I was lucky enough to see all of the Broadway Cassies (not the understudies but the primary) with the exception of Angelique Ilo. McKechnie was incomparable. (Its probably unfair to compare her to those that followed as the choreography was "built" for her.) The truly outstanding ladies made it their own. Wanda Richert, who was truly a triple threat really nailed the acting, the singing and the dancing. She also brought a different kind of strength and independence to the Zach/Cassie confrontation scene.
Laurie Gamache who was later in the run and after the death of Michael Bennett, was brilliant. Her dancing was really breathtaking. Her razor like precision in executing TM&TM left me awestruck. Cheryl Clark was stunning. Her ballet background, the distinction of her movement, the fluidity of her moment made her a standout.
I cant say I ever saw a bad Cassie. All of the others were at least competent and interesting. The only failure IMO was Ann Reinking. It didn't work in so many ways. First, TM&TM choreography didn't "fit" her body or her dance style. It just didn't work. She was also the immediate successor to McKechnie, to whom (fairly or otherwise) she was compared. I imagine that had some impact. Her hair flying around and covering her face was a distraction. Also, her acting wasn't effective. The Zach/Cassie confrontation scene came across whiny and unsympathetic.
For the OBC, not counting tours, the revival and regionals, that's all I can think of. |
