ROSIE'S THORNY SPAT - nypost.com

The best thing about that trashy article was picturing Raul running around backstage in his underwear.

Ah, oversized egos...they tarnish my feelings, even toward people I admire. On the other hand, they make for an entertaining, if disappointing, read...

I would never trash talk where I work to someone outside my department. If one cares enough to be part of something, then a certain amount of decorum should be maintained. My clients don't need to know that I think their surgeon is an a--hole as long as he's talented, or that I'm pissed off because my office is small and I work too many hour for not enough pay, as long as their case is being managed well. To do so seems tacky and unfair to the people who are going to pay a lot for one's expertise.

Oh Lord, I'm sounding older by the minute. And my comments are despite the fact that I am always happy to see Raul in a show.

---

Wow. Just wow. Does this mean its true that Raul really does have a huge dick? ive heard stories, but...

And I bet the understudy is saying to himself, "Yeah, Let the understudy do it! Let me strut my stuff and I won't have to do it my underwear!"

D

listen, producers give notes all the time. Directors hate it. But a strong director solves concerns from the backers or tells them why it can't happen that way. If the facts are as reported, Esparza (who i've posted elsewhere is a brilliant performer) needs to learn about collaboration. i'm sure Rosie's abrasive...everyone gets that way during previews. It's not the first time Esparza has seen that. At least Rosie's public statement seemed professional. The hardest thing to do during those ten/twelves is keep the good of the overall show in mind, but if Jackman can do it with OZ, then TABOO should be able to manage it too. Rumor has it that the "money" and the "captain" over there have their tempers too.

---

Does anyone know if Mr. Esparza is doing housecalls?

---

let's not also forget that much like the "NOW they don't like Bernadette" buzz on GYPSY, it could be spin in order to get ink.

---

This is the same Rensahw who directed "High Society"?


Hmmmmmmm.....

"Besides, it wasnt even a mean note, it was something that would help him. He was sooo out of line."

You are assuming that the " production note" is the only thing that caused a disagreement, which is unfair. No one knows what is going on behind the scenes. MICHAEL RIEDEL isn't known for having the complete truth - and his tabloid-ish reporting irritates me anyway.....

As noted, this type of brouhaha happens all the time as a show is about to open. Classic ten outta twelve strife. There are many pieces that must fit -- and in TABOO, apparently, the show's limelight is divided among several players. The fact that one is a notorious rock divo(a), who also composed the score, and one is a hot up and coming b'way star suggests great chance for explosive alchemy, potentially powerhouse performances. And perhaps explosive behavior backstage. Who knows? Anyway, if they had taken this to Boston, or Detroit, or Miami, it wouldn't be happening near Shubert alley, and its impact wouldn't seem so immediate. Or such a harbinger. When you add cancelled previews, this is classic gossip fodder. The show's strengths, artistic merit, you name it, may have zero to do with any of these crises. Some of the best shows on b'way have emerged from far more troubled crucibles than this one. Some times, when things are really cooking, people start to panic and tempers flare. It doesn't necessarily mean the show is falling apart. The crepe-hanging -- the Post's speciality -- feels premature. But as noted, it sells papers and keep the show in the public eye, too.

---

Rosie has never been known for her "people skills". This just makes the obvious even more so.

---

Being in Rauls presence a few times and knowing a few people who have worked with him (and said he is a consummate professional), I find it hard to believe that there isn't alot more to this story than what was written. I have also been in Rosie O'Donnell's presence several times and she is an incredibly sharp-tongued, nasty person. I'm *not* saying that it was her fault but with my experiences with both of them, I would bet my last dollar that Raul's buttons were pushed to the limit and he lost it.

And what kind of pathetic, trashy GOSSIP is that about him prancing around in his underwear?! What, on God's green earth, does that have to do with the issue at hand?! That kind of "reporting" (and I say that loosely) sickens me.

They also claim that Rosie said he has been bad-mouthing the show around town. Thats funny since EVERY interview I've read of his PRAISES the show! Ugh - the media makes me mad. Riedel should go work for a trash mag like the Star or Enquirer since trash is the only thing he knows how to write about.

I have tix to TABOO for Nov. 3 and I am going to be heart-broken if he doesn't continue with the show but if he makes the decision to leave, then I know it is in his best interest and I, as I'm sure many people will, support him in that.

---