Change of heart on particular actors?

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 2:14pm

I was wondering if anyone has experienced a change of heart personally for any theatre actors where you have either been enamoured by them and now are either annoyed or find them a bit over rated or the reverse where you didnt care for them and now have opened up to being a bit of a fan of theirs.

For me Cynthia Ervio I was a huge fan of back fourish years ago. And I dont know if its the political movements out of everything or what but now even when watching her I find it a little meh. Not saying she doesnt have an incredible voice more than Ive found recently watching her I find it difficult to sink in to watching and believing the character and falling into the story

On the other hand I was never a Kelli OHara fan even turning down number of music as she was in. It was not until watching the 90th Sondheim birthday that I really started taking note and shes really just kind of impressed me with tone and vocals and everything about that.

Speaking of Sondheim as well, as a kid I was never a fan of his. It wasnt until I started analyzing the lyrics and looking at his work from a score study aspect that I understand and appreciate the genius of some of his work.
 

Another is Donna Murphy. Who for the longest time I was unmoved. Unchanged by her.  It wasn’t until her performance of send in the clowns. Once again at the 90th that I was really impressed and curious about her and her work 

Updated On: 5/9/20 at 02:14 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 2:35pm

No

[binau]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 2:36pm

It took ‘Bridges’ for me to understand and appreciate the Kelli O’Hara Hype.

I wouldn’t say I was the biggest Patti fan - more just respectful from a distance - but with Gypsy, War Paint, Company and now her Hollywood performance I would say I’m an ultra fan and think her career is peaking right now.

I found Chita’s voice a little unpleasant and tended to prefer later recordings of the shows she was in but after The Visit I now can go back and appreciate much more her recordings of Spider Woman, Chicago and The Rink. I get how she could win the Tony over Bernadette in Sunday.

I never really got the Sutton Foster hype but was shocked that she pulled off Anything Goes and think she was perfect for Violet. Wouldn’t say I’m an ultra fan though still.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 3:38pm

The biggest example, for me, was Tavi Gevinson. Her stage debut performance in This is Our Youth was infamously terrible, but I've now seen her in 3 additional stage roles, and I think she has just gotten better and better. To the point where I now actually really love her as a stage actor. 

I always hated Sherie Renee Scott because I found her singing voice incredibly grating, and something about her mannerisms struck me as off-kilter in a way that I didn't enjoy (though I can see why others might enjoy them). But then I saw her give a really beautiful performance as Gertrude in Hamlet, followed by her performance in The Portuguese Kid, opposite Jason Alexander, in which I thought she displayed some brilliant comedic timing and sensibilities. So now I have a better opinion of her, though it's worth noting that neither of those were singing roles...

As for the negative side, I have to say the biggest example was Annaleigh Ashford. I thought she was hilarious in the first few shows I saw her in, but I got tired of her schtick really quickly. And actually, I thought her work in You Can't Take it With You (her Tony winning role) was probably her worst performance to date. Maybe I saw her on an off day (a matinee), but she was completely dead in the eyes, and half-heartedly churning out her usually -- now old -- Annaleigh-isms. I also did not care for her in Sunday in the Park, sort of for the same reason (though I think her heart was in it more than YCTIWY).

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 4:45pm

Ah yes, men only complaining about female actors. Adorable. 

[binau]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 4:51pm

Male actors are barely even worth talking about when it comes to
Broadway musicals. Zzzzzzz. Not trying to be ‘sexist’ towards males but it’s one of the few/the only art form I can think of where females have the best roles and are doing the best work overall. So no need to get on your ‘woke’ high horse. How dare a MAN ever provide criticism. A MAN? An actual MAN DARES to do that in 2020? You MAN. STOP IT MAN. And could it be a gay MAN? Even worse. 

Updated On: 5/9/20 at 04:51 PM

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 4:52pm

Really? Grow up[mature].

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 5:01pm

Haha. Sure, bros.

The only person I've ever had a change of heart about would be Neil Patrick Harris. I liked everything he did, especially Hedwig. However, when Rachel Bloom was doing her funny Tony awards commentary backstage a few years ago, his reaction, comments, and forgetfulness about who her husband was regarding HIMYM was just gross. I have been completely uninterested in him since. 

 

Updated On: 5/9/20 at 05:01 PM

[binau]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 5:10pm

Yes but the worst part about him is how his husband played Tulsa in the Sam Mendes Gypsy revival and took some stage time off Bernadette, a woman. Sexist.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 5:27pm

Nothing to do with him as a person, but I saw John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli shortly before he announced he'd be leaving Jersey Boys. I had only seen the (very new) tour at that point and I thought JLY was lacking in energy and bite, and he was straining for the high notes, but when I saw him the first time he returned to the show many years later, it was like seeing a totally new performer.

