Christian Hoff bows out of ‘Pal Joey’ with injury: STAGE WHISPERS
by Lisa Ann Williamson/ Staten Island AWE
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 3:20 PM
Sometimes the show just can’t go on.
Case in point, the Saturday matinee of “Pal Joey” when one Dongan Hills family loaded up the car and hightailed it into Manhattan to see the Roundabout Theatre’s revival of “Pal Joey” during it’s preview run.
Christian Hoff had to withdraw from his role as Joey Evans in Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of ‘Pal Joey’ after a foot injury.
While having soup at a deli near the theater, they overhear on a cell phone conversation that the matinee performance at Studio 54 is cancelled.
Matthew Risch steps into the title role of ‘Pal Joey’ in Roundabout Theatre’s revival opening Dec. 18.
Yes, cancelled. No lights. Nothing bewitching.
According to first rumors, Christian Hoff, playing the title role, was injured. Those reports proved to be true as he was sidelined by a foot injury. Broadway.com’s story Monday reported that the understudy, Matthew Risch (most recently seen in the ensemble of “Legally Blonde”) went on Saturday night and the Sunday matinee and will now step permanently into the role as Hoff officially withdrew. The heavily hoofy role requires healthy limbs.
Now to prepare Risch for his new responsibility, producers are delaying the official open one week to Dec. 18 rather than the previously announced Dec. 11.
Stockard Channing heads the cast of the Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers musical as socialite Vera Simpson who is smitten by Joey Evans, a dancer and emcee who has his sights set on opening a club of his own. He must now get someone to front the money and that will be Vera, who also knows Joey is a heel.
“Pal Joey” preview buzz had Hoff solidly in Tony contention for this role.
We wish him a speedy recovery and look ahead to Risch’s interpretation of Joey Evans.
ryan | Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
I saw Matthew Rich as Joey on Sunday. He was ok. Dancing good but his singing & acting need some work. And God, did he SWEAT.
If you want to hear some really AWFUL Joey singing, check out this place—– http://www.petergallagher.com/theatre/joey.htm . His crap makes Rich sound like Frank Sinatra. Gallagher hits about every 5th note. Why they hired that dude for broadway is beyond me!!!
Suzy from Scarsdale | Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
“Ryan”, your catty uninformed comments about Peter Gallagher were really uncalled for. Peter is a great actor, and singer and has been in many wonderful shows and movies. I didn’t see him in Pal Joey but I did see his Skye in Guys and Dolls and he was fantstic.
Also—
1. It’s Risch not RICH
2. Peter’s Pal Joey was a concert version not the entire show so how can you compare?? Besides it wasnt even on Broadway
3. Peter probably has more talent in his little finger then you’ll have in your body.
4. Peter is not a “dude”. He is a talented, caring man. Show some consideration for a star.
Liz | Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
That’s funny - I read somewhere else about how much Risch sweated during the performance. It’s unfortunate that sweating is what people are remembering him for! Hopefully he’ll get better with practice. (and maybe they’ll turn the air up for him)
Bill | Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
Christian Hoff didn’t sweat.
Bill | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
This is too funny. As I look at this page, I see an ad for therapeutic shoes for “feet in need of special care”; and an ad for Columbia University Medical Center promoting the treatment of “hyperhidrosis” which is “excess sweating.”
These are REAL ADS!
You go, ADS BY GOOGLE.
Liz | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Now that IS funny!
ryan | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Dear “Scarsdale Suzy” —- You don’t know me and I don’t know you. So how the F do you know how much talent I have?? I could sing like Tony F’ing Bennett for all you know. So why don’t you just STFU.
Also—-
1. It’s Sky not SKYE & fantastic not FANTSTIC.
2. I was talking about Gallager singing & how bad it was not about whether he was on Broadway when he was doing it. Learn to read.
