American Idol Alum New Tracy Turnblad

Posted: 2/10/04 at 2:06pm

This could be very cool...

Vanessa Olivarez (one of last year's "American Idol" finalists) will play Tracy Turnblad in this spring's Toronto production of Hairspray.

This comes from Ken Mandlebaum. This was the gal with the pink hair (well, I think it changed often!)
I thought she had a phenomenal voice. Wonder if she can act...

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 2:34pm

Really? She wasn't nearly chubby enough...then again, I don't think Kathy's big either.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:07pm

Is she the one they voted off because she was to fat?

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:08pm

Yea, she was the first of the final 12 to go. I'm really excited about this because I remember thinking that she'd make a great Tracy.

[Karma76]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:11pm

well no doubt she has a good voice. i bet she would be good. she has got some spunk, that is for sure!

[DivaMommy]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:18pm

I've heard that they have "fat suits" because some of the Tracy's keep loosing too much weight.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:20pm

I can see why with all the dancing.

[say what?]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:41pm

You know, this isn't a bad bit of casting. Out of all the female finalists on last season's AI, she was the best with a big voice, lots of personality, and hair coloring I'd never attempt at home.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:50pm

I loved Vanessa last year! She will make an awesome Tracy. Marc, were you at one of her auditions? How did she do?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 3:58pm

I find it interesting in light of all the discussion on the show -- and here -- about "pop" voices vs. b'way. Randy's always drawing that so-called distinction. Kinda funny, actually, since b'way is nothing if not pop-ized. (Does anyone think Kelly Clarkson would NOT have turned up as Belle, if her career had gone the Justin Guarini route? Hey, she may still. And if Clay was more butch, he could do Aida.)

Look no further than all the Destiny Whatevers who check into Heather's old sandles, and then Heather being nominated for "new comer" Grammy after winning a Tony. All this pop vs. legit stuff cracks me up.

Updated On: 2/10/04 at 03:58 PM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 4:11pm

Who says Clay can't do Aida?? They might need to start star casting Amneris soon as well....

[Ron Pulliam2]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 5:25pm

I think it's interesting that she's got this opportunity.

She was really good on "American Idol," but Simon "informed" her that she might have a future as a performer -- along the lines of Bette Midler -- but that she didn't have what it takes to be a pop idol.

Guess he doesn't know that Bette Midler has ALWAYS been a pop idol (or should that be "icon").

[Elphie]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 5:26pm

I loved Vanessa! She had a great personality and charm, but yeah I agree she isnt that heavy. I was suprised she didnt survive longer in the competition. I thought she would def. beat Carmen!

[Benzy92]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 6:08pm

I love this girl.. I wish I could get to Toronto!

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 6:24pm

Thank god they're putting in a ferry connecting Rochester and Toronto! I'll so be there!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 8:06pm

Vanessa is a friend of mine and she is definitely not fat. She's short, so she looks heavier than she is. When she let me know about this, I was thrilled and I'm glad everyone else seems to concur.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 9:10pm

Yeah!!!!!!!!

She will be amazing! I loved her last year- one of the only original unique ones there with spunk and an unforgettable personality. It's a shame she was booted so soon. But I'm thrilled for her! Congrats, Vanessa!

[bwguyhottie]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 9:40pm

I'm so excited for her...I love it when people get a big break....jw : Does she have musical theatre experience?

How big is the Toronoto production? Is it like the "broadway" of canada....or more of a very high quality regional theatre? Jw

has any other roles been cast?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 10:04pm

it is fully cast.. just not yet announced..
Toronto is like the Bway of Canada I guess... Toronto, along with Houston, are two VERY major theatre markets in North America

[StateOfJade]

Posted: 2/10/04 at 11:28pm

Oh my Good lord...

[JimVukovich]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 1:28am

I saw her briefly on those "American Idol" clips on tv. Other than that I don't know much about her. I can tell you this. What I know of that role, she looks like she fits the bill perfectly. Good luck to her and the entire Toronto production. I met the PSM last week. He joined the Nat'l. Tour lst week in Chicago to trail our PSM. He seems very nice and extremely smart. I'm kinda jealous. I wish I was helping with their opening.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 11:07am

She was one of my favorite last season, such a personality and a powerful voice to match, once again inspired casting.

Posted: 2/22/04 at 12:28pm

it's true. the rehearsls are so rigorous, that the actors loose weight while dancing, and can't put it back fast enough. Harvey firestien evern wears one. It wighs 100 lbs!!

[Bret]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 1:06pm

Harvey has always worn the "fat suit" in the role of Edna.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 2:00pm

Does Kathy wear one? She was so short I always thought of her as small and not large. Congrats to Vanessa-I loved her voice so much.