| re: Could Julie Benko replace Beanie? | |
| Posted by: Someday 02:08 pm EDT 06/17/22 | |
| In reply to: Could Julie Benko replace Beanie? - Johno60 12:12 pm EDT 06/17/22 | |
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| First, a disclaimer that I have not seen this production, so I don’t have a personal take on Beanie’s performance, versus Julie’s. I will say the buzz has me dying to catch Julie and hoping I can when I’m in town in August. I’ve felt sorry for Beanie ever since the rehearsal footage surfaced. I realize hers is a first world problem, but it would be crushing to have your lifelong dream seem to come true… and then turn into an embarrassing farrago. Whatever else can be said about her situation, she is well set up for a New York comeback (return?) at some point in the future. The role will need to be a much better fit. But having seen her play up her strengths before, I know she’s talented enough to carry the right show. Now that the end of Beanie’s run is definite, I actually believe there’s a risk to the producers if they *don’t* cast Julie. Obviously, she’s not a name. And the public is oblivious to her understudy-makes-good storyline, which has unfolded with such fervor on the chatboards and Facebook. But you can bet members of the theater community, including critics, are watching this story very closely. Critics are humans too, kind of. And if they’re anything like me, they’re pulling for Julie — an underdog who is apparently making the most of a rare opportunity to perform a legendary role under strange circumstances. One who is apparently in possession of solid chops, comic timing, nerves of steel, copious stage presence, a voice to raise rafters, and chemistry (yeah, chemistry). The producers may be tempted to put her in as a regular matinee alternate. That might feel somewhat satisfying to her supporters, but they’d be running the same danger they have faced recently — she could overshadow their star. If they do cast another known name in the role, an extraordinary performance might be required. I do think a star could keep the show running longer-term if the excellence of her performance matches the fame of her name, (unless it’s a legit superstar, I guess… but would they replace?) But I’d say it’s risky. If the star again gives a performance buzzed as anything less than spectacular, there’s a risk word of mouth in the community could get vicious and ding local ticket sales. And any media coverage could be unfairly harsh. The critics might again carve up some Fanny. I am a Lea Michele apologist, but don’t get me started on how ugly things will get if they cast her — regardless of how she performs. Before they go there, they should at least leak it first and watch the reactions. If the producers cast Julie, the potential for a feel-good story, one that aligns with the recent push to show love to understudies, is such that many outlets would probably delight in covering it. A couple of outlets might do feature profiles of Julie. And some of the re-reviews could be career-making, ticket-moving raves. I’m thinking, “Not since Sutton Foster — or perhaps Shirley MacLaine.…” And if nothing else, they’re guaranteed good word of mouth — I hear it each time Julie performs. Has anyone heard a single negative word about her performance? I ask this earnestly. An anecdote: people seemed totally charmed by Hugh’s cover in Music Man, Max Clayton. Some mentioned a lack of star power, while noting it’s totally understandable, given that he’s not yet a star! But with Julie… I haven’t heard even that quibble. I guess it’s obvious where I come down on this question. If I had any money in this show, I would embrace the star-is-born story — and try to milk it for all it’s worth. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Whatever happens, I hope I get to experience her performance before it only lives on in bootlegs and brags. |
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| Previous: | Could Julie Benko replace Beanie? - Johno60 12:12 pm EDT 06/17/22 |
| Next: | re: Could Julie Benko replace Beanie? - Snowgrace 01:25 pm EDT 06/18/22 |
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