Roger Bart Scheduled to Return to YF

[Bwaybuff2]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:11pm

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10262007/entertainment/theater/decision_is_spinal.htm

its michael riedel, but still it's new information on the subject

[tomemiller]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:16pm

What a sham if Bart is going to be "pumped up with cortisone so he can play the critic's performance and opening night, then take time off to heal" Critics aren't the ones shelling out $450 for premium seats to see Roger Bart's understudy. Bart is wonderful in the role and I wish him a speedy recovery, but I don't think that Mel should play bait and switch with this role. Yes, Bart does deserve to have the critics see his work since he has worked hard at developing the role but to then have an understudy perform the part for an unknown period of time is not fair to the ticket holding public.

Updated On: 10/26/07 at 04:16 PM

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:25pm

The point is to have the show reviewed with the full cast. If Bart is not present the critics will certainly focus on that in their reviews. It would be quite hard for them to get a solid temporary replacement for Bart between now and the critics previews. I did see Matthew LaBanca in the role and thought he did a fine job, it just would be unwise to allow him to fill in for an undetermined period of time.

[Bwaybuff2]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:29pm

im seeing this Nov. 10 at the matinee, i hope they can keep him in till at least then and then he can take some time to fully heal

[jaystarr]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:29pm

The point is to have the show reviewed with the full cast. If Bart is not present the critics will certainly focus on that in their reviews. It would be quite hard for them to get a solid temporary replacement for Bart between now and the critics previews. I did see Matthew LaBanca in the role and thought he did a fine job, it just would be unwise to allow him to fill in for an undetermined period of time.

^^^ I agree, I saw Matt LaBlanca too.. he's okay... I can't see the show anymore..Too expensive .. I will just wait for the OBCR ! I hope Roger Bart's health situation does not get worse by doing these performances ...

Most likely .. It will get negative reviews no matter what. I enjoyed the show though!


J*



Updated On: 10/26/07 at 04:29 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:38pm

I'd keep the show in previews for another month, let Roger heal and try and get Mel and company to fix the show.

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:43pm

CATSNY has the best solution. Why risk letting your star FURTHER injure himself, and then you lose him permanently, maybe before opening night? STUPID.

[Glory]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 4:51pm

I hope he is ok! I'm seeing it November 21st so I hope to catch him.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 8:37pm

Victor's seems to be the most underwritten role whose efforts will be overshadowed by some of the others. Frankly Scarlett ---

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 8:46pm

There seems to be an issue of "bait & switch" going on here. If Roger Bart is not ready to perform, then they shouldn't get him back for the day....only to get the show reviewed. The reviews are just going to entice people to see a show that only exists in theory. I understand that there are more things at stake here....many, many people's livelihoods, in fact. However, I don't think it's fair to see a review for a show (that can cost up to $400.00+ per ticket) and that show is not really available to be seen. At least that is my humble opinion.

Posted: 10/26/07 at 8:53pm

You people act like Roger Bart is Julia Roberts or something. NO ONE CARES who he is. It's Not ROGER BART up on the Marquee, it's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 10:11pm

I just hope Rodger doesn't lose out on this gamble of theirs. If the show could extend Pre-views than that would be great but I bet most of the shows performances are already sold. Especially the big tickets. Now they are afraid of the tourists who spend big and do things at the last minute. Or people getting the jitters and asking for those hateful refunds, some may be wanting already because of weak reviews. If Bart is out for any extended period of time, Mel better get someone famous or everyone loses, especially if a strike is averted, which is my hope at least.

I know Bart isn't famous, yet. Hard to say this role will put him on anyone's A list other than Broadways. Yet any cast changes at this point opens the door for unhappy people to demand some type of compensation. People with a lot of money who fear a replacement means lack of experience. It happens and Mel knows this very well.

Bart doesn't want to lose the paycheck. What rotten luck. It really does seems like his only fair bet is to share the role with someone equally as talented or give it up. This is a serious injury. He is playing with fire and his ability to make a living.

I won't be surprised if Bart plays for the critics and someone soon takes over the role. I would much rather see it shared but I definitely would not want to see anyone in real pain, trying to play a part he is torturing himself to run through. Of course, they could get creative, put him in a wheelchair, ala, Rocky Horror Show and put a whole new spin on it, so to speak? I am all for creativity when you can make it fit.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 10:14pm

Bart, actually, is famous. He's no Denzel Washington - hell, he's no Matthew Broderick.

But, he certainly gained significance from his year on Desperate Housewives. People aren't seeing the show for him, but once they realize that "the pharmacist from Desperate Housewives and Karen from Will and Grace" are the stars, they get excited.

