Profile for BenjaminNicholas

So, Ellis continues to fail? After seeing Ellis in the London company, I was psyched to see her take on Broadway. She did have that pitch-perfect voice, an ease about her belt and a quirky take on the role of Elphie. Unfortunately, something was lost in translation. She's not comfortable in New York. She was constantly bumping into set pieces throughout the show. Her singing (and speaking voice) sounded strained. Overall, it was sad. Not for lack of talent (see her MANY YouTube vids for proof...

I didn't care much for ANY of the 'star' replacements, but then again, I didn't like Headley either. She was alright at best. If you're wanting a vocalist who could easily handle the score 8x a week and riff the hell out of it, then you should have seen Simone as AIDA. She was in the touring company as the lead for about a year before heading to Broadway. Just incredible. Deborah Cox had the vocal chops, but not the acting skill. She was the best of the 'names' they brought in... BN

While I appreciate the reviews... Why go to a Broadway show dressed as anything but yourself, thus pulling focus from the REAL performers and the general enjoyment of the audience? I find it, well, sad. What has the professional theatre turned into? This is BROADWAY, not some local, homegrown schlock where you give verbal 'snaps' to your friends as they wail through the score. Xanadu isn't Rocky Horror (and never will be). Also: In the future, please use spellcheck. BN

Over at ATC, I found this thread and since I'm seeing Wicked in about a week, it made me worry and wonder. Thoughts? Comments? http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=1605712