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Transcript of Robert
Armin's online chat with Stuart Zagnit |
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[Stuart Zagnit was directing and performing in a concert version of The Grand Tour when he was asked to pinch hit for Charles Strouse, who had a professional commitment that necessitated a change in schedule.] [RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] I am delighted to welcome Stuart Zagnit, one of Broadway's up and coming young talents [RobertArmin] If you can count someone with thirty years of New York credits as up and coming! [RobertArmin] Hiya, Stuart [StuartZagnit] Thanks, Robert! [StuartZagnit] Better than down and going! [RobertArmin] You've had a very busy year recently, what with appearing in the last musical of one season and the first of the next [RobertArmin] The Wild Party on Broadway and then Seussical [StuartZagnit] It was pretty busy, yes, and varied. [RobertArmin] Although both failed to run a long time, you did get to record both cast albums [StuartZagnit] I did indeed [RobertArmin] And, of course, you were great on both [StuartZagnit] Thank you [RobertArmin] Let's talk about Wild Party for a moment [StuartZagnit] Okay [RobertArmin] How did you get involved with that? [StuartZagnit] I actually auditioned! [RobertArmin] Good start. Didn't you do an earlier show at the Public? [RobertArmin] Actually, I know you did, because I saw it [StuartZagnit] A Dybbuk [StuartZagnit] Tony Kuschner’s version [RobertArmin] So, you are now making your Broadway debut in The Wild Party with, shall we say, an extraordinary cast [RobertArmin] You and Adam get to perform with the one and only Eartha Kitt [StuartZagnit] At first I could not get seen for WILD PARTY, but when they could not find an appropriate old guy they called me in. [StuartZagnit] Eartha was so much fun to work with! [StuartZagnit] And she was great to Adam Grupper and I [RobertArmin] The Wild Party looked like it must have had a hectic rehearsal period. [RobertArmin] Were there a lot of rewrites? [StuartZagnit] It was a tough show, but it was a terrific experience! [StuartZagnit] Many. Michael John was ruthless with his score and rewrote large chunks, even in previews [StuartZagnit] Very exciting to perform one version at night while rehearsing another by day [RobertArmin] Did the show end up being quite different from what you started with? [RobertArmin] And were the changes all for the better? [StuartZagnit] It evolved gradually, but I'd say we did one version while still at the Public, another at the start of previews, and the last one at opening [StuartZagnit] I think they were all good changes. [RobertArmin] I saw a dress rehearsal and even that was different from what I saw after the opening [StuartZagnit] It certainly kept us on our toes! [StuartZagnit] And many say our closing was evolved from our first performances [RobertArmin] Was the show still changing? [RobertArmin] If you had run longer, would Wolfe have made more changes? [StuartZagnit] Not changing, so much as we all began to really settle into our roles, for the better. [RobertArmin] It really was a show that got better the more times you saw it [RobertArmin] There was so much going on. [StuartZagnit] George hates to 'give the show to the actors.’ He always has new ideas. But he did. [RobertArmin] I hope it has a future life. [RobertArmin] Someday, some theatre will want to stage BOTH versions in repertory. [RobertArmin] That would be interesting! [StuartZagnit] Ironically, THE WILD PARTY had an audience here in NY. The critics seemed to ignore that. [RobertArmin] So, you became involved in the workshop of Seussical even before you did The Wild Party. You had performed in Ahrens and Flaherty's first show in New York, didn't you? [StuartZagnit] Yes, they invited me to read the Mayor at the first reading in May of 1999 [RobertArmin] Tell me about the process of putting that show together. [StuartZagnit] Sorry, you meant LUCKY STIFF [RobertArmin] Well, that was the show that introduced you to Ahrens and Flaherty, yes. [RobertArmin] But I am curious about the workshop process of Seussical [StuartZagnit] SEUSSICAL was also a process. The reading was one, the Toronto workshop another, and of course Boston, and NY [RobertArmin] That show became quite different over the several years it took to come to Broadway [StuartZagnit] It sure did. I also feel it could and should have run much longer. [RobertArmin] Have you had a chance to see Cathy Rigby's touring version? [StuartZagnit] No, I understand there are many changes, but I'm not really in the know. [RobertArmin] I think that by the time Rosie O'Donnell and Cathy Rigby joined the show, Seussical had found its correct tone. [RobertArmin] But by then, many people had made up their minds that they wouldn't like it. [RobertArmin] Audiences were definitely loving the show. [StuartZagnit] Again, we all settled into the show and the audiences loved it. [RobertArmin] I saw it with all three Cats in the Hat [StuartZagnit] Ah, the hat trick! [RobertArmin] And I think making the Cat more charming and loveable definitely helped. [StuartZagnit] Well, it is a family show. [StuartZagnit] I won't ask you who was your fav [RobertArmin] Well, I think Cathy fit into the mood of the piece the best. [StuartZagnit] And she was such a great lady! [RobertArmin] But Rosie brought a great deal of attention to the show, which was invaluable. [RobertArmin] And she was quite good, in her own way. [StuartZagnit] Yes, and she respected the show and was absolutely great to the company [RobertArmin] One of these days, we should trek out to wherever the tour is playing and see it. [RobertArmin] I'm curious about the changes. [StuartZagnit] I'm a bit curious, even if I'm not in it [RobertArmin] The one thing that is clear, is the score is a delight and I'm glad you all got to record it. [StuartZagnit] Thanks. I'm proud of WILD PARTY AND SEUSSICAL [RobertArmin] You have missed out twice on cast albums for shows that you originated. That must be frustrating. [RobertArmin] Lucky Stiff, of course and Kuni-Leml. [StuartZagnit] Yes, I'm sorry to say [RobertArmin] And, you were -- I think -- the DEFINITIVE Seymour Krelboin in Little Shop of Horrors. [RobertArmin] A role you were BORN to play! [StuartZagnit] Kuni-Leml has a special place, because I created it and got a Hirschfeld for it [RobertArmin] I am SOOOO envious of you for that. [StuartZagnit] Seymour is also one of my favs!! [RobertArmin] That was my biggest wish -- to have Hirschfeld do a sketch of me. [RobertArmin] But now it will never happen. [StuartZagnit] I treasure the Hirschfeld [StuartZagnit] Get Ken Fallin - he does great work! [RobertArmin] I think I have seen all but one or two of your New York roles and I think that, along with Kuni-Leml and Seymour, SL Jacobowsky is your greatest role. [RobertArmin] I'm speaking, of course, about The Grand Tour. [StuartZagnit] Thanks. I'm very close to that one as well. [RobertArmin] Jerry Herman's show originally starred Joel Grey and Ron Holgate in a VERY BIG extravaganza at the Palace Theatre. [RobertArmin] Way too big for the gentle story it had to tell. [StuartZagnit] It was a double thrill to come back to THE GRAND TOUR not just in the role, but as director, too [RobertArmin] Yes, let's talk about the original JRT production. [RobertArmin] Had you worked for Ran Avni before that? [StuartZagnit] KUNI-LEML was my first JRT show [StuartZagnit] Our JRT version trimmed the fat off, and what remained was a beautiful, touching and often funny friendship [RobertArmin] With a cast of how many? [StuartZagnit] Nine, down from nine thousand [RobertArmin] The interesting thing about the small cast is that it didn't seem like a reduction of a bigger show. It seemed like the show was meant to be that way. [RobertArmin] As an intimate musical. [RobertArmin] Much like The Fantasticks or Falsettos. [StuartZagnit] We had budgetary considerations, but it worked, and Jerry loved it [RobertArmin] There are many times that Off-Broadway productions just double up on roles to make them smaller, but The Grand Tour had an ensemble feel to it. [StuartZagnit] It should have moved to an off-b'way house, like THE ROTHCHILDS [RobertArmin] The Rothschilds was quite good , but it DID feel