David Malloy or Josh Groban?

[rwthib]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 5:01pm

So we will be in New York during one of the times that David will be subbing for Josh?
Neither my wife or daughter are going to see show because of Josh, so wondering, as a theater nerd would you take them to see John or David?

 

[itsshowtime2]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 5:34pm

I saw it off Broadway with Malloy and thought he was good.  I am not really a fan of Josh Groban's music (but I find him delightful in interviews).  When I saw it on Broadway with Groban, I thought he was phenomenal.  I was extremely impressed.  I would say go for Groban as it is unlikely you would have the opportunity to see him again in the show.  I wouldn't be surprised if Malloy did a stint later in the run.

That being said, if you could get cheaper tix for Malloy and cost is an option, I don't think you would be disappointed with him in the role.

[bear88]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 5:54pm

I doubt you would be disappointed with Malloy, who created the show and performed it for years.

That said, I saw Josh Groban last week. I didn't know anything about him, and I wasn't seeing the show because I was a Groban fan.

He was extraordinary, not just as a singer but as an actor. He is wonderful in the role of Pierre. If you have a chance to see him, I would grab it. Updated On: 4/23/17 at 05:54 PM

[PaulWom]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 7:38pm

To be completely honest- I would go with Dave every time. I was still moved at the end of Josh's performance, but not AS moved as I was when I saw Malloy downtown,

[dcphillygirl]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 9:30pm

I'd pick Dave Malloy, and in fact I'll be seeing it again when he's Pierre in June.  Josh's singing is just too.... pretty.... to be Pierre.  Dave has this rotten raspyness that is like YEAH PIERRE YOU FAT DRUNKEN BASTARD. 

[And Peggy]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 11:54pm

I first saw the show in Cambridge with Scott Stangland as Pierre, and my opinion of Josh Groban in the role was pretty similar to dcphillygirl's going into the Imperial. I wasn't a pre-existing fan of Josh Groban's going into the show, and I thought he was too "clean" and "pure" for Pierre. I was sitting onstage in SA 3 and at some point during the first act I had a moment where I realized 1) Josh Groban is wonderful as Pierre, 2) I genuinely love Josh Groban as a performer and as a human being, and 3) I want to touch Josh Groban. (I didn't, but I could have. I think that's an important distinction.)

 

My point is, Josh Groban is doing surprisingly good work in the role of Pierre and I would recommend it to anyone - he is a revelation - but the show had pretty solid legs without him and you'll enjoy it with either Dave Malloy or Scott Stangland because it's not inherently a star vehicle. The show is the spectacle and you'll enjoy it either way.     

[littlemouse921]

Posted: 4/23/17 at 11:57pm

Does anyone know what other days Groban is scheduled to be out before he leaves the show?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 12:09am

Before I saw Great Comet on Broadway, I had a neutral opinion toward both Josh Groban and the role of Pierre (I saw Stangland in it at A.R.T., and he was fine).

I left Great Comet on Broadway both a massive Josh Groban fan and a huge empathizer to the character of Pierre. Groban nails the role. I can't speak for Malloy, but I can speak for the brilliant performance Groban is giving.

[HSky]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 2:51am

Honestly, I'd see either, but I think Josh Groban is wonderful as Pierre. I'm the rare one who came into the Broadway production of Great Comet not as one of the legion of Groban's fans, but as a fan of Scott Stangland's music. Like others in this thread, I wasn't sure what to expect since my only knowledge of Groban has been countless albums played overhead as part of the in-store rotation at my job over the years. He far exceeded my expectations in his Broadway debut. He doesn't sing as "clean" as he normally does but there's still no doubt about the clarity and strength of his voice, particularly in "Dust and Ashes," and he has a solid presence on stage.

I've now seen the show several times equally split between Groban and Stangland, each bringing a different vulnerability to the role, and can't wait to see Dave Malloy's take knowing he's the creator and enjoying listening to the OCR.

The scheduled dates for Josh Groban's absences that were announced several months ago are on Telecharge (which were April 25 with Stangland and then the dates with Malloy intermittently in May and June) but it looks like he'll also be out May 2 based on TDF availability that just popped up this week. He was out on the 13th in a similar (not last second) scenario.

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 5:28am

littlemouse921 said: "Does anyone know what other days Groban is scheduled to be out before he leaves the show?"

*Josh Groban will not will not perform on Thursday - April 13 @ 7pm****, Tuesday April 25 @ 7pm*****,  Thursday May 4 - Tuesday May 9***, Tuesday May 16 @ 7pm*, Tuesday June 13 @ 7pm***, Tuesday June 20 @ 7pm***, and Tuesday June 27 @ 7pm***.

**Josh Groban will perform through July 2, 2017.

[rjm516]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 7:15am

Josh was the best part of that show for me and the group of people (none Groban fans otherwise) I went with. He was like an anchor of high quality that  kept the sometimes too ridiculous show from floating away.

[kreichelt]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 10:11am

I saw the show at the ART, and again on Broadway.  Josh Groban had strep when I went, so I've seen Scott Stangland twice and think he's good in the role.  Having listened to the off-Broadway recording again and again and again (and having seen him in Ghost Quartet), I'm a big fan of Dave Malloy.  Plus, who knows the role better than the writer?  When I went to buy tickets to see it again, I made a conscious choice between the two Pierres I haven't seen - Groban and Malloy, and opted for Dave Malloy.  I can't wait to see him step back into the role he created.  Sorry I won't see Josh Groban, who I know everyone has been raving about, but glad I'll be going when the audience will be full of people who want to see the SHOW, and not Groban.

