Debbie Gravitte Singing Defying Gravity

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:15pm

I just got this CD today and am a bit baffled at people’s utter hate for her rendition of this song. I think her version is great. Confident, versatile, and powerful. But hey, that's just me!
Updated On: 1/21/06 at 08:15 PM

[Patronus]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:17pm

Uh yeah....but it isn't ShOsH. Duh!


Updated On: 1/21/06 at 08:17 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:18pm

Well really, what IS Shoshana?

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:20pm

I like her version as well. It's different, but that's what I like about it.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:22pm

Well she's clearly not Elphaba. If you're expecting her to sing it in character in that American Idol style then of course you'll be disappointed.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 8:30pm

I think Gravitte shows the song does not have to be sung in that American Idol style. Like any good song, it's open to different interpretations. She makes the song her own.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 12:43pm

I agree. I've had it on repeat all day yesterday. I'd heard such bad things about this album, but I adore it.

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 12:57pm

Urgh thank goodness for BobbyBubby. I thought I was the only one.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 1:00pm

The only place she should or ever could sing this song is within "Wickeder" from "Forbidden Broadway: SVU." The only thing I liked about that redition was the ending. The rest sounded pure cabaret.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 4:37pm

What's wrong with that? It was changed to fit Gravitte's unique style. I think it fits her voice perfectly.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 4:51pm

Debbie Gravitte belongs to a different type of musical theater acting-style. She's not Idina Menzel or Eden Espinosa. This is the woman who won a Tony for performing in Jerome Robbins' Broadway in the 80s. She sings the song in her own style and that's what makes this album so amazing. People who are used to the "American-Idol syndrome" as Mrs.Maureen McGovern very well puts it, will obviously think Gravitte's rendition is less than stellar, but her style fits the song perfectly well. This is one of the best albums by a Broadway actor in a while, all the reviews were great too so I'm glad for her.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 4:52pm

I love her rendition.

And I love her MEMORY. Very different than the piercing versions.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 4:55pm

Every track is pure magic. From her singing all 3 parts in Sing for Your Supper, to her great I Dreamed a Dream, to her unique Memory.

I sort of wish she didn't call the album Defying Gravity, as I imagine many Wicked fans will buy it expecting something else. Ugh.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:00pm

As long as she sells the album, I don't care if every 14 year old in the country buys it thinking this is Menzel's competition. And the name of the song sort of fits her last name, don't you think? I am so glad she included Mr.Monotony and When You're Good to Mamma. Debbie Gravitte is the real deal, why isn't she on any show right now?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:05pm

Was she in Chicago singing "when you're good to mamma" I Don't see her playing that part at all. As for her defying gravity...her voice isn't my thing, but no 'disses' to her. She's far more successful than I am at the moment, so she's doing something right.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:05pm

I agree. I love the way it fits here name. She even sort of pronounces Gravity like her last name, which is a nice touch.

It's a tough call. DO we just want Gravitte to make money, or do we want to put cd's in the hands of people who actually care about this type of music? Even her version of Memory isn't the way most people are used to hearing it. So it's a tough call for me. I find it a tad annoying that so many people are pushing their preconcieved notions about Defying Gravity onto Gravitte. The composer asked her to do this song all over the country, so clearly, it's good enough for him.
Updated On: 1/22/06 at 05:05 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:09pm

If pop opera is your love, then clearly, Debbie won't fit into your tastes.

Yep, she played Mama on Broadway. Her voice fits the song quite well. She has that saucy bounce to her voice that makes it work.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:12pm

She would definitely play a more sexy Mama than, say, Lillias White...whou would probably be more sassy.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:17pm

I've seen Mama played so many ways. There are so many ways to play that character, that so many different types of singers can do it.

Lea Delaria is probably my favorite Mama to date. For some reason I love Mama being played like a bull dyke.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:17pm

Yeah, I guess I just picture a big black lady playing the role instead of her. Kinda cool though.

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:18pm

Then imagine skinny ole white ALIX KOREY...who just made that song hers, and took the ending up much higher.

I think I love Lea DeLaria in "LITTLE FISH" and her song "Sign"

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:20pm

I understand where you're coming from, Rentboy, especially since Queen Latifah did the movie. But actually someone like Linda Carter, Wonder Woman, played the role on the West End and it is rumored she might do a Broadway run since she was recently spotted watching the New York production. Debra Monk is also not the typical big lady singing the role, and yet she was perfect.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:20pm

Alix Korey makes everything hers. What a great performer.

I'm addicted to her solo cd.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 5:22pm

I would buy a CD of Deb reading the phonebook if she put one out.

I love her to pieces!

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 1/22/06 at 7:35pm

Debbie Gravitte is really just...refreshing. I myself love the whole Sutton Foster Broadway twang, and not usually but from time to time a popish feel but Debbie is big-brass-band Broadway. And I LOVE that. Plus she's insanely gorgeous and sweet.