In between those performances I also saw him as Marius in the Hollywood Bowl Les Miz, and he was excellent, but I'm very glad I went back to see him as Frankie after all.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 5:31pm

Sutton Ross said: "Ah yes, men only complaining about female actors. Adorable."

 

Genuine apologies for perpetuating sexist habits. It certainly wasn't something I was conscious of, so thanks for helping me reflect on the impact of my actions. 

Am I more critical of female actors than male actors? I'd like to think not, but maybe, subconsciously I am. Something for me to think about, I suppose. 

 

In the meantime, let me see if I can even things out a bit  

Kenneth Branagh - I was first exposed to him through things like Harry Potter, Road to El Dorado, and his Much Ado - all of which I think are great performances from him. But the more I started seeing him act, there more I came to view him as a total hack. I really can barely stand to watch his acting performances any more, though I think he's a decent director. 

Alfie Boe - loved him in Les Mis (both the filmed concert, and on Broadway), but then I saw him deliver one of the worst musical theatre performances I've ever seen as Billy in Carousel, and I can't erase that from my mind. 

Raul Esparza - I've never disliked him, per se, but I used to find his voice a bit irritating and nasal. I still think that about some of his early cast recordings, but I actually think his vocal technique has improved a lot in the past 10 years or so, or at least he sings in a way that I find more enjoyable to listen to. And the more I see him onstage, the more impressed I am with how skilled an actor he is. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 5:40pm

Apology completely accepted, I sincerely appreciate you being thoughtful. 

Thank you for your thoughts on those three actors. I heard about Alfie Boe's disastrous Billy in Carousel, I just can't imagine him in that part.

I also agree about Raul. I didn't understand what the big deal was about him, until I saw more of his work. Incredibly talent and skill. 

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 6:01pm

I’ve never experienced a run of shows by an actor that would sour me on them, thankfully. (Though Jessie Mueller came close with that severe stumble in the revival of “Carousel”)

I’ve actually come to appreciate Jake Gyllenhaal much more over the years through his stage work. I was never a die-hard, must-go-see-his-movies person, he was always just “Meh” to me.

When he crossed over to the stage, I saw him in “Sunday In The Park” and I was blown out of the water because I found him stunning and it seemed like a whole new avenue for him. And then watching him do “A Life” moved me to tears. Couple that with his recent streak of embracing his absurdity (like SNL and the John Mulaney Kids Special), has made me cognizant and appreciative of the range he has

[willep]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 6:04pm

First saw Damon Duanno in Hadestown and was not a fan, thought he was the weak link in an otherwise wonderful production. I then saw him in Beardo and he won me over. There are moments from that that are still etched into my mind.

[fosterfan2]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 6:35pm

I used to be a very big Kristin Chenoweth fan. I still like her,but I'm a bigger Sutton Foster & Katrina Lenk fan now. I agree about NPH; I'm a bigger fan of Gavin Creel,Aaron Tveit,and Matt Doyle now.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 6:38pm

qolbinau said: "Male actors are barelyeven worth talking about when it comes to
Broadway musicals. Zzzzzzz. Not trying to be ‘sexist’ towards males but it’s one of the few/the only art form I can think of where females have the best roles and are doing the best work overall. So no need to get on your ‘woke’ high horse. How dare a MAN ever provide criticism. A MAN? An actual MAN DARES to do that in 2020? You MAN. STOP IT MAN. And could it be a gay MAN? Even worse."

Completely agree

[fosterfan2]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 6:38pm

Theatrefanboy1 said: "I was wondering if anyone has experienced a change of heart personally for any theatre actors where you have either been enamoured by them and now are either annoyed or find them a bit over rated or the reverse where you didnt care for them and now have opened up to being a bit of a fan of theirs.

For me Cynthia Ervio I was a huge fan of back fourish years ago. And I dont know if its the political movements out of everything or what but now even when watching her I find it a little meh. Not saying she doesnt have an incredible voice more than Ive found recently watching her I find it difficult to sink in to watching and believing the character and falling into the story

On the other hand I was never a Kelli OHara fan even turning down number of music as she was in. It was not until watching the 90th Sondheim birthday that I really started taking note and shes really just kind of impressed me with tone and vocals and everything about that.

Speaking of Sondheim as well, as a kid I was never a fan of his. It wasnt until I started analyzing the lyrics and looking at his work from a score study aspect that I understand and appreciate the genius of some of his work.


