

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:19pm

I've been up close and personal to him. I've stalked encountered him several times during his runs in SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM and PORGY & BESS.

Oh, and I ain't sharin'!!!

Updated On: 7/18/13 at 04:19 PM

#17

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:23pm

He's dreamy AND talented. Saw his one man concert at the Kennedy Center last year (or was it 2 years ago) and again with the National Symphony Orchestra in April.

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Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#18

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:33pm

When I saw him on the street in Cambridge I told him P&G was going to be the beariest musical on Broadway. He coyly pretended he didn't get the reference.

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Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#19

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:44pm

Just you. He's amazing and one of the few I'd see in nearly anything. ( even Little Mermaid)

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If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#20

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:53pm

Oh Norm, you are the sand and the sea. You are the earth, the moon and stars...

Le sigh
Le sigh
Le sigh

#21

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 6:04pm

He's a good looking man, but I spent all of PORGY & BESS wanting to climb Joshua Henry like a tree.

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"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#22

Norm Lewis

Posted: 7/18/13 at 8:59pm

Norm is a the whole package. A diversely talented actor in his on way, a grab you in the heart/ make you melt singer. But most of all Norm is a genuinely wonderful guy, always willing to go the extra mile to be part of something. A giving, joyful soul. And a really funny, humble, refreshing person. I just love him! (and might).

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www.pbentertainmentinc.com BWW regional writer "Philadelphia/South Jersey"