The Problem With Drowsy:- Page 2

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 2:17pm

They might be able to get Bob back after his Toronto performance. The Baby was due a couple of weeks ago but you know how those things go. He never said he would go the whole tour and may not want to be too far from home if he can. We still haven't heard who will play "the Man" on tour yet and the time is growing short.

I saw the understudy for Mrs. Tottendale and I thought she did a good job? I am sorry JoAnne isn't doing as well in the part. Glover is probably suffering from reputation as a tough guy. I still like a Canadian in the part but if they can get the humor, it probably doesn't matter that much.

The Man hasn't been played by a Gay man yet, as far as I know? Jonathan Crombie just might not be up to touring and he did a fine job too. I wish I could think of someone else. I am not sure I agree it has to be an unknown Actor, as the Producers suggested, just someone who can play the role the way it was written originally. I think in this role, attitude is everything.

I would think there were more than a few Actors who could play the Man? No one wants to work in New York? Time is running short.

I also read that Beth renewed her contract. She may be a little off, it's Summer Vacation and I read she has a family. It is probably just exhaustion. She may just need a little break. I know I love her in the role and you are lucky she kept the role.

I am ready for some buzz about who can play the Man right now. I won't be back in NY until next year probably. The tour doesn't hit us until next year. If it is still in NY next spring than I'll definitely see it again. I would come back earlier but the Airlines have way too many problems right now that I don't want to deal with.

[postergirl]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 4:07pm

I read in an assistant company manager's blog this morning that they just finished casting the tour today - so I expect there will be an announcement in the next day or so. The touring MIC has definitely been cast.
No one has been cast as MIC yet for New York, but I'd be very surprised if Bob went back as the baby has indeed arrived. Not sure exactly when John Glover (who, in response to your question, is openly gay) is leaving, but it is sometime this month. Perhaps the touring MIC will do a few weeks on Broadway if there is indeed a gap between Glover and whoever ultimately replaces him. Time will tell.

[NBC]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 4:17pm

Anyone know when John Glover's last day is? I enjoyed his performance quite a bit, particularly his reactions to the audience. I do think that Bob Martin was just naturally more endearing...Glover takes awhile to warm up to. But it's fun to see him play against type.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 4:34pm

"Colin has been approached..."

He really has? I can't believe I forgot this, but I actually saw his and Brad Sherwood's comedy show at Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Those two are hilarious. Perhaps once he is done with that and Drowsy is still playing, he'd play Man in Chair. Maybe he can do a brief stint with the tour.

What about Ryan Stiles? I believe he'd also be hilarious. I <3 Whose Line!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 4:39pm

I think Glover and Worley were just horrible choices to begin with. And I really don't think people such as Burnett and Pierce would ever go into a show so long into it's run, especially right after winning a Tony.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 5:38pm

I should have looked up Glover's bio, I thought I read somewhere he was Married to a Woman. Doesn't matter to me, I just didn't see it so much as a typecasted type of role. I am a little surprised it dropped so much in sales but I keep reminding myself it is in a very big Theatre. I thought Glover could do a decent job but I wasn't sure people could relate to him because of his slick image in SV. Getting across that nerdy image is important for this role to me.

Hopefully Mara will live it up some and make a few appearances to drum up business. This is her chance to be the star, the rest is up to her.

I disagreed that Robin Williams couldn't play the part. He did a wonderful job in Dead Poet's Society. I didn't think he overpowered the role and can be subdued when the part calls for it. Though I doubt he can handle the demands of an ongoing stage role. It is just being able to relate to the role and convince an audience that they could have an authentic lifestyle to back-up MIC claim to being a turntable addiction. I think the higher voice too, builds on the enthusiasm.

Ah, so Janet had her baby, what is it? I hope everything went well for her.

Liza as the Chaperone? Sure she would camp it up but she would want more floor time. A guest appearance? Sure but Beth usually gives it justice, so I can live with it.

I just think it needs a MIC. I hope we hear finally who the full tour cast will be. So far, they are all strangers to me but everyone here speaks well of them.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 6:43pm

Did someone actually suggest Robin Williams as Man in Chair? Seriously? THE Robin Williams from Ork? Okay then.

SERIOUSLY?

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 7:13pm

One of the Producer mentioned Williams in an interview I posted awhile back. Just as an example of why they were looking for someone who wasn't too famous. They thought the show did well because the MIC wasn't well known. I disagree. Though who plays the role has to be convincing. Is is Bob's portrayal, image that sells the role. I don't think he exclusively owns the part but re-casting has to be someone who can translate the part like Bob can.

Robin has come a long way since Mork don't you think? He was Patch Adams too. "What Dreams Will Come". I think he is versatile enough but not really able to deal with Broadway because of his trouble with addictions.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/6/07 at 7:32pm

Robin has come a long way since Mork don't you think? He was Patch Adams too. "What Dreams Will Come". I think he is versatile enough but not really able to deal with Broadway because of his trouble with addictions.

Well, we will just have to agree to disagree. I really hate that expression, but not as much as I hate Robin Williams.

And I am sure there are plenty of addicts who function just fine on Broadway.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:06am

I thought John Glover was perfectly delightful in the role and JoAnne Worley, though miscast, was fairly entertaining. The show is still holding up very well.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:10am

It should have closed when Bob left. End of story.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:27am

You know who I think would be the *perfect* Man in the Chair? Colin Mocherie.

YES.

And does anyone else see Joanne Worley as more of a Chaperone that Mrs. Tottendale?

