I was told by someone involved with the production that Andy Karl was mostly not considered for the German production because they wanted an actor who was currently residing in Germany and who spoke German, which Drew Sarich was and does.
The casting for New York is by no means set in stone, and my source told me that there were concerns about Andy Karl's lack of physical resemblance to Stallone, but on the whole his performance in the workshop was very well received and he is certainly still on the table.
When I first heard about Stage Entertainment's plans to bring this show to Hamburg I had this biggest doubts this could work... Saw the first preview two weeks ago and I have to admit: it's a pretty great show! The music is definitely the strongest point, but the book, the direction, the actors and especially the sets are amazing!
I don't think the issue of looking like Sylvester Stallone is the issue- what's more striking is that Sarich looks LIKE Stallone as Rocky. Not in any important physical resemblance between the two (although there is some), but that Sarich looks like a guy who's been battered, a chump boxer for a while.
Andy Karl has this character-leading-man look, but not that physically worn quality. I'm not sure how much of that could be done with makeup and small prostheses, but it seems to be one of the strongest points in favor of Sarich's casting, besides the fact that he's THE German broadway legend.
Darquek, that is what I meant, Stallone as Rocky, sorry for not clarifying that. And while I understand your point about his look, the reality still remains that the vast majority of those I know who saw both Karl and Sarich thought Karl brought much more to the role and gave a much more charismatic, nuanced performance. He is adored by the team and put in a lot of hours above and beyond what was necessary to improve his performance and his physicality in the role.
I personally would be sad to see the show transfer without him, though I know he is far from a lock at this point.
RippedMan, I'm aware, I never said he deserves the role or earned the role or that it would be so because of his involvement in the workshops. I'm stating what I know to be true which is that he impressed many people involved with the show with his performance. Whether that will translate to his being considered to lead the Broadway production obviously remains to be seen. I was just stating that his work was very well received and that Sarich was never cast with the intention to bring him to Broadway. I wouldn't be surprised if it were someone completely new.
I'm always willing to give this team the benefit of doubt when it comes to musicals, but I admit, the English lyrics I've heard ("I don't have a broken nose" etc) seem a little bit of a mess...
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joined:11/8/11
Posted: 11/19/12 at 09:18pm