Christian Hoff Can Dance!
Matt Windman posted the following on the amNew York, New York City Theater blog (December 16):
Something very weird is going on… Two weeks ago, Roundabout Theatre Company claimed that Christian Hoff had withdrawn from PAL JOEY due to a foot injury, now replaced by his much younger understudy Matthew Risch. Before the injury occurred, however, Hoff was set to appear in the one-night-only reunion original cast reunion concert of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
Hoff was there on Monday night. And not only did he perform without any visible sign of injury, he danced! He and co-star Donnie Kehr performed the original “Pinball Wizard” choreography!
Michael Riedel of The New York Post claimed last week that Roundabout used the supposedly minor foot injury as an excuse to get rid of Hoff. But here’s what I find odd about that theory: Hoff was involved in the development of this revival of PAL JOEY for a while. If he didn’t actually have the chops to handle the role, why wasn’t he canned much earlier on?
While I do not myself claim to know the true story of what really happened, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of this soap opera.
By the way, the TOMMY concert was incredibly well-done. The simple staging was aided by the visual projections used in the original production, as well as video clips and photos of the original cast and set design.
(weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/stage/blog/2008/12/christian_hoff_can_dance.html)
Carolyn Miller | Dec 16, 2008 | Reply
No matter how you look at it, what was done to Christian was so wrong! We all know what a talent and a professional he is. Whatever the reasons for this decision, surely it could have been worked through. And whoever made this decision…do they not realize that some of the credit for Jersey Boys selling out every night (even in this economy) was due to Christian? I believe there have been a few Christian fans out there that have seen the show 75+ times. What does that tell you?
Howard | Dec 16, 2008 | Reply
I am unfortunately traveling for business and couldn’t make the TOMMY concert yesterday. The very best news of all is that Christian can and did dance well and there was no sign of a bandage or a brace.
I echo the comment above. I haven’t seen “Jersey Boys” 75 times, and have lost count (maybe about 40 or so), but a large part of the thrill of taking friends and relatives was to see Christian’s unbelievable performance as Tommy deVito. I was prepared to go to Pal Joey several times too with different guests. In fact, two of my very elderly relatives were to have braved the elements to go into NYC this past Sat with me to see PJ with Christian, but bowed out as soon as I informed them he wouldn’t be starring.
But the main thing is that our man is well and back in circulation! Can’t wait for his next project!
Bill | Dec 18, 2008 | Reply
Just saw that Jeremy Piven has left Speed-the-Plow. Christian would be GREAT in that role of the movie executive!
jo ann | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
Although I have not seen Christian Hoff in either jersy boys or pal joey, I echo how sad and unfair that he is treated that way………..all who saw him in JERSEY BOYS says he was one of the main reasons the show was a success.
I cheer him on and hope I get to see him some day…..he would be great in a movie………….hey how about someone producing JERSEY BOYS.!!!
thanks Cath, for keeping us all informed. I truly enjoyed the Jersey Boys in Denver. The young man playing Frankie Valli was excellent………..love to hear him using his own voice in a concert.
love, JoANN
D&G Sunglasses | Apr 12, 2012 | Reply
If you would go up high , then use your own legs! Do not let yourselves carried aloft; do not seat yourselves on other people’s backs and heads .
Prada Purses | May 1, 2012 | Reply
This article may possibly be mentioned on Twitter by someone. genuinely?
Louis Vuitton Handbags | May 9, 2012 | Reply
Hi, thank you so a great deal for these ideas!
Coach Bags Outlet | May 14, 2012 | Reply
Excellent blog, keep up the good work, looking forward to visiting again.