Denée Benton

[leighmiserables]

Is she alright? Apparently Lauren Zakrin had to take over for Natasha after intermission yesterday, and I feel like she's been missing a decent amount of performances recently.

https://twitter.com/MegBeechPoetry/status/888876075815710723

[reginula]

I saw from Lauren Zakrin's instagram that she had to go on at intermission (She's a champ). Someone on The Great Comet Fan Club on FB was at the show and said it sounded like Deneé's voice was going, so hopefully it's not something more concerning. I don't think she has done the 8 shows a week recently, but thinking how demanding the role is, it makes sense to have the u/s on several times a week.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

I have to confess, Denee was out the first time I saw this, but being a Zakrin fan way back from her "Search for the Next Elle Woods" days I knew I'd be in good hands.  She did not disappoint, and honestly I found her voice to have more color and variety then Denee's- nothing against Denee, the part is a bear and she has a wonderful clear voice, just a matter of preference.  I second the poster above who said she hasn't been doing 8 performances a week lately, but it doesn't seem planned.  I spoke to Shoba recently who said she had no scheduled performances coming up and then she was on that Wed. afternoon.  I'd love to see her too- this is one hard working cast, and a highlight of the season for me so far- can't wait to see it again!

[yeah]

Saw this a couple of weeks ago - a Wed. matinee and Miss Benton was out.  I guess she's too big to do 8 a week?  J/k j/k j/k 

Grace McLean was the great discovery for me.  And Ingrid was fabulous, so I wasn't sad about missing Denee.  

[comets]

I thought she was the weak link in the cast when I saw it. Of course it's hard to compare to someone like Josh Groban. 

[Phillytheatreguy10]

I saw Zakrin with Groban and Benton with Malloy- I found both of those matches to be ideal, Amber Grey is still my standout in this!

[dramamama611]

Wow....And I've never seen a single understudy.  

[Rainah]

I saw Denee July 14th, and to me she seemed a little off. Still hit all the emotional beats perfectly, as expected when the show's been running this long, but it seems almost like her heart wasn't in it. I would not be at all surprised to learn she's sick and I hope she gets better soon, because the first time I saw her (late jan) she was incredible

[leighmiserables]

comets said: "I thought she was the weak link in the cast when I saw it."

I thought the same the first time I saw it (which was whenever the last preview performance was), but by the second time back I thought she had improved immensely. Though she still gets out-shined by all of the supporting female cast members (especially Grace), imo. But to be fair, I've always thought the supporting roles are generally a lot more fun/sympathetic than Natasha, so it's harder to win audience members over playing her.

And if I had to guess, I'd assume her voice is getting fried. All those high-notes are good for no one. 

[reginula]

Also, Lauren has been with Comet since the beginning and my heart will be broken if she never becomes the lead Natasha. I know, life on the theatre, and being an u/s, but she's so, so, so good at it. She's a Comet Powerhouse 

Also, her No One Else is my favourite. 

[PaulWom]

I saw Denee on Sunday and she was a POWERHOUSE, both vocally and acting-wise. Her voice isn't getting fried- if anything, her time in the role has only made her stronger. Actors , especially those in demanding roles like Natasha, sometimes get sick and have to call out... It happens!

[Phillytheatreguy10]

^No one is disputing that, they're human.  People are just commenting on a pattern. No one is even disputing her talent, everything brought up is a matter of opinion, which is what we do here

[Rainah]

PaulWom said: "I saw Denee on Sunday and she was a POWERHOUSE, both vocally and acting-wise. Her voice isn't getting fried- if anything, her time in the role has only made her stronger. Actors , especially those in demanding roles like Natasha, sometimes get sick and have to call out... It happens!"

Oh good! I'm so glad she's feeling better. Lucas has been on a lot of vocal rest too (Not speaking at stagedoors) but it sure didn't show when I saw him the past friday