heavily reduced. [StuartZagnit] Our version did a lot with very little, and the audiences were deeply moved [RobertArmin] Ran Avni's staging on The Grand Tour was quite clever. [StuartZagnit] Yes, we had a terrific set with two revolves [RobertArmin] After the Jewish Repertory Theatre production -- which definitely SHOULD had moved, you did a second production in a much larger theatre. [RobertArmin] And that worked well, too. [StuartZagnit] Every set change happened right before your eyes and it was fun to watch [RobertArmin] Yes, it was like storytelling, rather than a big production. [StuartZagnit] Yes, at the Forum in Metuchen NJ [RobertArmin] Just using chairs for the train. [RobertArmin] The same thing was recently done at Lincoln Center with A Man of No Importance. [StuartZagnit] That was for our reading, as well [RobertArmin] For the bus. [StuartZagnit] They stole our idea [RobertArmin] Did Lynn and Steve see your production of The Grand Tour? [StuartZagnit] Good thing I like Lynn and Steve [RobertArmin] LOL [RobertArmin] When you did the show at JRT, you were fifteen years younger. Did you feel that it was a stretch at the time? [StuartZagnit] Not at all. Jerry thought I was better now, and Peter Howard said I sang it better now, so go figure [RobertArmin] No, you are definitely the right age for it now. I meant, how did you feel fifteen years ago. [RobertArmin] Did you feel that you had to play older? [StuartZagnit] No. Jacobowsky has always been my age [RobertArmin] Well, in twenty years he will just be twenty years older. [StuartZagnit] It was a tad easier fifteen years ago [RobertArmin] I think you may be revisiting this role every few decades. [RobertArmin] But for now, we need a major production! [StuartZagnit] From your mouth... [StuartZagnit] I hope it happens. It was so exciting to come back to it, and we got a great response! [RobertArmin] What was Jerry Herman's reaction to this concert version? [StuartZagnit] He was Kvelling!!! [RobertArmin] Oy! [RobertArmin] That's good! [StuartZagnit] Yes, his pleasure was obvious [RobertArmin] I may be prejudiced, but I really think this is my favorite Jerry Herman show. [StuartZagnit] You have very good taste [RobertArmin] It is certainly his most intimate, musically. [StuartZagnit] Yes, a departure, and very human [RobertArmin] The songs never seem like production numbers -- even the production numbers. [RobertArmin] They are very much in character. [StuartZagnit] I think in order to balance the subject matter, that's how it must be [RobertArmin] The train number, "We're Almost There" reveals much of Jacobowsky's character. [RobertArmin] His charm and wit. [StuartZagnit] He always looks on the bright side-no matter what [RobertArmin] And the Jewish wedding sequence is right in character, too. [RobertArmin] Considering how bigoted the Colonel is at the beginning, the humor is essential. [RobertArmin] Or we would simply hate him. [StuartZagnit] What else - you have to have a wedding - even in the middle of the war! [StuartZagnit] There is real growth in the characters [RobertArmin] At least this production didn't have nuns running around. Which the original did during previews! [RobertArmin] It looked like a road company Sound of Music. [StuartZagnit] I look good in black, but not black and white [RobertArmin] I think your Colonel, Paul Ukena, managed to convey the changes in his character better than Ron Holgate. [StuartZagnit] You type fast [RobertArmin] His transformation is more believable. [RobertArmin] I'm a professional typist! [RobertArmin] Among other things! [StuartZagnit] Paul was great, and it was great fun to spar with him 15 years later [StuartZagnit] Hello, Marsala [RobertArmin] Marsala says "Hello, Stuart." [StuartZagnit] How are you? [RobertArmin] We're getting a huge crowd here now! [StuartZagnit] I love crowds [RobertArmin] Marsala says: Oh, I have to drop the web name right away. [StuartZagnit] Except on New Years [StuartZagnit] Who are you? [RobertArmin] Marsala writes: This is Mark Saltzman checking in and glad to see you Stuart [StuartZagnit] Mark, my old friend! [RobertArmin] Welcome, Mark. [StuartZagnit] Did