Oof. Not loving her voice for this. Where’s the energy that pulsed through it on Broadway? I only saw it twice at the end of the run, but the show was like a 4-pack of red bull.
she seemed to be holding back a little. not sure about that weird little riff at the end of 'blow, gabriel, blow,' though. i'm sure she'll be pretty excellent once the tour opens.
I wouldn't even call it that. It was a rehearsal in a studio. The only microphone was probably on the camera. The sound is pretty poor.
I don't think these early rehearsal videos serve a show well. The actors are obviously marking, maybe still learning blocking and choreography and trying out phrasing.
I know they want the publicity, but shouldn't they be making sure the video is better quality before releasing it?
Preview, rehearsal, or what, it was still their first public exposure showcasing the cast. The cast shouldn't need to huge set and costumes to try to cover up anything.
It is a rehearsal. Of course a cast and show need sets and costumes, otherwise what's the point in watching a show, you might as well buy the cd. Rachel will be amazing, she always is. She'll be much more of your conventional Reno, not as quirky as Sutton but much more sultry and sexual. I prefer Reno to use her sexuality to flirt with all who enter her path. While Sutton's performance looked great and she is such a gifted triple threat, her quirkiness in the role of Reno didn't quite work for me. Personally I don't think Sutton does do sexy very well and that was what was missing from the performance. Hopefully Rachel will be able to embrace that side of Reno's character more easily.
Rachel is a very talented comedienne, but she sounded flat in some of the footage I saw from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and she does here as well.
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter
I thought the first public rehearsal of the Broadway production was kinda of flat energy wise as well. I just don't think York's voice compares to Foster's.
I love that the higher note the Billy sings at the end of "You're the Top," though.
Honestly, they are both very talented but I am just not liking this. They have great voices, but not right for the song or show. Especially after seeing the original cast of this production...
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter
At the risk of starting an argument, it is in this member's opinion that any actress who can act the part as written and designed is an improvement over Ms. Foster.
Eh I am sad to say that I am pretty underwhelmed with Rachel York's performance on that video... I will be seeing the tour in November, so I will wait until then to pass more judgement. I absolutely ADORED Sutton Foster in the role when I saw her back in August 2011. I loved the production as well, and I am looking forward to seeing it again.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "