Christian Hoff has been replaced in title role in Roundabout’s Pal Joey revival by his understudy Matthew Risch after suffering from a foot injury this past weekend. However, many people on the web boards have speculated that the injury itself is perhaps some sort of cover for Hoff’s departure, especially considering the eviscerating word of mouth he was receiving for his first few preview performances.
Coincidentally, the last Broadway revival of the show in 1976 saw stars Edward Villella and Eleanor Parker replaced by Christopher Chadman and Joan Copeland during previews. (That production, which played the Circle in the Square for 73 performances, featured Dixie Carter as Melba, who also played Vera regionally – an inspired choice).
Hmmm….