I've said this before, but the injury was legit. I've been told that Hoff realized something was seriously wrong with it when he got home after the performane on Friday night. If it turns out to have been a blessing in disguise for the production and for Roundabout, I don't think any of it was deliberately done.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
I saw him Wednesday night. I don't think I'm any more forgiving than anyone else, but I thought he was excellent. His acting was strong and he certainly held his own against Ms. Channing. He does have an inescapable sexuality. His dancing was strong even though the production could stand a bit more choreography. I wish they would create more for him to do. His singing seemed to start a little weak, but just in the first number. He seemed to gain confidence shortly into the show. All in all, I think he's really a big talent.
What did you think of Martha Plimpton's voice, Chelsea?
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter
considering low expectations (thinking she was just another name without voice, i.e. Stockard Channing) she sang wonderfully. I think she was the best in the show.
Okay, why don't we all take a deep breath and give Matthew Risch a week's chance to develop his performance. Most comments, including mine, were based on having seen him the third or fourth time he did it. It's not like they replaced Hoff with a disaster waiting to happen -- so give the guy a chance. I agree with the comment that the choreography, as is, doesn't provide him with ample opportunity to showcase his dancing abilities. Hopefully, they can do some last-minute thinking on the choreography, now that they have a real dancer doing the part. My original comments were negative, but I'd hate to see a career destroyed for reasons beyond the performer's control.