MovieChat Forums > Rocky Horror Show Live (2015) Discussion > David Bedella

David Bedella

posted 9 years ago by Tristan_Booth
12 replies | jump to latest

I'm watching this on BBC America. David Bedella is quite good as Frank. (No, he doesn't equal Tim Curry, but of course that's not really possible.) I had never heard of Bedella, and I was surprised to find that we were born in the same year, both in Illinois. Given this performance, one would never guess that he's 53.

I was in London during the summer of 1979 and saw Peter Blake in the role--also very good.

For me, though, the highlight was seeing Stephen Fry as one of the narrators. (I dearly love that man.)

[–] rkcarter 9 years ago

I agree about David's performance. He certainly has the chops to sing those songs. But I was missing Tim Curry's subtle nuances. He'll always be #1 for me.

I adore live theatre. And this was a wonderful treat for me. And I also love Mr. Fry. But I fan-girled over seeing Tony Head. Would have been nice to see him in stockings. :)

[–] witchybetch 9 years ago

I thought he was brilliant. I'm familiar with his voice work, but didn't know what he looked like. If there is anybody on this earth suitable to follow Tim Curry, he's the closest at least. He did the role justice. The improvised parts in the bed scene with Brad, I was dying laughing.

Janet's performance, I didn't care for, however. She seemed to have no chemistry.

[–] Columbia75 9 years ago

David actually performed the role of Frank in USA quite a few years ago.

[–] VinnieRattolle 9 years ago

So he's played Frank before? Well, that explains it. He really knew how to work the audience (as well as Brad!) and react to (most of) the lines they were throwing at him. I don't think they could've found a better actor to inhabit that role.

[–] Merrida 8 years ago

I totally agree! The casting was absolutely perfect! He did the role justice, brought the character to life, and given the nature of RHS, he had exceptional chemistry with the other actors and with the audience. He brought everything to life. Exceptional casting on this part!
______________________________________
Sic vis pacem para bellum.

[–] Columbia75 8 years ago

Yes, David has played Frank loads. In fact he's in the running for the most performance as Frank on stage.

[–] Blue_Eyes_James 9 years ago

I also looked him up and not only has he had two stints as Frank he's also played Hedwig and also Arnold in "Torch Song Trilogy". Among many other great works.

[–] mtdman-90-390951 9 years ago

I thought David was fabulous as Frank. You can tell he really has the role mastered after doing it for so many years. I really enjoyed him, and I loved the way he played to the audience. I'm not gay, but that's one good looking man.

[–] Merrida 9 years ago

Why is it people feel this compulsion to clarify and make a point of stating they're "not gay?" What does that have to do with anything? We can all appreciate men and women without feeling this bizarre need to qualify our appreciation with such irrelevant comments.

______________________________________
Sic vis pacem para bellum.

[–] mtdman-90-390951 9 years ago

Its not irrelevant. It speaks to the fact that he has an attractiveness that appeals to men and women and isnt reliant upon sexual orientation.

[–] noway234-1 9 years ago

David was a fantastic Frank. He just embodied that role and was clearly having a ball. I'd only seen him before in the production of Jerry Springer The Opera so once I knew he was playing Frank I knew it'd be good, I didn't expect that powerhouse performance. He obviously wasn't as good as Frank but I'll be damned if he wasn't the best choice for the stage role.

[–] joeiessery 8 years ago

Before this show we had seen David Bedella as Frank in the UK tour a couple of times. By far my favourite I've seen in the flesh (so to speak).
I will admit I was as excited to see him again as I was to see Richard O'Brian in this.

(We went to see the show live the day after it was recorded)