Denée Benton

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Denée Benton

Posted: 7/23/17 at 1:14pm

Is she alright? Apparently Lauren Zakrin had to take over for Natasha after intermission yesterday, and I feel like she's been missing a decent amount of performances recently.

https://twitter.com/MegBeechPoetry/status/888876075815710723

Updated On: 7/23/17 at 01:14 PM

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/23/17 at 1:47pm

I saw from Lauren Zakrin's instagram that she had to go on at intermission (She's a champ). Someone on The Great Comet Fan Club on FB was at the show and said it sounded like Deneé's voice was going, so hopefully it's not something more concerning. I don't think she has done the 8 shows a week recently, but thinking how demanding the role is, it makes sense to have the u/s on several times a week.

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 9:45am

I have to confess, Denee was out the first time I saw this, but being a Zakrin fan way back from her "Search for the Next Elle Woods" days I knew I'd be in good hands. She did not disappoint, and honestly I found her voice to have more color and variety then Denee's- nothing against Denee, the part is a bear and she has a wonderful clear voice, just a matter of preference. I second the poster above who said she hasn't been doing 8 performances a week lately, but it doesn't seem planned. I spoke to Shoba recently who said she had no scheduled performances coming up and then she was on that Wed. afternoon. I'd love to see her too- this is one hard working cast, and a highlight of the season for me so far- can't wait to see it again!

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 9:47am

Saw this a couple of weeks ago - a Wed. matinee and Miss Benton was out. I guess she's too big to do 8 a week? J/k j/k j/k

Grace McLean was the great discovery for me. And Ingrid was fabulous, so I wasn't sad about missing Denee.

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 9:55am

I thought she was the weak link in the cast when I saw it. Of course it's hard to compare to someone like Josh Groban.

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 9:58am

I saw Zakrin with Groban and Benton with Malloy- I found both of those matches to be ideal, Amber Grey is still my standout in this!

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 10:06am

Wow....And I've never seen a single understudy.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 11:03am

I saw Denee July 14th, and to me she seemed a little off. Still hit all the emotional beats perfectly, as expected when the show's been running this long, but it seems almost like her heart wasn't in it. I would not be at all surprised to learn she's sick and I hope she gets better soon, because the first time I saw her (late jan) she was incredible

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 12:37pm

comets said: "I thought she was the weak link in the cast when I saw it."

I thought the same the first time I saw it (which was whenever the last preview performance was), but by the second time back I thought she had improved immensely. Though she still gets out-shined by all of the supporting female cast members (especially Grace), imo. But to be fair, I've always thought the supporting roles are generally a lot more fun/sympathetic than Natasha, so it's harder to win audience members over playing her.

And if I had to guess, I'd assume her voice is getting fried. All those high-notes are good for no one.

Updated On: 7/24/17 at 12:37 PM

#10

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 3:25pm

Also, Lauren has been with Comet since the beginning and my heart will be broken if she never becomes the lead Natasha. I know, life on the theatre, and being an u/s, but she's so, so, so good at it. She's a Comet Powerhouse

Also, her No One Else is my favourite.

#11

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 3:28pm

I saw Denee on Sunday and she was a POWERHOUSE, both vocally and acting-wise. Her voice isn't getting fried- if anything, her time in the role has only made her stronger. Actors , especially those in demanding roles like Natasha, sometimes get sick and have to call out... It happens!

#12

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 3:37pm

^No one is disputing that, they're human. People are just commenting on a pattern. No one is even disputing her talent, everything brought up is a matter of opinion, which is what we do here

Updated On: 7/24/17 at 03:37 PM

#13

Denée Benton

Posted: 7/24/17 at 5:03pm

PaulWom said: "I saw Denee on Sunday and she was a POWERHOUSE, both vocally and acting-wise. Her voice isn't getting fried- if anything, her time in the role has only made her stronger. Actors , especially those in demanding roles like Natasha, sometimes get sick and have to call out... It happens!"

Oh good! I'm so glad she's feeling better. Lucas has been on a lot of vocal rest too (Not speaking at stagedoors) but it sure didn't show when I saw him the past friday

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