[i_heart_roger_bart]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 10:18pm

I'd just hate for him to further injure himself by doing this. I'm going to see this show in January, and to be honest, I'd rather have the sound of mind knowing that Roger is healthy and not literally killing himself up there, than to see him in YF. I'd be disappointed, but I'd rather be able to SEE Roger perform again one day!

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 10/26/07 at 10:36pm

Yankeefan, I gathered this from other posts that he was well known on Broadway. It didn't seem that he was getting top pay as a headliner yet though until now? I am sure he deserves it. I just wasn't sure this role in particular was worth his risking his future over. He seems to really want to hold onto this role. It is a very famous Movie. It will bring in many who rarely go to see shows on Broadway otherwise.

It is just the reviews are fair. I am not sure how much life it will have after January. It is a fun show set up at just the right time of year to capitalize on the season right now. I still want to see it succeed because I don't care too much if the songs aren't great. As long as it is funny and the acting is good, I can forgive a lot.

Though Bart might play the role exceptionally well loaded on codeine? Throw in some ether and it could very well become a smash! Except for my knowing the future of someone who ignores a serious back injury. It will haunt you for the rest of your life.

[i_heart_roger_bart]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 12:05am

I, myself, am guilty of your last two statements, Tkt2Ride.

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 12:14am

They should have extended previews instead of endangering a performers health and, risking further damage to an already serious medical issue. In the mean time, the show should work on getting a proper temporary or permanent replacement for Roger Bart.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 12:20am

Well he may have hurt himself but there is nothing in this role that will cause any major problems down the line.
Except a critical bashing that good performers can always get passed.
Sometimes bad buzz can add harm to any injury.
Ouch,
Updated On: 10/27/07 at 12:20 AM

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 1:03am

You would have to have a better understanding of his injury to really judge how much of a strain this role is putting on his back. He was injured. Those floors are slippery and dance moves are not a walk in the park with a sore back. If he played Igor, than maybe I could buy your statement. He,he, maybe they should shift roles? It could be entertaining!

Back injuries are especially nasty. If he just pulled a muscle, he would already be back on stage like the girl from LB. I though am paying dearly for two back injuries I had almost thrity years ago. That's me and Bart may be able to pull it off. I think Mel is in his corner. Like I said, put him in a wheelchair, if he gets clumsy. It only lends to his fiancee attraction to the Monster even better! I'm rooting for him and hope I can see him in the show earlier next year.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 2:12am

Tkt2Ride, I cannot understand a word of whatever the hell it is you are trying to communicate.

Please do your fellow board members the courtesy of purchasing a spelling and grammar check program that can assist in translating your little jumbles into understandable English language sentences.

Jesus CHRIST.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 2:28am

WBAF? Are you really that ignorant? I cannot help you read. If you cannot follow the thread, than, skip my posts. I passed my English Courses in College. If I have to cut and paste everything my posts will get longer.

The latest news is Bart plans to return though I wonder if that is in his best interest right now? That is the question, can you follow that much?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 2:34am

"It only lends to his fiancee attraction to the Monster even better!"

I'm staring at it, I'm reading it, I'm re-reading it, I'm staring at it, and I STILL can't figure out what the fVck you're trying to say. And I graduated Cum Laude.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 3:15am

Than you have no imagination. Bart is suffering from a serious back injury. One that, if he pushes it, it can cripple him. If, to save his back further injury, they can alter the role, putting Dr. Frankenstein into a wheel chair, like they had the Doctor in Rocky Horror Show, then they could spin the part and not further injure him.

Fine ~ Spoilers alerts!








His Fiancee leaves Dr. Frankenstein remember? His becoming a cripple would only further establish her motives for leaving him. It is just a device to use so that Bart can skip the dance numbers altogether.






End spoilers if it was even needed.

This was just an idea. Try not to trip yourselves up too much over it. Granted, if you have not seen "The Rocky Horror Show", you may struggle with this analogy. I much rather see Bart take that strain off of his back than try to pretend he can dance through those numbers by swallowing a large amt. of pain pills. That will probably be what he chooses to do to make unimaginative people happy.

It will cost him though in the long run because back injuries get worse over time. For some reason, most don't heal right and turn into arthritis when we get older.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 3:58am

But by that same logic, he would have to use his arms, shoulders, and back to move the chair around, so he'd probably just hurt himself anyway.

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 10/27/07 at 6:53am

Are my suspicions coming true here. Are they fading Mr Bart out? After all he is the one cast member to get weak reviews so far. I saw it last week and agreed that, allthough he's very good i just thought he was miscast. It wont be the first time a situation like this has come up on Broadway or in London.