Ruben on Broadway — Page 4

Bitter batter makes bitter pancakes.

---

I won't respond to any more slander against Ruben. I'm sorry that I even asked my question now.

But you'll all remember me when his name is in lights at the Ambassador theatre.

---

Ruben's size is definitely irrelevant. What is relevant is whether he can sing. In my opinion, his voice is very soft and nasal, and very irritating. Never heard him belt, and he has a very limited range. The question was what roles would he be able to play on Broadway. Sorry, I can't think of any. Again, my opinion. We are all entitled to our own.

How well does Melanie Griffith hold a note or stay on key? If she can play a lead role and get raves for it, then so can Ruben.

---

Your point is well taken, but, the major difference is that Ruben is allegedly a singer. And won a singing competition. Melanie is just a personality. Ruben is marketed as a singer who -- it just so happens -- can't sing when anybody else is singing. That would preclude Broadway casting unless it's totally of the freak show variety. I suppose he could be Audrey II, but that's about it.

---

Feed me! Git it?

---

Adding my 2 cents to this topic-of course it's totally okay to comment on Ruben's appearance. He is now a public figure who won a competition which was based partly on appearance and partly on talent. We were reminded of that on a weekly basis.

So- as for his appearance, I have a hard time looking at him, and it's not because of his weight. Hey, I was attracted to Meat Loaf at his fattest, lol! I'm not fond of Ruben's constant thrusting of his tongue and sucking on his lower lip. Kind of gross. Neither do I think he has a great smile, which I've heard he has.

His voice-nothing great. I'm not sure the tabulating of votes was done correctly, or reported correctly. It's almost impossible to believe he won over Clay, whose record sales were astoundingly higher than his.

Sorry I'm insulting your American Idol.

---

Since Frank Gorshin had a sucess with SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE, How about Reuben starring in another show devoted to a beloved 1930s entertainer?

"HELLO, EVERYBODY! An Evening with Kate Smith"

The only problem was that Kate sang in a rich gorgeous voice that was virtually vibrato-free.

---

Are you people serious? Ruben can actually sing. I don't think a true judgement can be made based on the types of songs he was singing on AI regarding whether he can take on a bway role. We all know that Clay is more "theatrical" but does that mean that he shouldnt be making pop records?

As far as shows he would be good in, I think he could play any of the male roles in Dreamgirls...Especially, Curtis and C.C...I think a lot of you are having trouble placing him because their really arn't that many leading roles for men of color or minorities in general. And if Harvey can get his big...Hmm..If he can get up there and sing as irritatingly (is that a word?) as he does (And when a Tony! LOL Don't even get me started on Marrissa and that singing through a fan vibrato thing) I don't see why Ruben couldnt possibly be on Broadway! I think he would do very well in a pop-musical. Hey, they should make him the new Birdie in that hip-hop/R&B remake of Bye Bye Birdie..I know how you all are looking forward to that!

The same could be said for most of the singers on that show. A lot of singers in general. Ruben was obviously going for the R&B/Quiet Storm vibe. I happen to like that he was consistent in that genre though if you look at the list of songs chosen (can be found on www.idolsonfox.com) I think you'll see some variation. Regardless, those songs really are not an indication of what he would sound like on bway. Also, it really does depends on what kinda of musical you're talking about...I think Ruben could be a good Seaweed, but I think Clay would be a good Link....and on the other side..I think Clay would be good in Phantom..where I dont think Ruben would do well.

Hey, TheTruth, Harvey is a character actor who is not marketed as a singer. That's part of the fun of that specific character. You really wouldn't want to take somebody who is supposed to be a singer, won a singing contest, and is being pushed as a singer, if he is incapable of singing with a chorus. It would be a set up of Melanie proportions without the good will she earned by having a tabloid life and looking wounded. You didn't address Ruben's inability to hold a melody line if he isn't singing solo, TheTruth. How would you propose that Broadway producers considering casting him should handle that?

---