"Speed-The-Plow"- 12/23- NLB's 1st

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 9:38pm

Just got back from the show. Let me preface by saying that I was not that familiar with the work, and had not seen this production before.

Before the show started, Director Neil Pepe came out announced that due to circumstances, Jeremy Piven was no longer with the show, but that they were fortunate enough to bring on Norbert Leo Butz. He explained that Butz had only 4 days to rehearse, and that part of the time, he would be reading "from the book"-

Show starts, (great "entrance applause for NLB) and you would not know it at all--- for the first 15-20 minutes, did not see him go to the book once.

After the first 15-20 minutes, he went exclusively to the script.

It was somewhat distracting, but he is such a natural comedian, that it didnt ruin the experience for me at all.

It helped that Raul Esparza is SO good !!! Absolutely amazing in this role !!

I really think they should have given NLB more time before he went on, but once it gets it...look out !!! You can see that the timing between the two men is going to be terrific !!

Will definitely go back !

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 9:41pm

Thanks for the report. I'm excited to revisit the show to see Norbert as Bobby, hopefully this Friday.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 10:27pm

By Friday, he should have it down--- really should be special.

Watching Butz and Esparza on stage together is theatre heaven !

[broadwaybaby086]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 10:41pm

I was there as well. I walked in about five minutes after the play started (I was one of *those* people that I can't stand who didn't know curtain was at 7pm), so I missed the announcement, but it took me a while to even notice that Norbert was holding the script. It wasn't until I saw the highlighting that I realized. But for the first scene I sat there in awe that he was off book- because that's a freaking marathon. Kudos to Mr. Butz for doing that with only four days of rehearsal. I echo the majority's sentiments about Raul, he was spectacular.

I enjoyed the show as well, went in without any knowledge of the subject matter or plot, and would be happy to give it another go when a) I can arrive on time or b) with either Norbert or William H. Macy.

Also, for those wondering about student rush, I was given second row dead center of the front mezz. I was very pleased!

[Morgaine885]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 12:11am

I was there, too!

First, I'm going to be a complete sap and admit that I teared-up during curtain call when hugs were exchanged by the cast. The three of them looked SO HAPPY! I can't imagine how stressful the past week has been for all three of them.

It was just touching and lovely to witness, and it reinforced how much I just love and admire stage people.

Neil Pepe's introduction was great, too...I feel like the entire audience (and it seemed pretty full tonight) all knew the details of the past week (it has been hard to avoid the story, it's been everywhere) was there rooting on Norbert and the rest of the cast. Everybody WANTED him to excel...and you know what? He absolutely did.

Yes, Norbert did have the script in hand, but I barely noticed it after a few minutes. A lot of the time, it blended right in with the scene.

I think he and Raul are absolutely DYNAMIC together. I'll probably go back in a week or two after Norbert's settled in a bit. They bounce off each other SO well. Have they ever worked together before? I was trying to figure it out...I don't think so.

Raul is as terrific as always. I think he's better all around than he was when he was opposite the last guy who played Bobby :)

This really isn't the type of show I'd normally go for, but I was excited for it because I thoroughly just love watching Raul on stage and he is always worth it...and I think it will really continue to get stronger and better...I'm excited to see William H. Macy's interpretation of the role.

Anyway! Like I said...it was so wonderful seeing the cast react at curtain call and I wish them all the best and send a huge "BRAVO!" to all involved.

Perhaps things DO happen for a reason, and the show has found an even greater Bobby Gould!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 12:26am

I was there, too, and I thought it was a very special evening indeed. It felt kind of like watching the dress rehearsal did, in the sense that it felt sort of like a sneak-peek at the real, great thing to come. I didn't find Norbert being on book at all distracting, save for a small chunk of the second scene. I was, not surprisingly, very impressed with his performance. He and Raúl fit together beautifully, and I know both his performance and their work as a pair will only get better -- probably very quickly. I think very soon, Norbert will be off and running. I was proud to be part of such a warm, supportive audience, and the cast seemed so happy at the bows, which was great to see. I really think this is for the best, and will prove to be a wonderful thing for the show, in the end. I saw Jeremy play the role three times, and although I liked him very much, seeing Norbert tonight, I did not miss him at all.

[Morgaine885]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 12:45am

"Jeremy play the role three times, and although I liked him very much, seeing Norbert tonight, I did not miss him at all. "

My thoughts exactly.

