Breaking News: Kaitlin Hopkins goes On The Record -

[Craig]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 11:48am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/l.cfm?id=54694

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 11:52am

Well, this disappoints me. I was hoping Emily would do the cast recording. Ah well---I'm excited to at least hear Natalie Brown, who is getting nothing but raves.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 3:22pm

It is Ashley Brown that stars in the show.

I am very disappointed that Emily was not having a good time doing this show. She sang the songs beautifully and I was hoping to hear her on the recording. Oh well, I hope Kaitlin does great! I also cannot wait to hear Ashley and Andrew again.

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 4:15pm

BwayTheatre, are you assuming Emily's departure is because she wasn't having a good time (because that was my assumption, too), or was she actually quoted as saying as much?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 4:17pm

No, she was not quoted saying that, I just assume that is why she is leaving.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 4:46pm

Sorry to hear that Emily is leaving and won't be on the recording. But, as we discussed in another thread, her talent was wasted in this show. She had only a few solos (which were fantastic), but not a part worthy of her. Here's to seeing her in better things soon! Updated On: 12/17/04 at 04:46 PM

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 5:41pm

Somehow im not really surprised. Maybe she got fed up with the reviews and low attendance? Ah well, at least I got to see her.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 8:09pm

Are there any actors that "quit" a show for any other reason than a mutual agreement? "You're fired" "No I quit" I'm not knocking Skinner. She's a BRILLIANT performer and she's deserves better than "On The Record" but to just "quit"? There's more to this story I'm sure.

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 8:48pm

I can't wait to see Kaitlin in it. I think she's one of the most talented performers around and severely underused. I'm sorry for whatever illness/incapacity/lack of enjoyment Emily Skinner is going through but I am really glad to see Kaitlin being considered for things of a more important nature.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 12:12am

I do look forward to hearing Kaitlin on this recording.

[Ebonic_Singer]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 1:00am

I'm so excited because I absolutely LOVE Kaitlin Hopkins.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 8:55pm

Her leaving was definitely HER decision, I can assure you. In fact, they wanted her to stay and weren't so happy with her request to leave. So, no, there was no scandal, sorry to disappoint y'all. :)

I adore Kaitlin Hopkins and am actually SAD to hear she's taking over, for her sake. She, too, has much better use for her talents. Though, I agree with Jamie -- it's nice to see her getting more high profiled gigs. It's about time.

I'm very sad to hear Emily won't be on the recording, though. I was looking forward to having her "Poor Unfortunate Souls" recorded because there's small chance we'll ever get to hear her sing it on stage again.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 9:19pm

"Her leaving was definitely HER decision..."

Hopefully she's leaving for a better opportunity?
Otherwise, is it that easy to just decide to leave a show? Is that a good career move? How many actors would decide to leave a show?

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 10:08pm

Well, I know she was being considered for something, but I don't know what's come of that. Of course, she told me she would be sticking with the show until February, but now I read that Kaitlin is starting in January, so maybe she got the gig or Disney decided to let her go earlier... I'm honestly not sure what that's about.

Either way, her happiness with the production is her business and she had her qualms with a few things and her reason is clearly valid enough for her. Who knows if it was a great "career" move (I'm going to go with a "no" on that because she pretty much screwed up her chances at a shot in "Little Mermaid"), but sometimes your happiness and well being must come before "career", you know?

I, of course, don't want to see her destroy her career, but I'd rather see her happy and doing regional theatre than miserable and "rising back to the top". :) That's just my humble opinion.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 10:41pm

I agree, daisy.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 10:48pm

Thanks for your thoughts Daisy. I can't wait to hear what Emily gives us next. She's so unbelievably talented. The only person that, at times, reminds me vocally of Barbara Cook. Surely everyone will understand that as an ultimate compliment.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/19/04 at 10:29pm

Does she really remind you of Cook? I don't hear a resemblance at all. Emily has more of a raw quality to her voice than Barbara, don't you think? I never understood that comparison... the timbres of their voices seem very different to me.

Although I would consider that the utmost compliment. She's one talented lady.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/19/04 at 11:06pm

"Does she really remind you of Cook?"

At times she does. A good example is during SIDE SHOW's Private Conversation. Her upper ranges are so pure and natural.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/19/04 at 11:24pm

"Her upper ranges are so pure and natural."


Hmmm... I don't know... Andy and I were saying one day how her upper register reminded us a bit of Julia Murney's. There's a few parts in Side Show where their vibratos sound remarkably alike.

I think Cook had a much lighter quality to her voice, whereas Emily's is a bit darker and a little heavier sitting up there... natural though it may be. :) I think she has a "fuller" sound, you know?

I think they're both awesome. I just never really grasped that comparison.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 2:05am

This brings up a very good point. I know working actors are probably just happy that they're employed; but if you're unsatisfied with your current role, should you quit, or stick with it? It's a bit distressing to hear that Emily Skinner's choice to leave a show she may not like is somehow detrimental to her career, just because that job would give her a higher profile.