Audra fainting spells?
Audra fainting spells?
bjivie2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/04
#1Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 10:30amWhat are these fainting spells that are mentioned in the Post's recent article on Audra McDonald? She fainted after singing "Down with Love" and Mary Tyler Moore's doctor husband helped her? Was this after the Broadway Leading Ladies?
#2re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 10:31amShe used to faint all the time, apparantly. She says she doesn't anymore.
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#2re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 10:34amI really didn't like that article. It basically was like, "She faints, but now she doesn't." Why bring up something that intriguing without explaining it?
*thinkpink18*
Stand-by Joined: 2/14/07
SorryGrateful
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
#4re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 10:40am
My problem was either bring it up and explain it or don't bring it up at all, thinkpink. Stupid writers... 
gustof777
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/8/04
#5re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 11:46amthat's the Post for ya. That whole article was just sloppy.
#6re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 11:52amI got from the article that she used to psych herself out to the point of passing out, but that now that she has a child, her priorities have changed, and the pressures of performing doen't have the same power over her.
#7re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 1:31pmThe fainting occured while she was singing as a result of hyperventilation (shallow breathing), usually stemming from nerves. She very sweetly names her daughter as the cure, but I'm guessing the reality is that the breathing relaxed through refinement of vocal technique and increased performing experience. If you listen to her first solo recording you can hear the audible gasping for air that is very rare in her current performances.
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#8re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 1:32pm
I remember back in the late 90's, Rosie O'Donnell mentioned on her talk show that she had attended a benefit the night before and Audra had fainted and literally fell forward and off the stage.
LostLeander
Broadway Star Joined: 3/18/05
#9re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 1:39pm
Wow, I didn't know it was a recurring thing. I know in her audition for Carousel, she sang and then fainted right after she finished.
This makes me love her 10 times more. Though I'm glad she doesn't faint anymore.
Dover
Leading Actor Joined: 4/29/06
#10re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 2:56pmI had heard a weird rumor years ago that she was narcoleptic, but the nerves/breathing thing makes more sense. At any rate, I'm glad it's something she has under control now.
#11re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 3:03pmI remember hearing that she fainted during a performance once. I think it was Marie Christine, but I'm not sure.
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#12re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 3:11pm
"The fainting occured while she was singing as a result of hyperventilation (shallow breathing), usually stemming from nerves."
Julliard should have dealt with this when she was a student. What are they teaching these days?
#13re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 3:22pm
How to make an impression at an audition? 
nymommy
Chorus Member Joined: 1/8/07
#14re: Audra fainting spells?
Posted: 5/23/07 at 6:48pmShe also has low blood pressure. This can cause fainting spells. I suffer from the same thing. Not a big deal, she's learned to handle it. Let it go.
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