I put you to sleep? [RobertArmin] Mark says: Imagine meeting like this! [StuartZagnit] How is your show going? [RobertArmin] Mark says: No - the only person better than Charles Strouse would be you! [RobertArmin] That's true. Charles Strouse had originally planned to be here tonight [RobertArmin] But he had another commitment. [StuartZagnit] Thank you. How much do I owe you? [RobertArmin] He will be here on February 17th. I hope. [StuartZagnit] Also a nice man [RobertArmin] Marsala writes: Great! Come out to Paper Mill and give it a look. We open Feb 19. [RobertArmin] Which show is that, Mark? [StuartZagnit] I am so excited for you! I think it's a terrific show! [RobertArmin] Marsala writes: "Romeo and Bernadette" -- just had it's world premier at the Coconut Grove Playhouse. [StuartZagnit] I'm back from FLA on Feb 25- [StuartZagnit] How long are you in town? [RobertArmin] Great, we'll try to get out there. My friend Brent Barrett will be in their production of Camelot. So we'll have a lot of traveling. [RobertArmin] Marsala writes: So I crash your interview and plug my own show. [RobertArmin] That's okay with me. [StuartZagnit] My pleasure. [StuartZagnit] Call, okay? [RobertArmin] Stuart, you have worked in two Charles Strouse shows. [RobertArmin] Let's talk about them. [StuartZagnit] Yes, the revival of APPLAUSE, and the Strouse review at Rainbow and Stars [RobertArmin] With Linda Lavin [StuartZagnit] You bet [RobertArmin] The club act, that is [StuartZagnit] No, the actress [RobertArmin] LOL [RobertArmin] You got to sing one of my favorite Strouse-Adams songs -- [StuartZagnit] Which? [RobertArmin] Once Upon a Time [StuartZagnit] Yes, a lovely song [RobertArmin] I'm surprise that Linda would give it up [RobertArmin] Was she nice to work with? [StuartZagnit] Charles kept telling me to sing higher, so we kept taking it up [RobertArmin] That explains why she didn't do it! [StuartZagnit] She was a doll. Very democratic. She gave us a lot of material [RobertArmin] There were just three of you. Who was the other man? [StuartZagnit] Bill Ullman [RobertArmin] Ah, yes. It was a very good combination. The three of you. [RobertArmin] Sorry that wasn't recorded. [StuartZagnit] We had a nice chemistry [StuartZagnit] Yes, I have all the luck! [RobertArmin] Marsala asks: Any unknown Charles Strouse gems in that show? [RobertArmin] I'm trying to think... I know so much of his music that it never seems unknown to me. [StuartZagnit] I think all of them were known, but many were not as well - like CLASS [RobertArmin] Of course, Linda introduced You've Got Possibilities in the original production of Superman. [RobertArmin] So they had to have that one. [RobertArmin] But it was a pretty well rounded collection of songs. [StuartZagnit] You bet, and we had fun with that one [StuartZagnit] Charles had so much material, they had trouble deciding what to use [RobertArmin] And your next Charles Strouse show featured another interesting leading lady... [StuartZagnit] Stefanie Powers [RobertArmin] Yes, how was she to work with? [StuartZagnit] She was a champ. That's one tough role and she was very game. And she moved really well, too [RobertArmin] Kris and I ran into her recently outside of the theatre where Frank Gorshin was performing George Burns. She looks great! [RobertArmin] She's living in Europe now. [StuartZagnit] I did not know she was in town. Steph and Mark- [StuartZagnit] And she spends a lot of time in Kenya [RobertArmin] This was about a month ago. [StuartZagnit] Her hubby is French [RobertArmin] Speaking of Applause, I know the tour was cut short, but how many cities did you get to? [RobertArmin] You started out at Paper Mill... [StuartZagnit] Tampa, Grand Rapids, Columbus, Baltimore [RobertArmin] Did Stefanie play Margo the whole time? [StuartZagnit] Yes. [StuartZagnit] Belle Calloway covered her, but did not go on. [RobertArmin] For those who don't know, you played Buzz, the playwright. [StuartZagnit] Yes. Got to kiss Eve every night [RobertArmin] Belle Callaway was in another Strouse show -- Bye Bye Birdie -- with Kristine. They became good friends. [RobertArmin] Belle got to go on as Rosie quite a