November 24, 2008

Christian Hoff Withdraws from Pal Joey Due to Foot Injury

November 24th, 2008

Sad news to report from BroadwayWorld.com: Christian Hoff has withdrawn from PAL JOEY due to his foot injury. Understudy Matthew Risch has taken over the title role of Joey Evans in the Roundabout revival.

The official press opening night is delaying one week later than originally planned to December 18th to allow for this sudden cast change.

Hoff injured his foot Friday evening and the production canceled the Saturday Matinee on November 22nd. Risch had taken over the role for a number of performances, he will continue to perform the role this evening at 8:00PM.

We send our thoughts and prayers to Christian, and wish him a speedy recovery.

14 Comments »

  1. This will be a tremendous loss to the show. Christian played the character with style and ease and charm that was believable. It showcased his acting and singing as well as some tricky dance sequences. My prayer is that he will take this time to fully recover and soon be back onstage doing what he does best!

    Comment by LuluThompson — November 24, 2008 @ 7:43 pm

  2. Christian, I’m so sorry. I hope your recovery is fast, and that you are back on your feet very soon!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family.

    Jody :)

    Comment by Jody Cardillo — November 24, 2008 @ 10:17 pm

  3. I know that Christian got his MRI on Saturday and that the radiologist read it early today. Unfortunately, the results weren’t what Christian or the rest of us wanted to hear. He was so hoping to be back in the show tomorrow night.

    Unfortunately, things happen to all of us in life when we least expect them. I know all our concern now is for Christian, his speedy recovery, and his next project.

    Along with so many other fans, I feel very fortunate to have seen Christian on November 14 in “Pal Joey”.

    Comment by Howard Tucker — November 24, 2008 @ 11:12 pm

  4. God bless you Christian. Speedy recovery! Looking forward to your next project once your fully recovered. Prayers and all good vibes coming your way. Things happen for a reason and something wonderful, and far better, is coming your way!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! Love and blessings always, Wanda

    Comment by WANDA — November 25, 2008 @ 8:36 am

  5. Christian – I am so grateful I was able to see you on 11/14, however, I am so sorry about this and I pray you get well soon! You were completely fabulous and I cannot wait to see what’s next for you! Be well and enjoy the time with your family.

    Comment by Lori — November 25, 2008 @ 12:22 pm

  6. Sorry to hear about the foot Christian. Take care, rest up, get well, enjoy time with your family, and……..don’t you forget about Broadway. Because Broadway ain’t never forgetting about YOU!
    Hope to see you back on that big, bad, beautiful Broadway stage soon.

    Comment by Zanna — November 25, 2008 @ 2:45 pm

  7. Hi Christian

    I am sorry to hear you won’t be able to do Pal Joey. I know you were really looking forward to it. But you know what they say, when one door closes another one opens up. This just means there is something greater ahead for you. I hope your foot heals quickly. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Comment by Lenora Antunes — November 25, 2008 @ 3:34 pm

  8. Christian we are so sorry to hear about your foot injury, please get rest and get well soon!
    I do believe that one door doesn’t close without another one opening and I know you will be back better than ever!
    Have a Nice Thanksgiving and God Bless you and your family.

    All The Best,
    Damaris & Joe

    Comment by Damaris Dugan — November 25, 2008 @ 8:15 pm

  9. I saw Christian Hoff last Thursday in Pal Joey. I thought he was a wonderful and believable cad. I’m sorry about his injury and hope he has a speedy recovery and an exciting new role in 2009.

    Comment by Susan — November 25, 2008 @ 9:21 pm

  10. I was saddened to learn of your foot injury and your having to leave the production of “Pal Joey” on Broadway. My wife and I were just in the process of selecting possible dates to see the show in February. You are a tremendous talent (I saw you perform as Tommy DeVito in ‘Jersey Boys” a total of five times) and incredibly gracious to fans at the stage door (I had the pleasure of speaking to you after the show on four of those occasions). Wishing you a speedy recovery — physically as well as theatrically — and hoping another Broadway show comes along that will take advantage of your brilliant acting skills (and singing and dancing abilities).

    And as other folks have noted above, and I have learned from my own experiences, it’s wise to take a close look at a setback such as this and try to find some positives that you can take from it. It may sound trite and it’s certainly easier said than done, but I assure you, if you invest the time and energy in this particular endeavor, which you seem more than capable of handling, you will be far better off for having gone through it.

    All the best to you and your family during the holiday season!

    Comment by Len Gersten — November 26, 2008 @ 5:13 pm

  11. I echo all the above sentiment and extend my sympathy as well. but I was wondering… with all the work that went into learning the role, wouldn’t it be nice that if Christian doesn’t get the opportunity to show his stuff on Broadway, that he take the show on tour, or at least to a few other big cities, so some of us non-East Coasters could get a chance to appreciate his performance and the show?

    Comment by stubbleyou — November 26, 2008 @ 6:04 pm

  12. Christian,

    Thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recover! Pal Joey will not be the same without you!!! Take good care and know that so many people love and support you. Happy Thanksgiving.

    XO, Pam

    Comment by Pamela — November 26, 2008 @ 10:27 pm

  13. My friend and I went to the Saturday matinee so excited to see you perform again.
    When we were handed that piece of paper they just said the shows cancelled, didn’t tell us who was sick or why it was cancelled. It would have been a full house! As everyone else said something better will come along.
    Do what the Doctor says and get well quick. Have a nice Thanksgiving with your beautiful family. Thea

    Comment by THEA — November 27, 2008 @ 3:02 am

  14. Hope you are feeling better by now, Christian.
    I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
    I trust we will read what you will be doing next.
    I am truly one of your fans.

    Comment by Jacky Rittlinger — December 20, 2008 @ 9:04 am

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