The Scorpion, I've read your thoughts on this
Wicked-loving generation theory of yours elsewhere and while I do see instances of it (like for example, this thread), I would caution against perceiving Americans in general that way (have read your thoughts on us, too).
Wicked, as popular as it is, isn't the new Broadway standard and the style used by most of its leading ladies doesn't belong to it but it's more a carry-over of long standing Broadway theatrical acting traditions ("cutesy", over-saturated in character voice, and acting to the rafters by its female performers). You have referred to the Eva alternate as possessing such a "bland" aesthetic that you say is in the style of
Wicked. I see what you mean, but trust me when I say attributing anything of that degree of influence to
Wicked alone is giving it way too much credit.
And just to set the record straight, I feel confident enough to speak for my fellow Americans in saying we aren't so incredibly simplistic that we insist on a Patti clone because that's what we were first exposed to and are accustomed to. And that certainly isn't the sole reason or even a significant part of the rationale that has lead to a lot of the negative opinions regarding Roger's Eva. This is coming from someone who was really put off by people's bashing of Roger and her talent, which she clearly has more than enough of; however, I too am not thrilled by what I've heard of her Eva on the official Broadway cast album and various clips around the net.
I've never understood this overly simplistic rationale that decides people like or prefer something over another due to familiarity. If talking about the general public, then it makes sense since people who aren't really all that vested in something and take a passing interest do typically go on what they know and have been exposed to, but we are fans of this stuff. Some of us passionately so, and I doubt Roger has garnered the reaction she has due to not being a Patti clone.
Having said that, *I* should play diva Peron. We don't have matching junk but who cares. This is the theeeeeatre. XD
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.