I'm not here to bash Jeremy Piven...I thought he did a very good job in the show, but Norbert was more than very good, and in very unusual circumstances.

And he brings-out the best in Raul onstage...and I already thought he was at his best!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 12:55am

Yeah. And I think Raul being so, so steadfast up there is probably a huge help to the transition.

[Shannon Bo Dannon]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 1:05am

This is so great to hear! I love Norbert and I'm glad to hear he's doing so well. Him and Raul sound fabulous together!

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 1:09am

awesome! love the great reviews guys...planning on going sunday. hopefully NLB will have it down by then...even if he doesnt it dosent seem to distracting lol.

[Hest882]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 1:31am

Thanks for the reviews everyone. This sounds so promising!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 1:12pm

Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone! Sounds like the show is in great shape!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:31pm

I was there this afternoon, and it was just awesome.I wanna start referring to the duo as Norbert Eduardo Butz and Raul L. Esparza. Cause they were just amazing. I kept thinking why hadn't Norbert been cast originally cause they compliment each other so well. Norbert did such an amazing job...
*possible spoiler* I squirmed in my seat when Norbert chucked the nuts at Raul...it was so awesome! Seriously, probably the most fun I've ever had sitting in the audience.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:34pm

Was he still on book? Just curious, not criticizing.

[jennyish]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:35pm

YAY! I love Norbert and I'm so, so excited to see him (and William H. Macy) in January!

Does anyone know why it was so imperative that he begin without even being off-book? Why couldn't the understudy go on until he was ready?

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:42pm

I think it's to do with the fact Norbert has established himself, and he will bring certain New Yorkers and theatre people back to the show. Today Dana Ivey was sitting behind me and she was talking about how smart Norbert and Raul are. She was obviously here to see and support him. Granted he's not a Hollywood name, but they can at least say "see Tony winning Norbert Leo Butz in Speed the Plow for a limited time only"

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:43pm

I am so jealous that I will not get to see this again. I'm coming in the city this weekend but can't figure out what show to dump that I am seeing.

I'm sure I will get jealous all over again for those getting to see Macy as well. (Although Norbert is an absolute favorite actor of mine.)

I honestly think that BOTH of the "replacement" actors are far better suited to the role than is/was Pivens. (And I didn't think he was bad...just out of his league...particularly in Act III going head to head against the AMAZING Raul.

Arrgh....maybe one of my shows sceduled for January will fall through and I can sneak it in!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:45pm

He was on book for some of the show. I thought he was so cute with his reading glasses! Definately not how I would see Bob Gould, but really I didn't mind! He knows where the story is going, I think he's just embarrassed to have to ask for a line.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:54pm

I think they were really concerned that the show would totally tank at the box office if they didnt get a star in by Tues, so they rushed Norbert a bit.

Didnt stop me from loving it !!! They are so great together !

[jordangirl]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 5:56pm

Cool! I should really try to see it while he's in. Going home for a week will crimp that a little... Hmmm...

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:00pm

It is absolutey a million percent worth seeing. I swear, the two of them together is like nothing I've seen before. It's quite an impact.

I can't even IMAGINE what it's gonna be like when William H. Macy arrives!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:38pm

The audience last night was very, very supportive, too. You could tell a lot of them had come out to see and support Norbert, and be there to cheer him on during these unusual circumstances. I was sitting near a handful of people who were quite peeved about missing Jeremy, but the overwhelming sense I got from the audience as a whole was one of support and embrace.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 6:45pm

<< The audience last night was very, very supportive, too. You could tell a lot of them had come out to see and support Norbert, and be there to cheer him on during these unusual circumstances. I was sitting near a handful of people who were quite peeved about missing Jeremy, but the overwhelming sense I got from the audience as a whole was one of support and embrace. >>

Oh yeah ! There were a TON of Norbert fans where I was sitting! (myself included !!) Made me realize how much I miss "Is He Dead?" and "DRS" !!!

[DrTheatre]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 7:26pm

Wow, just when you wish the "Replacement Tony" was still in affect!

Updated On: 12/24/08 at 07:26 PM

[esparza 333]

Posted: 12/24/08 at 7:38pm

I am so glad Norbert is back on broadway even if it is for short time. I remember sitting in Wicked in 2004 thinking he was excellent and could be very big in a few years. Little did I know the next year he would be in the role of his career IN DRS. Then Is He Dead came and I must say he is just wonderful and just the thought of him and Raul on the same stage is enough to give you chills. Two powerhouses that know how to blow the roof of a theatre.