few times. [StuartZagnit] Belle is awesome Saw her do Roxy in CHICAGO on tour- great! [RobertArmin] She was terrific even in her regular role as Mrs. McAfee. [StuartZagnit] Yes, saw that, too [RobertArmin] Yes, we saw her play Roxie on Broadway, too. [StuartZagnit] You win [RobertArmin] Probably your most successful tour was as Bela Zangler in Crazy For You. [StuartZagnit] No LOL? [RobertArmin] Okay, LOL [StuartZagnit] I loved C4Y!!! [StuartZagnit] Make that C4U [RobertArmin] Marsala asks: Is anyone talking about a NY revival of BIRDIE? The time seems ripe. [RobertArmin] Actually, I don't think so. [RobertArmin] Marc Kudisch recently said he'd like to play Albert some day, but not Birdie again. [StuartZagnit] I think not since the Tommy Tune tour [RobertArmin] But about C4U... [RobertArmin] For a while you specialized in Bruce Adler roles! [StuartZagnit] Don't listen to Marc K. [RobertArmin] Okay, I won't [StuartZagnit] Not really. It just seemed that way [StuartZagnit] I am not Bruce Adler! [RobertArmin] I was kidding... [RobertArmin] But you do great Yiddish! [StuartZagnit] I love Bruce [RobertArmin] For a while it seems liked you were going to become the next great Yiddish star. [StuartZagnit] Even tho I don't really speak it! [RobertArmin] One would never know. [StuartZagnit] That's not my thing [StuartZagnit] Thanks, I think [RobertArmin] Your one other cast album was Golden Land, which had lots of Yiddish. And Marsala reminds me that you did great Yiddish in Tintypes, as well. [RobertArmin] That was one of the few shows I missed you in. Although I did see the original with Jerry Zaks. [StuartZagnit] Thank you. All shows I am fond of. [RobertArmin] So what weren't you fond of? Give us the real dirt! [StuartZagnit] Yes, I did Jerry's role on tour [StuartZagnit] You never know who's listening [RobertArmin] I can tell you who's listening right now! [StuartZagnit] So what do you want to know? [RobertArmin] You don't have to diss anyone. Just joking. [StuartZagnit] Next question! [RobertArmin] But what new shows have you worked on? Anything upcoming? [StuartZagnit] Mark, are you still there? [RobertArmin] Marsala says: Still here! [StuartZagnit] I'm going to Boca to do a concert of VAGABOND STARS [RobertArmin] When does that happen? [StuartZagnit] FEB 12-16 [RobertArmin] And then you're doing a show for me in March! [RobertArmin] Let's put in a plug for What Makes Sammy Run? [RobertArmin] I'm very pleased that you will be a part of that production. [StuartZagnit] Check me out as Dentist #4 in the new Trident Gum spots [RobertArmin] Kris saw you in it, but I haven't caught it yet! [StuartZagnit] Yes, that should be fun. Want some dirt on Robert Armin? [RobertArmin] Sammy will be given a concert reading of my new script from March 26 - 30 at Hofstra University. [RobertArmin] We have a great cast lined up! [StuartZagnit] Took the words right out of my mouth [StuartZagnit] Tell them [RobertArmin] Susan Bigelow, John Gabriel, Barbara Fasano, Stuart Zagnit (not in order of importance), Cristina Doikos and many more. [StuartZagnit] Give it to them, baby!! [RobertArmin] Yeah, I told "THEM" [StuartZagnit] I'm putting it out that I want to do Max Bialystok [RobertArmin] I think the Charles Strouse crowd has deserted us this evening. [RobertArmin] Marsala writes: I'd imagine "What Makes Sammy Run" has a different meaning in your household. [StuartZagnit] LOL!!! [RobertArmin] Yes, Stuart's son is named Sammy! [RobertArmin] Well, Sam, to be precise. [StuartZagnit] He's much better now [RobertArmin] He was a bit cranky yesterday [StuartZagnit] That's my boy! [RobertArmin] Did he like his Daddy's show? [StuartZagnit] No-he just doesn't like you [StuartZagnit] He loved the show!!! [RobertArmin] That explains it! [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: We all were cranky yesterday. [StuartZagnit] Tell me about it [RobertArmin] Well, I never said the kid had good taste... [RobertArmin] LOL [StuartZagnit] I did two shows Sun and a matinee today. [RobertArmin] About me, not the show! [StuartZagnit] What was the question? [RobertArmin] To get back to the earlier comment about The Producers, you