Roger Bart Missing Performances of Young Frankenstein

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.

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

I guess Bart reads the boards.

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

Oh wait, No one did. Never mind.

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.

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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...

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

"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.

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

I heart you too

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

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*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

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*

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.