Singer-songwriter-comedian Stephen Lynch did a pretty good job leading a show in The Wedding Singer, but he hasn't made any more trips back to Broadway since. What do you think would be a good show for him to appear in again if he ever chose to return?
Call me crazy, but if Company comes back within the next few years (and who knows at this rate of rapid revivals), he might make an interesting Bobby.
I know he would like to, he talks about wanting to do Rent and he has auditioned several times. But, he took a lot of crap from some of his fans and other comedians for doing broadway. I don't get what the big deal was but I am not sure if he would want to have to go through that again.
Updated On: 7/14/10 at 09:39 AM
The reaction to Lynch doing Broadway was that generation's equivalent to the reaction Bob Saget got when he signed on for "Full House" in the early nineties- the darkest, most depraved comic hanging up their barbs in favor of "light family entertainment." Even if Wedding Singer wasn't entirely that sort of thing, it still got that sort of reaction.
I thought it was more like that the fans have this picture in their head about Broadway and think he was doing tap numbers in a sequined suit.
Updated On: 7/14/10 at 09:49 AM
The sad thing is that he comes from a theatre background. It's not like he suddenly decided to try it. He was an apprentice at the same theatre I was in Michigan.
In fact, he is doing an event there August 13th.
http://barntheatre.com/
I think it is hilarious that people who are fans of a singing comedian would be so against broadway.
He also took on the thankless task of playing a watered-down role that, in the film, had featured a hugely over the top performance by Adam Sandler. No matter what your opinion of Sandler, Lynch's version of the role was limp by comparison (mostly due to bad writing). The show was pointless.
I thought Lynch was by far the best thing about the show, which was fairly mediocre. I found him very honest and affecting on stage and was really impressed. I'd love to have him back.
I have to partially agree with both NEWINTOWN'S and TARYN'S posts above.
Follwing Sandler in the role he created was truly thankless and not likely to live up to the edited antics of a film shoot.
However, TWS was a fun show led by Lynch, who was totally just talented and likeable enough to make it work.
I wish it had played longer and that they didn't make so many bad choices (changes) on the tour.
Had to add this after seeing another post on the boards...
Stephen Lynch's next role should be Vernon in "THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG".
Sorry but i have to say that i think Lynch had far more heart in that role than 'screen time whore' Sandler had.
I spoke to him when he was here in the UK doing a live show and he was such a nice guy. He spoke about how much he loved the show and would go back to Broadway in a heartbeat if the role was right.
I was thrilled i got to see him and talk to him because i travelled for miles to watch him since i could not make his show in my local area.
I remember being impressed with Lynch when I saw TWS. It's a mediocre at best show that he basically carried.
Exactly. Being charismatic in a crappy role/terrible show is nice, but it doesn't much help a career.
Updated On: 7/14/10 at 12:17 PM
I'm inclined to say the musical was better than the film, and Lynch made a better Robbie Hart than Adam Sandler did, but it's a moot point.
What isn't a moot point is that Lynch should still be welcome as a Broadway star, and seems open to doing it.
He was delightful in The Wedding Singer and brought much more to the character than what was written. I'd love to see him back on Broadway.
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