[postergirl]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 12:00pm

Elphaba3, it should not have closed when Bob left. End of story.

[jmponstage]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 1:59pm

could the problem with drowsy be that the show is really mediocre. it just had a great cast and now that they are gone... the material doesn't stand up? hmmm. i mean it is certainly enjoyable but it has had its run and is really no longer necessary. it was a novel idea with some cute numbers. the show relied on its cast. it doesn't stand up on its own.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 2:19pm

I like all of your suggestions on how to "save" the show, even if they aren't entirely practical.

Word of mouth is primarily why this show was doing well to begin with... and if the current word of mouth isn't good, it will surely be its demise.

I'd like to see it enjoy a healthy, long run. If nothing else, a little recasting should be done if the people aren't up to the roles.

If Bob is willing to come back after Toronto opens, even for a couple of months, I think he should, just to pump new energy into the show. But I agree that Colin would make a terrific replacement. It needs that "Second City" touch. That feeling of free form dialogue and improvisation. Second City performs scripted sketch comedy that evolves out of improvisation, and that's exactly what Drowsy is. Other well-known Second City alum and "friends of the alums" that would be a good (even if slightly different) as Man In Chair: Ryan Stiles, Richard Kind, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer or Bob Balaban.

As far as Mrs. Tottendale (if they want a name): Betty White or Carole Kane could do it.

I wish this show had played in a more intimate theatre to start with. I think it would have made a big difference overall.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 2:22pm

Ooh, I think Harry Shearer could make an excellent Man In Chair.

But Colin Mochrie is a perfect choice. I'm suprised he hasn't done it yet.

And Betty could be great as Tottendale.

[postergirl]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 5:06pm

I think Ryan Stiles would be terrible - totally not his thing. And Betty White is over 80 years old. Much as I love her, I'd hate to see her tackle that dancing - especially after losing Anne Rogersto illness a month into the role. Carole Kane is a very interesting suggestion though.

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 5:08pm

"And does anyone else see Joanne Worley as more of a Chaperone that Mrs. Tottendale?"

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[postergirl]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 5:24pm

No, you're not alone in that thought. But, on the other hand, one can think of the Chaperone and Mrs. T. as being related - sisters? mother/daughter?

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 6:15pm

I think that Robin Williams would be an inspired choice to play "Man In Chair." He would prolly do it as a limited run. I disagree with that person who highlighted R.W.'s addictions. He'd dealing with his addictions. The only reason I'd be concerned about Robin is his magical command of improvisation. Goodness knows what would come out of his mouth! In any case, who knows if he'd even think of doing Broadway, even for a brief time. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 4:39am

I'm a big fan of Robin's. I just see, playing the same role, over and over again, can be mind numbing. Not to mention how people in the industry and some fans get. I agree that Robin is trying his best but he doesn't do very well under too much pressure. I think Broadway is a lot more pressure than making Movies. He does do stand-up but that allows you to work mostly alone and you don't have to deal with other personalities as much. It's a tough battle and seeing him have to go back into rehab again recently, only reminds me of this.

I do though think he would still do a great job and probably drive the Director crazy. That is what makes Robin's performance's fun though. Well, it isn't going to happen.

I like the Second City ideas and I hope they are looking in that direction. It would even be funny if Don McKeller stepped up but I don't think even he would want to be tied down for any length of time. It would be fun to see him play the role for a short time though! He is a character all by himself. Even if he changed the role some, I am sure, it would hilarious because he is so creative. What about Colm Feore! That too would be outstanding!

I just think we need a new MIC. I too, can see JoAnne as the Chaperone. I can't see her in the role she is playing now but I can understand why some are struggling to think of her a being so naive. She has been doing her part though to try and drum up some Media. Hopefully, Mara will do the same and is good with interviews. Like I said before, it is her call.

This is a very good, creative show. It's a Musical and it's a farce. Those who try to compare it the shows like POTO or Les Miz. will be disappointed. It does though, I think live and die on a good cast. If any of the main characters are weak, it will drag because it depends on keeping the rhythm upbeat.

It would be nice to see the Posters go back to looking like something fun, rather than subdued. I liked the red one for a keep sake but I like the LA one, because it is lively and fun. That is what I got from the show and what I hope brings some people back. Those London Posters were just awful. Let's once again downplay it for being Canadian. Obviously, the English translation wasn't very good. Playing up Drowsy's character rather than the musical angle was a bad way to go. I especially was dismayed when they put some up with Elaine without her wig! Are the Brits that confused? It was almost an insult to their intelligence I would think? Unless you are saying they changed her look in the show? I think they made a mistake, leaving out the other characters in the Poster. Who knows what the audience thought they were getting from that kind of advertising?

I hope for better things to come. It may have done better in a smaller venue but it would have taken longer to make a profit I think? Time will tell. I am happy though it didn't close when Bob left. It employs a lot of people.

If it doesn't improve with a new MIC, than it will go away but not because I think it is so much mediocre but they failed to cast the part right.

[azeller]

Posted: 8/15/07 at 9:58pm

Anyone know if John Glover is leaving soon? I've heard mixed reports and was hoping someone might have some information. Thanks.

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 8/15/07 at 10:08pm

Bob had left the London show BEFORE they knew it was closeing

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 8/15/07 at 10:11pm

...maybe the problem with Drowsy is that its still running.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 8/15/07 at 11:56pm

I heard that they had approached Andy Richter to take over as MIC! LOVE him!