August 6, 2009

Tony-Winner Christian Hoff Shines in ‘Guys and Dolls’!

August 6th, 2009

Christian Hoff, Guys and Dolls
Photo Credit: http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org

By Priscilla Florindi, JBB Special Correspondent

Saturday at the ‘beautiful place by the sea’, better known as Ogunquit, Maine, we were awed by the production of Guys & Dolls at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Ogunquit Playhouse is “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre” of the Northeast! The Playhouse consistently contracts Broadway actors, and this season its management culled a Tony winner from Jersey Boys, Christian Hoff!!

Christian, cast as Sky Masterson, evokes charisma, expertise and allure that mesmerized a packed audience. Receiving applause upon entrance, Christian exhibited his customary charm and was rewarded with a standing ovation at the close.

Christian’s beautiful baritone voice as well as his tenderness was showcased throughout the play. Despite the fact of achieving grand success on Broadway, Christian embraced the Ogunquit Playhouse role with genuine humility and grace.

Playing the part of Nathan Detroit, Richard Kind impressed with his impeccable comedic timing. Although his age separated Kind from the youthfulness of the supporting cast the audience thoroughly enjoyed his performance. The ensemble dancers provided strong techniques. Ivey Long, a Tony-winning costume designer, again designed and created his signature technicolor costumes which completed the revival’s success. Linda Cameron was a hilarious showstopper, cast as the General Cartwright, and she graciously accepted kudos at stage door.

Christian received us at stage door, which was definitely the highlight of the evening. He was well-rested and looked simply divine!

This has been Christian’s first venture to the Northeast and he has been taking in all the local delights with his beautiful family for the duration of the performance.

The production was rewarded with a visit at Sunday’s matinee by George H.W. & Barbara Bush, who also frequent the Playhouse. Guys & Dolls completes its run on Saturday August 8th!
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Christian Hoff is also set to join T.R. Knight in the upcoming Los Angeles revival of Parade. Also slated for the show are Broadway vets Michael Berresse and Charlotte d’Amboise, and Olivier Award nominee Lara Pulver. The production will run from September 24 to November 15 at the Mark Taper Forum.

8 Comments »

  1. Hey Priscilla,

    Great article. Glad you had a chance to see Christian in this production. Look forward to seeing you next month in San Diego for Christian’s benefit.

    Linda

    Comment by Tiggerbelle — August 6, 2009 @ 11:52 am

  2. Wow–we have a new Jersey Boys Special Correspondent. Great account, Priscilla. Hey, I think you may be the first debut JB writer to walk off with the annual Susie award, just as JLY was the first debut leading actor to take the Tony!

    Susie, with so many special correspondents now, are you afraid of our unionizing! They’ve always called me Norma Rae.

    Seriously, I am thrilled Christian is doing so well; sure he’ll be great in “Parade”. I look so forward to seeing him and all our other JB fans next month in San Diego!

    Comment by Howard Tucker — August 6, 2009 @ 1:46 pm

  3. Priscilla:

    Great review. Boy do I miss Christian. Can’t wait to see him next month. Hmm, what’s this about a revival of Parade?? I need to check that out.

    Linda L

    Comment by Linda — August 6, 2009 @ 2:41 pm

  4. Wonderful review, Priscilla. It is so great to see Christian is looking so well and from your article doing well. Wish we could go to San Diego to see Christian.

    Great job, Priscilla! IE

    Comment by irene eizen — August 6, 2009 @ 6:31 pm

  5. Priscilla, I believe you have a calling! You did an absolute wonderful job on this review and you definitely need to do more work for the blog. We have all missed Christian so very much and it is so good to see him back doing what he does best. He looks amazing! There is nothing like summers in Maine (I spent some time in Kennebunkport a few summers ago) and Ogunquit sounds lovely. I am so glad that Christian was able to enjoy time there with his family. I wish I could have made the trip myself…so thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    Comment by Carolyn — August 6, 2009 @ 8:52 pm

  6. Yaaaaaaaay!!
    Everyone loves The Hoff!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydbKjDPtkg4

    this film I made proves that!

    cheers

    Keeno

    Comment by Keeno — August 7, 2009 @ 10:28 am

  7. This seems like a great role for him – savvy and engaging.

    We can’t get too much news about Christian! Thanks, Priscilla.

    Comment by Audrey — August 9, 2009 @ 10:35 am

  8. Priscilla, Great job on the article.

    Comment by Patty — August 9, 2009 @ 6:27 pm

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