Another is Donna Murphy. Who for the longest time I was unmoved. Unchanged by her. It wasn’t until her performance of send in the clowns. Once again at the 90th that I was really impressed and curious about her and her work"

I had the same reaction to Donna. I've been reading up on her since then and looking for old performances. Now I wish I'd gotten to see her Dolly Levi.

Updated On: 5/10/20 at 06:38 PM

[binau]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 7:07pm

I just remembered one - Betty Buckley. I think Jordan said recently that she had the greatest voice in musical theatre history. From what I can tell, I might agree - she has the vulnerability and expressiveness that Bernadette has but at the same time a dark, piercing, powerful belt that is matched by no one. I absolutely love the recordings of her in Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Carrie. However, when I finally saw her perform circa 2014 I could barely recognise her voice - very disappointing! And I’ve listened to her recordings probably hundreds of times. So sad. I don’t fully understand why ‘some people’ such as LuPone can retain their voice while others don’t. When LuPone was asked recently about the state of her voice if I recall she said thank god for ‘technique‘. I’m guessing it’s more complex than just this. But still.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 2:19am

fosterfan2 said: "Theatrefanboy1 said: "I was wondering if anyone has experienced a change of heart personally for any theatre actors where you have either been enamoured by them and now are either annoyed or find them a bit over rated or the reverse where you didnt care for them and now have opened up to being a bit of a fan of theirs.

For me Cynthia Ervio I was a huge fan of back fourish years ago. And I dont know if its the political movements out of everything or what but now even when watching her I find it a little meh. Not saying she doesnt have an incredible voice more than Ive found recently watching her I find it difficult to sink in to watching and believing the character and falling into the story

On the other hand I was never a Kelli OHara fan even turning down number of music as she was in. It was not until watching the 90th Sondheim birthday that I really started taking note and shes really just kind of impressed me with tone and vocals and everything about that.

Speaking of Sondheim as well, as a kid I was never a fan of his. It wasnt until I started analyzing the lyrics and looking at his work from a score study aspect that I understand and appreciate the genius of some of his work.


Another is Donna Murphy. Who for the longest time I was unmoved. Unchanged by her. It wasn’t until her performance of send in the clowns. Once again at the 90th that I was really impressed and curious about her and her work"

I had the same reaction to Donna. I've been reading up her since then and looking for old performances. Now I wish I'd gotten to see her Dolly Levi."

IMO she was the best of the three.  I have loved Murphy since The King & I.  

[darreyl102]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 2:40am

I used to never understand why people enjoyed Elaine Stritch so much. to me she always sounded like someone's drunk Aunt getting up and singing at a wedding. Like she was shouting all the time and angry. However, nowadays I actually can enjoy her performances. And have a great respect for her, tho I don't think she's the greatest singer, she's a great entertainer and performer.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 12:55pm

I never understood the appeal of Bernadette Peters until I saw her live as Dolly. In person she is absolutely magnetic, to the point that I now appreciate recordings of her that I used to despise.

[Skip23]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 4:08pm

Was Meh about Aaron Tveit until the Sondheim 90. Now I like him more.

Almost always loved Donna Murphy (not so much in Dolly and Passion) but the Sondheim 90 cemented her greatness.

Kelli O was always shaky for me until the Virus Videos. Now I want to see her every week.

I too was never a big Esparza fan until Encores. His Anyone Can Whistle and Road Show performances were excellent.

Sutton is Sutton. I’ve seen great and meh and bored from her.

Harris has fallen way down on my list. Too too.

Ashford just didnt work for me in Sunday.

Love Benanti but she cant play period. She’s always a woke gal. Maria and Eliza and Amalia were eek. But her Rosabella/Amy in TMHFella was perfect.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 4:26pm

Call_me_jorge said: "No"

Thanks, as always, for your valuable input.

Ben Platt comes to mind... not a fan of his work or career following Evan Hansen. 

Updated On: 5/10/20 at 04:26 PM

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 5:07pm

GreasedLightning said: "Call_me_jorge said: "No"

Thanks, as always,for your valuableinput.

Ben Platt comes to mind... not a fan of his work or career following Evan Hansen."

Oh man.  There’s one for me.  Ben Platt huge fan in Dear Evan. After that meh. Overrated 

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 6:35pm

I didn’t quite get the hype over Heather Headley for a long time. I just thought she was a serviceable actress who had a great voice. Then I saw her in the Color Purple and was blown away at her acting choices and how alive and charismatic she was onstage. She stole that show for me and that was a stacked cast.