Will Christian Hoff Star in Pal Joey Revival?
June 28th, 2007According to Variety.com’s Gordon Cox, Christian Hoff, the Jersey Boy who picked up a featured actor Tony, will likely star in an upcoming Broadway revival of Pal Joey.
That’s the word around town, anyway. The production itself, directed by Joe Mantello and produced by film and legit producer Marc Platt (Wicked), has not been formally announced but is said to be aiming for a Broadway berth in the spring. Hoff’s deal is not yet done.
The project is a revival of the 1940 Rodgers & Hart musical with a retooled book by Richard Greenberg has been kicking around town for a while now. Last year Hugh Jackman was rumored to be considering a stint on the Rialto in the lead role.
Hoff, who has co-starred in Jersey Boys since it bowed on Broadway in October 2005, would play Joey, a cad who seduces a rich married woman so that she will set him up with his own nightclub.
NOOOO!!!!! Christian’s leaving JB!?! This can’t be. I mean I knew it would happen eventually but I honestly thought that the guys would be together for at least another year. Oh gosh, this news makes me really, really sad!
Comment by Lauren — June 28, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
Nothing is confirmed. It’s not even news (yet).
Comment by Leanna — June 29, 2007 @ 1:08 am
Awright! That’s fantastic if it’s true. You can’t begrudge any actor going from a featured role to a lead.
Comment by Lana — June 29, 2007 @ 2:02 am
I would CRY and CRY and CRY!!!!! He’s the best! I mean, good for him with a leading role but I would be so sad to see him leave Jersey Boys
Comment by Robin — June 29, 2007 @ 6:59 am
Like Lauren, I knew it could happen of course, but this possibility leaves me at a loss for words. It’s so hard to imagine this show without Christian.
Not just his acting, amazing facial expressions, singing and dancing but his warm heart offstage- the things he does quietly behind the scenes for fans. If this change plays out, we will miss him so much; but also wish him well.
Let’s remember- he did hint (at the Y’s Actor’s Panel Discussion this month) of his interest in being on stage when JB goes to London. I’ll keep my fingers crossed- London isn’t so far to go to see Christian in this show again.
Comment by Audrey — June 29, 2007 @ 7:45 am
6. Are plans definitely in the works for London? I have heard about the possibility but does anyone know where it stands?
I completely understand the opportunity to take a lead role in an upcoming Broadway show. I do feel, however, that no one can do the the DiVito role like CH. I also feel the same way about the other three guys in their respective roles. This team is an entity unto itself – any one or more leaves – something will be lost in the show however good it is! But the show will go on and these guys will inevitably and deservedly move on to other opportunities! IE
Comment by irene eizen — June 29, 2007 @ 9:03 am
If true, I think Christian would make an excellent Joey–move over, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. I can picture him doing a great job on “The Lady is a Tramp.” His star power would keep the theatre filled, and besides “Lady”, the show boasts some great classic songs such as “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” and “My Funny Valentine.” Many theatre investments are risky, but this one, if it comes to pass with Christian Hoff, seems like a pretty good bet.
Audrey is absolutely right–you do a lot behind the scenes for your fans and we’ll miss you tremendously, Christian. But you’d be going into this new project with a built-in fan base and an enormous number of people who will give their all to fuel your rocket-launched career even further. Best of luck in whatever your decision turns out to be; we’re all behind you, man!
Comment by Howard Tucker — June 29, 2007 @ 9:20 am
Go Christian!! He deserves the opportunity to star on Broadway. No actor stays with a role forever. I can’t wait to see him in another production. I think he will be sensational. He is so talented and deserves the best.
Comment by LindaL — June 29, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Leave it to Howard to really say it all and say is so well.
I was born in Hoboken and lived there for the first 30 years of my life so I have to like Frank Sinatra, it is ingrained in my DNA, and there is no better scene in popular musical film history, in my very humble view, than the rich classy widow, Mrs. Prentiss Simpson (I believe that was her name – played by Rita Haywood in any event), coming into the salon/dive/nite club where Joey Evans (Frank Sinatra) is performing and having him sing to her “The Lady is a Tramp.”
I hardly qualify as a Broadway aficionado but I can think of no one who would be able to capture the lovable rogue, Joey Evans, on stage – the singing, dancing, acting and stage presence – better than our Christian.
Comment by David Cace — June 29, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
David: That’s why I am so excited. I can just picture Christian performing that song!! As a Frank Sinatra lover, I gotta believe Christian can carry his torch. He is a gifted multi-talented entertainer with a lot of heart.
Comment by LindaL — June 29, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
I have to admit, my heart sort of stopped when I read this headline. CH is amazing and so charismatic as Tommy, but I would love to see him in a lead role especially in a musical such as this. Whether or not this is true or just a rumor, I wish him the best!
Comment by P.F. — June 29, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
Like most devout JB fans, and those who have had the good fortune to meet Christian in person, I knew this day was coming, and quite honestly felt a little sinking sensation when I read this. Selfishly, I do hate to see the original JB musical cast split, but I do wish Christian all the best and look forward to see him assume other roles. (Frankly, my dears,I was hoping Christian would play the Rhett Butler role in the GWTW musical!) The “Pal Joey” role sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Christian, you’ve given your all to your fans…now it is our time to support you in whatever decision you make! After all, you’ll still be entertaining us!
Comment by LuluThompson — June 29, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
We need to start talking about the new Tommy DeVito if Christian does leave…
Jeremy Kushnier.
Any questions?
Comment by Mark Brown — June 30, 2007 @ 12:43 am
Say it ain’t so!!!
Comment by Joan Chandler — June 30, 2007 @ 6:23 am
Mark: I’ve seen Jeremy perform 5 times and would love to see him go to Broadway. He truly nails Tommy De Vito’s role and is a first rate musician and singer.
Comment by LindaL — June 30, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Mark, we also may need to talk about Christian’s new leading ladies on Broadway. Anyone for Sutton Foster in the Rita Hayworth role and Kelli O’Hara in the Kim Novak role? (And for the movie, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Reese Witherspoon?) But one thing is without question…Christian’s name goes above the title!!
Comment by Howard Tucker — July 1, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
It’s not the least bit shocking because it always happens in the world of theatre. Look what happened to David Norona. If he did not have that situation related to care of his family, he’d definitely be the Broadway lead for Jersey Boys, and JLY would not have been discovered.
I received a letter from Christian just yesterday and although he did not touch on that subject of a starring role in another play, we should remember that as we follow a star’s path as their fans, we’ll remember them as being multi-dimensional and lucky to have the fortune to see them showcase their various talents in many forms.
He is definitely a class act, thanked all of us for our support and sent blessings to have us never give up on our dreams….. We’ll miss him when that day comes, but at least we get to see him perform as a lead this time!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — July 3, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Just heard the news about Pay Joey, Way to go Chris.
U deserve it. NOBODY will fill your shoes in Jersey Boys. You were the Best… The Show it never be the same. Wishing you nothing but the best.
Comment by Peter Albini — June 19, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
NO! I dont want christian to leave JB’S!!!!!!!!! That is SOOOOO sad!!!!!! Well,I guess it is good for him since he gets to be in another show. But it’s so sad.
Comment by savannah madden — August 3, 2008 @ 2:33 pm