Posted: 5/23/15 at 1:02pm
ATC thread: http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=2284463
Posted: 5/23/15 at 1:36pm
Probably for the best because I thought Rees was in pretty awful voice when I saw the show.
Posted: 5/23/15 at 2:12pm
I wonder if it has to do with the shows shaky prospects. Maybe he asked to be let go so he could persue another vehicle.
Updated On: 5/26/15 at 02:12 PM
Posted: 5/23/15 at 2:18pm
It's likely something as simple as he's having some health problems and is being private about it.
It certainly has nothing to do with the show's box office.
Posted: 5/23/15 at 2:42pm
Take it with a grain of salt, but the broadway.com article on the matter had this to say: "A spokesperson said that Nelis has not replaced Roger Rees in the Tony nominated tuner and that no further information is available at this time."
Posted: 5/23/15 at 10:18pm
If Rees is still with the production, why is his name gone from the website as stated above?
What is Nelis's voice like compared to Rees?
Posted: 5/23/15 at 10:33pm
Nelis' voice is much stronger, but he does not throw himself into the role like Rees does. Still a good performance though.
Posted: 5/23/15 at 10:46pm
It seems to be a tradeoff. He brings a better voice but not as good of a performance. Personally, I doubt he will return unless he returns in a few weeks as , regretfully, doubt the show will hang on much past the Tonys unless Chita wins. Even if she does, it will not bring that much of a boost. The only thing that would make a big difference in the box office would be a Best musical win which, while hoped for, will not happen.
Posted: 5/24/15 at 1:55am
"I really think there is no hope for this show financially any more, unless it wins Best Musical. However, I am so glad they recorded this and I hope everyone involved is proud of their efforts. Has the Lincoln Archive stopped by yet?
"
I heard they were filming the show one night but don't know if it was Lincoln, but it sounds like it.
Posted: 5/24/15 at 4:07am
Updated On: 6/17/17 at 04:07 AM
Posted: 5/25/15 at 9:21pm
Some on ATC are postulating that the producers could be keeping Rees out of the show to help Chita's Tony chances, as Nelis is a better singer and slightly more vibrant in the role. I don't necessarily believe this.
Updated On: 5/25/15 at 09:21 PM
Posted: 5/25/15 at 9:35pm
The few people going to see it are seeing it for Chita and not for Rees or his replacement.
Posted: 5/25/15 at 11:36pm
Saw it for Chita. She is amazing- subtle, brittle, sublime. Heartbreaking. Doing stuff that the Kelli O'Hara's of the world can only dream of doing. This is broadway, this is a legend. Why people are not coming in droves to pay homage to Chita is beyond me. Those big stars (the first show I ever saw was Ethel Merman in Happy Hunting!) are few and far between and Chita is probably the last of the greats. Go, before its too late. $19.75! We're talking movie prices now! I have seen it 6 times. Once in Chicago, twice in DC and once in Williamstown and now twice on Broadway. Which one was my favorite? No question- in Chicago. The cast, the direction- it was amazing. Now with Doyle at the helm who crushes most applause or audience response (I guess he thinks its plebeian and populist), still devising theatre that looks like its budget was $5.00 but even that Emperor's New Clothes of Broadway can't defeat Chita. I'm going again to see what real stardom is. Its a master class.
Posted: 5/25/15 at 11:39pm
I'm going again to see what real stardom is. Its a master class.
This.
Posted: 5/25/15 at 11:41pm
They'd better give her that damn Tony award.
Posted: 5/26/15 at 12:03am
^ From your lips to god's ears.
