I first saw Beautiful back in February of 2014. When I found out it was closing, I decided to take a second look. I went tonight: Tuesday Sept 3.
There were two understudies on. One for Carol King and one for Gerry Goff. I thought oh geez this is gonna be an odd night. Often understudies are lackluster and bad carbon copies to the leads.
Not this time.
What an amazing surprise. I have never heard of Sara Shepherd before but she brought so much warmth, comic timing and gorgeous vocals to the Carole King role that it was hard to believe she was not the real thing. Sara Shepherd is a star. Dare I say she was better than Jessie Mueller who originated the role? People were singing her praises on the way out. " I can't believe she was the understudy."
Also understudied was Chris Peluso on as Gerry Goff and he also did a great job. You also did not know he was an understudy.
I just think that there is a vehicle for Sara Shepherd. She played Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and she'd be a great Fanny Brice. Anyone want to produce Funny Girl for her? She looks more like Fanny Brice than Barbra and she has the voice and the comic chops.
And the show seemed so fresh with Sara in the lead role. I'm not sure but I was told by an usher that it was her first time on. If so, no wonder it seemed so magical and fresh.
It is so great when an understudy goes on and surpasses any disappointment.
All I can say is WOW and hope she is on For Carole King again.
Will see her in anything. I predicted Megan Hilty star to shine. I predict Sara Shepherd's as well.
goldenboy said: "I first saw Beautiful back in February of 2014. When I found out it was closing, I decided to take a second look. I went tonight: Tuesday Sept 3.
There were two understudies on. One for Carol King and one for Gerry Goff. I thought oh geez this is gonna be an odd night. Often understudies are lackluster and bad carbon copies to the leads.
Not this time.
What an amazing surprise. I have never heard of Sara Shepherd before but she brought so much warmth, comic timing and gorgeous vocals to the Carole King rolethat it was hard to believe she was not the real thing. Sara Shepherd is a star. Dare I say she was better than Jessie Mueller who originated the role? People were singing her praises on the way out. " I can't believe she was the understudy."
Also understudiedwas Chris Peluso on as Gerry Goff and he alsodid a great job. You also did not know he was an understudy.
I just think that there is a vehicle for Sara Shepherd. She played Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and she'd be a great Fanny Brice. Anyone want to produce Funny Girl for her? She looks more like Fanny Brice than Barbra and she has the voice and the comic chops.
And the show seemed so fresh with Sara in the lead role. I'm not sure but I was told by an usher that it was her first time on. If so, no wonder it seemed so magical and fresh.
It is so great when an understudy goes on and surpasses any disappointment.
All I can say is WOW and hope she is on For Carole King again.
Will see her in anything. I predicted Megan Hilty star to shine. Ipredict Sara Shepherd's as well."
It was definitely not her first time on...she’s an original cast member and has played Carole on many occasions over the past 5 years.
joined:7/15/05
joined:
7/15/05
Posted: 9/3/19 at 11:24pm