The Problem With Drowsy: — Page 2

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.

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.

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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.

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

SERIOUSLY?

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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.

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

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

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.

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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.

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?

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.

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

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

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