should definitely be considered for that. [RobertArmin] Susan Stroman -- DO YOU HEAR!!!!! [StuartZagnit] Maybe some day, some day... It took me 5 and a half years to do Seymour [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: Mel Brooks -- WE'RE TALKING TO YOU! [RobertArmin] And you ended up being the best Seymour! [StuartZagnit] I'm patient - and VERY TALENTED!!!! [RobertArmin] I hope they do cast you as Lee Wilkof's standby in the revival. [RobertArmin] You'll make a great Mushnik now [RobertArmin] And when you're much older, you can sit inside the plant and play Audrey II [StuartZagnit] THANK YOU. When it closed Howard Ashman wrote me a note saying I helped LITTLE SHOP go out with class. [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: My mother made great mushnik. [RobertArmin] Oy1 [StuartZagnit] LOL!!! [RobertArmin] That should have read Oy! not Oyl -- that's an olive. [StuartZagnit] I HAD IT ONCE [StuartZagnit] I almost passed it [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: You're probably still digesting it. [StuartZagnit] That's what I meant [StuartZagnit] typing jokes is hard [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: There's a lag time that's throwing off my timing. [StuartZagnit] It's Robert [RobertArmin] Yes, it's very Camera Obscura. Do you know that play? [StuartZagnit] Yes, let's not talk about it [RobertArmin] I can type fast, but transferring the questions takes a little longer. [RobertArmin] Okay.... [RobertArmin] Marsala adds: I Am A Camera Obscura? [StuartZagnit] This is chatta obscura [RobertArmin] lol. [RobertArmin] Okay, so the next things we can expect from you are... [StuartZagnit] I'm stumped [StuartZagnit] I am creating my career as we speak. I want to do more directing [RobertArmin] Vagabond Stars [RobertArmin] Then What Makes Sammy Run? [StuartZagnit] Yes, then back to NY and who knows? [RobertArmin] Then the off-Broadway revival of The Grand Tour! [StuartZagnit] I like that !!! [RobertArmin] Then taking over The Producers on Broadway. [StuartZagnit] I'll do it! [RobertArmin] You specialize in closing long runs -- no insult intended. [StuartZagnit] Hey, we got it all figured out! [RobertArmin] That's a reference to Little Shop of Horrors. [StuartZagnit] You sure got the comments [RobertArmin] It takes them that long to finally get around to you. [StuartZagnit] I killed a guy once, too [RobertArmin] But not any longer. You are a Star! [StuartZagnit] With a capital AAARRRR [StuartZagnit] CAPITAL [StuartZagnit] AAARRR [RobertArmin] The Producers will be the first show since Kiss of the Spider Woman to get a second Broadway cast album! [StuartZagnit] WITH A [StuartZagnit] I like you [RobertArmin] Give me an S [RobertArmin] Give me a T [RobertArmin] Give me an A [RobertArmin] Give me an R [StuartZagnit] You I like [RobertArmin] What have you got? [RobertArmin] Stuart! [StuartZagnit] Mark, call me- I love you! [RobertArmin] A little mixed around, plus some extra letters, but what the heck. [RobertArmin] Mark says he will! [StuartZagnit] Robert, you're nice, too [RobertArmin] Stuart, thank you so much for pinch hitting for Charles Strouse. [StuartZagnit] Don't call, Robert [RobertArmin] lol [StuartZagnit] My pleasure [RobertArmin] Marsala also says: LOL [RobertArmin] Everyone is laughing. [StuartZagnit] LOL!!! [RobertArmin] Such a fun place it is here. [StuartZagnit] Where am I? [RobertArmin] Well, good night to EVERYONE reading along. [StuartZagnit] GET ME OUT!!!! [RobertArmin] That means you Mark. [RobertArmin] And to my fabulous, witty and charming guest -- [StuartZagnit] GOOD NIGHT, YOU TWO!!! [RobertArmin] whatsizname [RobertArmin] Stuart Zagnit [StuartZagnit] YOU OWE ME BIG TIME, ARMIN!!! [RobertArmin] You bet! [RobertArmin] You'll get yours in March! [RobertArmin] Good night one and all! [StuartZagnit] OOOHHH, I love it when you talk dirty [StuartZagnit] Okay. We did it? [RobertArmin] Marsala added: A big hi from Arnie, Stuart, who just walked in. [RobertArmin] But he's gone now. [StuartZagnit] Thanks. Hi back [RobertArmin] Thanks Stuart. Talk to you later. [StuartZagnit] Bye
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