Roger Bart Missing Performances of Young Frankenstein

[MuseOfVideoGames]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:01am

Not sure if there's another string about this; I don't see one if there is...

But I just got back from "Young Frankenstein" tonight, and Roger Bart was out of the show. Surprising, considering critics start coming in less than two weeks.

His understudy, Matthew LaBanca, was incredible, though, and one would never have known he was the understudy (a tough feat, considering the show isn't open yet, so understudy rehearsals likely haven't begun in earnest yet.) He was completely comfortable in the role and sings beautifully. As a matter of fact, I think most of the audience didn't notice their understudy slips and since the understudy board is hidden in the lobby, I would venture to guess that most people thought they were seeing the full cast.

Unfortunately, the show SUCKS. Like a lot. VERY quiet audience. Just waiting to laugh. Not a memorable song in the bunch. Lightning certainly not striking twice this time. Oh well.

[Heybeenfood]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:07am

Anybody know why he is out? I am seeing the show tomorrow, and I hope he is there.

[MuseOfVideoGames]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:20am

Just found another string (several pages down -- sorry, didn't see it before posting that last message...) and rumor has it, apparently from the stage door, that he hurt his back. Somebody on that string says that he's out until 11/8, but I find that hard to believe considering that's opening night, and the critics will start coming several days before, most likely beginning the 4th, and you would think he/the producers would want him to return for some performances before performing for the critics.

Unless of course, we're experiencing another James Carpinello/Cheyenne Jackson situation and they're trying to woo Matthew Broderick into the show, which would be one way they might think they can fix it (not that the role of Dr. F is the problem... and NOT to imply that James Carpinello was a problem with Xanadu.) I'm just speculating/fantasizing here. Not trying to start any controversy or rumors.
Updated On: 10/23/07 at 12:20 AM

[pab]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:32am

I saw the show tonight as well and thought that it was just okay. I would recommend that people see it but wait until they can win the lottery or when it goes on TKTS.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:37am

I guess Bart reads the boards.

[misschung]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:38am

Broderick in that role? yuck

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:43am

Well they beed a "Star" in that role.
Did you see their numbers this week?

Oh wait, No one did. Never mind.

[reed23]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:46am

One of the ushers said it was a "planned absence" -- rather than an injury. Hard to say what's going on.

The hard-working understudy, plucked from his chorus role, unfortunately has a catastrophic effect on the show. This is a star part requiring expert timing and large personality, and the absence of these qualities leaves a collegiate-style gaping hole at the center of an already seriously compromised show.

[misschung]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:49am

I've heard mixed reviews about Bart in this role, though. I don't think his absence is the only weak link at this point.

[pab]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:51am

I expected so much more from the show but was a bit disappointed with what I saw.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:52am

I hope Roger Bart gets better if he is injured, and I wish him well, but IF IF IF this was a Carpinello/ Jackson situation, I would hope for him to be replaced with Hunter Foster, not a screen personality of some sort.

Wouldn't THAT be a great human interest story...

OR Bart and Foster could switch off performances every night in YF and Frankenstein!

I'm sure this has already been suggested somewhere...

[otis33]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:55am

I was there tonight as well. I didn't hate the show by any means. I don't think it's terrible. I just wasn't blown away. I had fun. I wanted more. There are some great performances, though. Andrea Martin - hilarious. Megan M. - great. Christopher F. - hilarious. But, I wanted more.

Edit - Oh yeah, the thread is about Roger Bart. Bummed not to see him. The understudy was great, but overshadowed by the women and Chris F. Updated On: 10/23/07 at 12:55 AM

[FutureAladdinOnB'Way]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:57am

Andrea Martin missed a week while it was in Seattle..

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 1:14am

Hunter Foster really can't do it. The incest - just no. No.

And please, God, not Broderick. Someone call Eric McCormack right now. Or Greg Kinnear.

[cooperross]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 1:14am

"The hard-working understudy, plucked from his chorus role, unfortunately has a catastrophic effect on the show. This is a star part requiring expert timing and large personality, and the absence of these qualities leaves a collegiate-style gaping hole at the center of an already seriously compromised show."

That's how I felt when I saw Bart in the role.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 1:17am

ShbrtAlley44, I looooooooooooooooove you anyway.

And Eric McCormack rules, and might be amazing, but in my head, I might be saving him for Franklin Shepard in the HOPEFULLY UPCOMING Merrily revival...

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 1:19am

Oooh, well, okay, then. Greg Kinnear okay with you?

I heart you too

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 1:33am

I can't think of anyone making that part work.
The songs are so weak and the jokes so old.
Bart had great Hair though, is that a wig?

And who want's a part where the hunchback upstages you, those hunch jokes so did not work.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 2:13am

So how is the stagedoor? Do they take pics??

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 2:37am

That wig truly IS excellent.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 3:30am

*gulp* I hope to have full Original Cast on 11.28!

FYI - For thos interested, YES I'll be posting my A BRONX TALE Notes and Such LATER on today (10.23)

Peace Lovies,
- Mike

[mallardo]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 6:59am

Given the budget and size of this show why isn't there an established Broadway actor standing by for the leading role??

[jaystarr]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 7:34am

He hurt his back ..that's why he is out...per Cast that I talked too last Saturday.. Dont know when is he coming back though

J*

[ken8631]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 8:14am

Saw it last night - was just OK. Understudy for Roger was very good. I was hoping for some memorable songs, there weren't any. Special effects were very good, actors/actresses excellent, but it doesn't pull me back to see it again.

It's no "Producers"

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/23/07 at 8:37am

I saw the understudy this past Saturday and honestly by the middle of the second act I had forgotten that Roger Bart wasn't it. LaBance was excellent and I don't really see how bringing in Broderick would make a difference, aside from selling more tickets.