Well, whoever they choose better have some pretty strong pipes to scream 'Let It Go' 8x a week (not to mention whatever 11'oclock number they whip up for her in the second act) or have an alternate.
Ms. Ellis has the facility, and her rendition of the song on her debut album was superb.
I can't imagine Let it go would be any harder than singing defying gravity and tons of women seem to not have a problem with doing that song 8 times a week
Not trying to quibble about who can or can't do it. Or the keys in which the songs are written. Merely pointing out that the "power ballad belting for women" trend (ahem, sometimes its screaming depending on who you listen to) in musical theatre is getting out of control.
Just because someone /can/ belt "Defying Gravity" 8x a week, doesn't mean they /should/.
Just because someone /can/ belt "Defying Gravity" 8x a week, doesn't mean they /should/.
Okay but I can't think of any Elphaba that had no business singing the song. Most if not all the women hired for Elphaba get generally good notices from the public and Wicked fans.
And even then, Elphaba isn't really all that challenging to sing.
Elsa really only had that one song to sing in the film anyway. We aren't talking about singing Evita and Funny Girl now. hehe
I don't care about "public approval" or "who can or can't sing it" (but I CAN think of a few Elphaba's who probably shouldn't be singing that role) Again, not the point. An actor who sings has a responsibility to his or her instrument; and the longevity of that instrument. If they choose to blow out their cords playing Elphaba, 8x a week, that's their own prerogative. But you run the risk of having a not so great voice as you age.
There are a lot of examples of this, but I'll just bring up one: Patti LuPone. She openly admits to the fact that her voice was not the same as it was 30 years ago when she was singing Evita. But luckily she found a great vocal coach (Joan Lader) who was able to teach her some healthy technique that has saved her instrument really.
Bottom line is, its a gift. Use it sparingly folks. Its fun to whale those high belt notes, but do so with proper technique otherwise it won't be there long.
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i would actually love to see Kristen Bell reprise her role on stage. That girl looks like she's been drinking the blood of innocents every night.. she could still pass off as a teenager
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)