Idina Menzel's Tony performance- Page 6

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:21am

^^ this. I know this isn't a fair comparison, but I prefer actors like Kelli O' Hara who don't do belting, and focus on the story. Doesn't mean she isn't capable, but it keeps her well rounded. For me, I would rather pay to sit in a theatre to be told a story, which is what I believe theatre is, than see someone hit really high notes for an hour. It lacks depth, and it isn't very moving. Granted, there are some exceptions of people who dont just throw their head back, and wail. There is an audience, and to me I find it more captivating in that sense.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:34am

I really don't feel she is belting her way through the show. I felt that more with Wicked where everyone was expecting to hear her hit certain notes. And let's not forget she is not the only one singing this score!

I am no vocal expert but I noticed she is doing something with her voice where she "pulls back" on certain notes as if she is protecting her voice. It is like she is muting the note. (Sorry for the poor description!) I was wondering if this is part of her vocal training.

And I agree this is a vocally demanding role. I was impressed with how at ease she seemed to be singing it the evening I saw the show. The notes seemed to jus flow out as opposed to being forced.

I don't really know what people expect. You have to also take into consideration the type of voice she has. I just think she sounds so much better singing this role. I am not a "fan" of hers but I really enjoyed her performance.

I was at the opening night of the national tour of Next to Normal in Denver. I had heard and read on these boards how ravaged Ms. Ripley's voice had become. I had listened to parts of the recording and everything I read was evident that evening. For some reason, I don't think this will happen with Menzel. I could be wrong though. JMO

Updated On: 6/10/14 at 10:34 AM

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:38am

Kelli O'Hara and Idina have very different voices. Kelli is very classically trained, and her show highlighted that with the opera-like numbers she was given (To Build a Home, Almost Real, Always Better). Idina's show highlights both her belt and her quieter side (Learn To Live Without). Kelli is simply not (or a least not known as) a belter - and she and Idina play very different roles. And belting is often required in scores - Evita? And many actresses area well known for belting - Patti LuPone. Idina sounded healthy and in the moment, and was certainly the highlight of the broadcast for me. So please don't judge for only belting when the number is out of context and more truncated than the Follies OBCR.

[Up In One]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 12:58pm

JNB - Go see the show - then pontificate.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:20pm

mstar, have you seen the show?

It does tell a story. Two, actually.

[getlucky2]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:49pm

"Kelli O'Hara and Idina have very different voices. Kelli is very classically trained, and her show highlighted that with the opera-like numbers she was given (To Build a Home, Almost Real, Always Better). Idina's show highlights both her belt and her quieter side (Learn To Live Without). Kelli is simply not (or a least not known as) a belter - and she and Idina play very different roles. And belting is often required in scores - Evita? And many actresses area well known for belting - Patti LuPone. Idina sounded healthy and in the moment, and was certainly the highlight of the broadcast for me. So please don't judge for only belting when the number is out of context and more truncated than the Follies OBCR."

This...all of this. It's like comparing Sandra Bullock to Gwyneth Paltrow...just totally different styles and strengths.

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:57pm

"I am no vocal expert but I noticed she is doing something with her voice where she "pulls back" on certain notes... I am not a "fan" of hers but I really enjoyed her performance."

What are we supposed to "read into" the seemingly "unnecessary" quoting?!

[NeverSoShy]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:16pm

I wasn't aware that bring primarily known for belting or your head voice affects whether the musicals you perform in tell a story or not; in fact these are two completely separate factors!

[getlucky2]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:22pm

"I wasn't aware that bring primarily known for belting or your head voice affects whether the musicals you perform in tell a story or not; in fact these are two completely separate factors!"

This.

[jnb9872]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:22pm

Up In One - I saw the show. My comments are informed by its content.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:33pm

hater, nothing to read into. Just put quotes around those descriptions because I wasn't sure if I was using the right terms. Calm down!

Updated On: 6/10/14 at 02:33 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:37pm

I'm calm, just couldn't figure out what inflection you were meaning for us to use, as they seemed to read fine without them...

[Pasdechat]

Posted: 6/11/14 at 4:07pm

can't blame her for belting since the song seems to be intended that way by the composer, which might be artistically disputable, but it is what it is now. And she's a terrific belter and I also have the feeling that she's not damaging her voice. maybe some people just have some sort of physical superpower for neverending belting, who knows... i mean look at that face and that the openness of her mouth (sorry if that sounds weird) she clearly has some admirable bonus points for singing there.
acting wise I am not quite as convinced. these huge, manic eyes. The biiig steps she is taking, the arm whirling... She could be a bit more elegant, poised or soft there IMO. However, despite the wide-open eyes in some moments, I was still moved in other moments, esp. At the beginning, where she looked very sad and almost worn down, empty. I hope that is just good acting and not anything one might be reading into it due to what happens in her real life.
Overall hats off to a great Broadway star.