3. You’re right, he’s got about a little finger’s worth of talent.
4. If I say he’s a DUDE then that’s my opinion not yours. AND untalented dude is also my opinion. And he’s NOT a star.
I’m not catty and unformed, just honest. Open your eyes and get real Suzy. What is he, your cousin?
lizskorski | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I saw the show the other day.. and thought about what would christian hoff do? haha im sorry but i do not believe matthew won me over as joey.. he was good. but not wowweeweewa! it felt like he was force acting.
Pat | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Have to agree with both Ryan and Liz…Matthew does not do it for a B’way production Yes, acting and singing certainly do need work as you’ve said, Ryan-no question there. Something with this whole situation is still strange, and whether true or not, there is a rumor around that Matthew has at least one very well connected friend that may have had some say!
Bill | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Now THAT’s an interesting turn. Michael Riedel should explore that angle.
Liz | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Now I just can’t get past that hyperhydrosis ad! Thanks for pointing that out, Bill ;~)
Bill | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
This is a great site. I never knew what hyperhydrosis was before.
Bill | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I’m going to try something. I ate at Outback Steakhouse on Wednesday night. I had steak, baked potato, a salad, and a nice Chablis.
Let’s see what ads Google runs now.
Suzy from Scarsdale | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Ryan–You are a very rude and inconsiderate young man.I’m not one of your “bros” — I resent the profane and abusive language. That may be alright in your ‘hood but not where I live. When a mother of three has to ask her 14 year old son to decode the initials in your comment, enough is enough.That’s gutter talk, pure and simple. If liking Peter Gallagher is a crime, so be it. But no one appointed you critic in chief. Leave Peter alone.
Suzy from Scarsdale | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Or in language you can understand, Ryan, leave Peter the F alone.
admin | Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Please keep in mind that the Pal Joey blog reserves the right to moderate comments. Whereas we invite all to express themselves freely, explicit profanity and abusive language will not be tolerated.
ryan | Dec 6, 2008 | Reply
Suzy, I do not live in the ‘hood but in a nice neighborhood in Brooklyn. I have friends not bros. And I’m not that young. I respect that you like Peter Gallagher even if I do not share your view. I responded the way I did because you attacked me in an aggressive way even though I was only speaking my mind. I just can’t understand for the life of me why you think that off key crud is any good.
Bill | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Here’s my 2 cents on Peter Gallagher–I played his “You Mustn’t Kick it Around” for my 15-year-old son. The verdict–”he’s not that bad.”
Paula | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
I just want to address the negative comment about Matthew taking over for Christian in this show.
First of all, most of you probably are not aware of how hard is to take over for any role on a Broadway stage. The understudies do not get a chance to rehearse there understudy roles fully until AFTER the the show open officially. So you know all of you are judging his performance based on the fact that he had to learn the ENTIRE show as a lead in a couple of days. There are not many performers who can do what Matthew was required to do.
So the fact that he remembered every word, step and costume change is a tribute to how talented Matthew is. So please forgive him if he sweat a little too much for your taste…since he was probably so anxious about going from being in the chorus to starring opposite Stockard Channing.
I don’t know Matthew personally, but I do work on Broadway myself and have understudied before. It nerve-racking to go on for a star when you are FULLY prepared, much less doing it on hours.
Now, in honer of Christian, who was once an understudy in his career before he one the Tony, Matthew and all understudies and swings on Broadway… PLEASE STOP!!
I hope all of you on here has the great privilege to join all of us on stage on day and know the joy you get from being Broadway star and gypsy.
Ron | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
Paula really is right. The show is still in previews and Matthew is getting up to speed. By all accounts, he is giving it 100% effort. Cut him some slack, everybody.
Hillary | Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
I agreed on the statement of Paula. I am now aware on the Mathew’s personality. His a fantastic person. I adore him much. Thanks!
site
Blinds
cache | Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
This is nice article.I agree with ryan his dancing good but his singing & acting need some work
. But anyway i admire his good personality.
Gucci Outlet | May 1, 2012 | Reply
Incredibly cool! I assistance your view!