Bernadette — Page 2

Partly the reason why critics were dead set against Bernadette. I think people went into the show thinking the part was too big for her and just couldn't see past it.

While, in my opinion, I think it was her best performance yet. How people said the role was too big for her I will not understand.

---

FAOnatic,

Bernadette is actually one of the few actresses who can definitely sell tickets on just her name. I think you really underestimate her draw. There was a huge advance sale for Gypsy ($10 million comes to mind but I might be remembering wrong) and ticket sales continually broke all sorts of Box Office records through 2003 (you can confirm that through the Playbill Weekly Grosses and perhaps the advance too). The only time it really dipped was when Bernadette was out. Sales did drop off significantly after the holidays and I guess with their running costs they couldn't keep it open past May 2004. Though I think 14 months is still a pretty respectably run for a musical that is revived every 10-15 years on Broadway, has two readily available film versions and is done in countless regional and community theaters.

I agree that she is more a Brenda than an Elise. I completely agree that she should be creating roles rather than recreating them. As for the question of what current role would suit her best, I think Debra Monk's part in Curtains would be best.

---

Why would anyone want here in anything? She can't sing!

Hair alone does not sell tickets.

---

Disregard Fenchurch.

He has dubious taste to say the least.