Actors who sound different in a role than other actors

[superiska123]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 2:26pm

I find it really interesting when actors have a different voice than other actors in the same role, so they lower/raise the keys to fit them better, they option down/up for riffs or just simply sound very different to other actors who played the same role. What are some good examples of this?

Off the top of my head, I can think of:

1. Taye Diggs as Fiyero/Hedwig
2. Kendra Kassebaum as Glinda
3. Julia Murney & Shona White as Elphaba
4. Sara Bareilles & Jordin Sparks as Jenna in Waitress
5. Hugh Panaro as Sweeney Todd
6. Brandy as Roxie in Chicago

Updated On: 1/16/20 at 02:26 PM

[ModernMillie3]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 2:47pm

That's a really interesting question. I would have to say Paulo Szot in South Pacific. 

[carnzee]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 3:20pm

I can't say for sure, but I think most of the Dollys that followed Channing had higher keys because her voice is unusually low for a woman.

[superiska123]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 5:05pm

Hello Dolly is a great example, because I think the songs' keys were adjusted for each Dolly (or most I've heard).

I must say I haven't heard Paulo Szot in South Pacific, but I will definitely check it out — I'm guessing he sounds quite different since he's a baritone playing a (typically) bass role.

Updated On: 1/16/20 at 05:05 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 5:10pm

Toni Braxton in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

[JuneJune]

Posted: 1/16/20 at 11:55pm

Jennifer Simard has a deeper, more monotonous tone when it comes to both singing and acting in the Adult Women tracks (Mean Girls), compared to Kerry Butler and Catherine Brunell.
I remember her Mrs. George specifically being airier / more whisper-y than anyone else who's played it (which is only two people, but still)

[magictodo123]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 12:22am

Desi Oakley has the deepest voice out of any Jenna that I’ve seen in Waitress.