[Kad]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 10:26am

If given the choice, I would choose Malloy. His vocal abilities certainly aren't at all comparable to Groban's, but he also initially wrote the role for himself. His rougher vocals and soulful, personal connection to Pierre are really lovely. I'd love to hear his take on "Dust and Ashes."

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 12:31pm

kreichelt said: "I'll be going when the audience will be full of people who want to see the SHOW, and not Groban."

That sounds like a good chunk of the audience at every show.

[PaulWom]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 12:59pm

haterobics said: "kreichelt said: "I'll be going when the audience will be full of people who want to see the SHOW, and not Groban."

That sounds like a good chunk of the audience at every show.

 

"

Actually, haterobics, I'm not so sure that's true. I found out Scott Stangland was on Thursday the 13th, and I took my friend with me to see him (to be honest, I'm a big fan of his performance). She immediately noted as we walked into the theater that it was a completely full house, and they were wildly enthusiastic throughout the evening. Plus, if you look at the grosses of that week, they actually did BETTER with one non-Groban performance than the previous week with all 8 Groban performances. If I had to guess, based on what I've heard, the show is building significant buzz on its own, especially as a Tony contender.

 

By the way, I actually think Scott and Dave are the best Pierres. Scott throws himself into the role so deeply, as does Dave, that you forget you're watching them and you become emotionally attached to their plight. I just never felt that w Groban! I mean, I was moved, but not AS much as when I saw those two.

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:01pm

PaulWom said: "Actually, haterobics, I'm not so sure that's true."

It sounds like you're backing up my point, that the show is the draw for many, rather than contradicting it?

[PaulWom]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:04pm

Oh! Haterobics, my apologies. I read your response wrong!

So used to seeing trolls on these kinds of threads, my mistake.

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:09pm

PaulWom said: "Oh! Haterobics, my apologies. I read your response wrong!

So used to seeing trolls on these kinds of threads, my mistake."

I've been known to made an intentionally wry comment here or there, no worries.

But yeah, I have a premium onstage ticket for Dave, and would gladly see every Pierre. I also thought Groban was effective, though, and glad he was bringing people who otherwise wouldn't attend to something thrilling. The two Grobanites who sat with me onstage in previews didn't know what the show was, but they really enjoyed the whole experience.

Updated On: 4/24/17 at 01:09 PM

[steven22]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:17pm

I thought Dave was going on early May, however TDF says Scott is going on. Does anyone know for sure?

[HSky]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:22pm

Malloy's first scheduled appearance isn't supposed to be until 5/4. I'm thinking TDF is right and Stangland is on (they were the first place I saw he was going 4/13) for 5/2, although Telecharge is showing Malloy for tomorrow when you go to select a seat. I think that's a coding bug from the list of dates since Stangland just tweeted a few days ago that he's on tomorrow.


Edited to add: I see 5/2 is now down although TDF has added the first batch of May performances and added availability for tomorrow night. The 4th-7th should be Dave Malloy. Edited again: TDF now updated to reflect that schedule.

Updated On: 4/24/17 at 01:22 PM

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:26pm

I think whoever you see--Josh Groban, Dave Malloy, or Scott Stangland--you're in a good spot.  I never had the pleasure of seeing Malloy as Pierre, but I'm excited to get that opportunity in May, if only to see his interpretation and how he takes on the role, knowing he wrote it for himself.  I really don't think there's an "Oh, you must see..." for this show.

I have to say, though, Josh Groban is truly doing something exceptional on stage.  I always thought he had an enjoyable voice, so I knew he would sing the show well, but I was taken aback by how good he was.   He's performing every second of the show.  Truly, I'm surprised how good he is.  He is giving a performance that is worthy of every nomination/win he gets.

[kreichelt]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:31pm

When I saw it with Groban out sick, the crowd loitering in the entryway was in a malaise -- most people turning to their seatmates to decide whether they should take advantage of the offer to exchange their tickets for a show at a later date.  My daughter and I convinced the people next to us in line who seemed to be leaning toward leaving to stay, but a number of people did leave.  

[PaulWom]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 1:37pm

kreichelt said: "When I saw it with Groban out sick, the crowd loitering in the entryway was in a malaise -- most people turning to their seatmates to decide whether they should take advantage of the offer to exchange their tickets for a show at a later date.  My daughter and I convinced the people next to us in line who seemed to be leaning toward leaving to stay, but a number of people did leave.  

 

"

When did you see it? In the fall? I've been to every Scott performance (save one) and the full audience stayed through the entire time, save a few people at one performance.

[kreichelt]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 2:47pm

PaulWom said: "When did you see it? In the fall? I've been to every Scott performance (save one) and the full audience stayed through the entire time, save a few people at one performance."

Saturday, November 19, matinee.  

You've seen every Scott performance?!  And I thought I was a fan...

 

[sparepart973]

Posted: 4/24/17 at 2:59pm

I only saw Groban in the role in December, and I honestly don't think this is a show that heavily depends on who plays Pierre. Groban was good (or good enough?) but seriously, the majority of the show is really not about his character at all. I would have been equally happy seeing it with the composer of the show.