Will Chase on HiFi's Closing — Page 3

The sad truth is that no show can play in a theater that big without the support of the critics. Word of mouth just takes too long to build. But I think Chase has a good point, if he's making it in a slighly confusing way.

Is he going to have a hard time finding another broadway musical lead? I guess Jenn Colella is allowed to constantly fail so maybe he will be too?

What a hard job being a critic

Seeing every show for free with great seats & probably dinner on your expense account. I am totally broken up

Where do I sign up to become a critic ?

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You can't compare Patrick Wilson's situation to Will's. First of all, they're about the same age. But Fascinating Rhythm was an ensemble show. Patrick was not above the title or on the poster. He was just part of a stunning array of talented folks (Orfeh, Adriane Lenox, Sara Ramirez) who were stuck in a stupid cruise ship revue. I guess similar to Lennon in some ways. But High Fideltiy was a chance to sell Will as a leading man, similar to Patrick's breakout in Full Monty. if THAT had failed, there'd be a comparison to make.

It is a sad state of affairs when people cannot think for themselves & let others tell them what they should or should not see

Never subscribed to that line of thinking & never will

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I disagree, ruprecht.

Will already has a history of being a leading man, from Miss Saigon, and even stepping into Rent.

Even when clearly being courteous and not trying to focus attention on himself as one of several Lennons in Lennon, it was clear that he was the leading man and the most transportedly Lennon of the bunch. He just has natural self-confidence and is a leading man onstage.

It was abundantly clear in Fascinatin' Rhythm that Patrick Wilson was a leading man. Same as for Will in Lennon.

None of this will hurt Will as a leading man. He will likely just move on to another lead in a, hopefully, better show.

And Will, shave! I like your clean-shaven face! No more scruffy stuff.

Nomdeplume, I really think you were reading way too much into that scene. I saw it as a parody of the loud obnoxious rap music of the 90s, both white and black. Nothing more.

Unfortunately, thats what I make of rap music I just didn't find it that offensive. The audience as I said before ate it up.

I agree nom. That scene was just awful. I'm no prude, but I didn't think it helped propel the story, what little story there is...

And I truly found the Lyle Lovette joke tiresome.

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I NEVER made the slightest connection to the Iraqi situation or racism watching it and honestly, that connection is just ridiculous to imply. The place is set in the 90's for goodness' sake. You are really making a mountain out of a mole hill here.

Even though I liked the show, I agree with the Lyle Lovette beating a dead horse issue. They also beat another dead horse with the "Kurt Cobain intervention"

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I suspect that one of "High Fidelity"'s problems is that it's not a (excuse the expression) chick show. The book and movie it's based on is about a bunch of obsessive male rock music fans, which is about as much unlikely to hold appeal to that teeny-bop audience that goes to "Wicked" (and is the audience the producers are craving). Look at who starred in the movie--John Cusack, who used to be a sort of hearthrob, and Jack Black, who who will never be confused with any of the Lachey brothers. And was Jenn Collella's character the sort of inspiring role model that Elphaba and (in her way) Glinda are in "Wicked?"

And as for the other Broadway market, do you really see the theater party ladies from Scarsdale wanting to see a show about rock geeks comparing their record collections? Do they even know who Nick Hornby is?

And finally, I suspect rock fans were ready, willing and able to put this show in the exact same boat as the Twyla Tharp Dylan bomb. Let's face it, folks, rock and roll and Broadway are still a bad fit.

The show never had a chance on Broadway. It should've opened off-Broadway.

What does one wear to a closing night?