As much as I hate to think that she's going to be playing young, "hot", blonde girls for the rest of her life, I think getting the role will benefit her. It's a job...and in this kind of uncertain economy, those are hard to come by.
Robert Taylor, unless you are being witty, playing Sharpay)pay) in HSM at Papermill Playhouse is hardly joining the Disney Stable. I admire her for getting a job so quickly and building her resume. More Power to her!
I wasn't really joking about it, actually. Even lesser Disney productions or tours have resulted in a lot of attention for the actor and more opportunities than other regional productions. Look at Ashley Brown from the tour "On the Record" for an example, and I have a funny feeling Patti Murin's star will be on the rise once she plays Jane in "Tarzan" in Atlanta.
Regardless, I think it is smart Baily is not yet straining herself as a performer. If she picked something edgier and darker right now, say "Gypsy" perhaps, the critics would come out with the knives drawn to attack that "reality show" actress. I'm still shocked she got the great notices she did for "Legally Blonde," and it is really a testament to her abilities that she pulled it off. Once she seperates herself from the reality show, in a year or so, then I can see her being welcomed to roles that stretch her abilities more.
But On the Record was produced by Disney. This production is not. It's being produced by Papermill Playhouse.
I still think it's a good career move for her. This production is going to be immensely popular (it's nearly entirely sold out right now), and will solidify her popularity with her core fan base, which also makes up much of the audience for HSM.
