The Frogs cast change

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 7/23/04 at 11:13am

Some of you probably addressed this a while back, but I've been off the boards for a while. I saw The Frogs several weeks ago with Chris Kattan as Xanthius and thought (along with the rest of the audience) that he was terrific. Of course I love Roger Bart, too, and can easily see him in the role. I'm just wondering what the scoop is on how and why the change was made. Thanks.

[J.J.]

Posted: 7/23/04 at 11:20am

I believe the Post put it the best...not sure of the exact quote...

The actor was too busy doing lines instead of learning them...

again, not verbatim

[midtowngym]

Posted: 7/23/04 at 11:29am

I hope never to hear 'Chris Kattan' and 'theater' in the same sentence ever again.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 7/23/04 at 2:51pm

I'm interested in what you found in Chris's performance that you thought was very positive. You also said that the audience seemed to like him. Look, we all have our favorite performers, and I don't mean to discount your taste but since practically no one else seemed to like him in the role and thought he was badly miscast. I can see what Stroman was going for but I don't think it worked well and while I don't think Chris would have ruined the entire show by staying, Roger is a much better casting choice.

What did you like about Chris? Curious to know