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Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

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#1

Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 3:18pm

What are some your favorite character transformations in a musical?

There is Sandy in Grease. Not really a favorite - but she transforms.

Roxie in Chicago. Great transformation. Going from a down in the dumps housewife - to sexy murderess, becoming a big celebrity, and costarring in her own vaudeville act! And if you think about Velma transforms - but not for the better! She goes from being a very popular vaudeville star - and soon she is overlooked because of Roxie - and no one cares for Velma anymore.

Maria in Sound Of Music - She's not doing such a good job with becoming a nun. She is sent to be a nanny for a family. She becomes a mother figure for the children - falls in love with Captain - becomes a wife.

There's Anna in the King and I. Goes from an English Widow - to a school teacher for The King of Siam's children. She finds a special bond with the children, the king's wife, Tuptim & Lun Tha. and most of all - we find there are feelings between her and the King.

But my favorite has got to be - Louise in Gypsy. From tomboy Louise - to the most famous stripper of all time Gypsy Rose Lee. This is the ULTIMATE transformation of a charcter, in my opinion. And if you think about it - the actress playing Louise has a huge task.
Gypsy and Roxie are my favorites.

What character transformations do you guys like?





Updated On: 7/22/05 at 03:18 PM

#4

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 3:22pm

Jo in Little Women. She goes from gawky, awkward tomboy to dignified young lady. I didn't even realize it until the "The Most Amazing Thing" scene. I kind of tilted my head to the side and went, "Woah." Then I thought back on the rest of the play and noticed all the little ways that Sutton slowly showed the transformation. It was brilliant. Just . . . perfection. I can hardly fathom how much thought and work she put into the role to add the little nuances that made Jo's transformation so believeable. Just . . . wow.
artistic dominion

Updated On: 7/22/05 at 03:22 PM

#5

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 3:47pm

Little Red and Jack from Into the Woods, as well as the Baker's Wife.

And I agree about Louise in Gypsy, but I don't think she was truly a tomboy, just shoved in that atmosphere. She had to live with half a dozen boys and dres up as one - but I dont think she would have really been one if she hadnt been in those circumstances. Her transformation is incredible - shy, awkward little teen to teh confident and glamourous Gypsy Rose Lee.
Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on." - from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
#7

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:06pm

When I saw Mark Hamill in The Elephant Man (ok, not a musical)

But talk about a transformation of body and spirit - and all without any makeup, etc.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" - Willy Wonka

Updated On: 7/22/05 at 04:06 PM

#8

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:09pm

The Baker - Into the Woods

He goes from cold to loving and, sadly, back to cold. But in the final moments, we see him pull together and decide to be a true man and stay to raise his son.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
#10

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:25pm

Anika Noni Rose's character and Caroline in CAROLINE OR CHANGE
Louise in GYPSY
Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ
Margaret in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
Cliff in CABARET
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson
#12

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:37pm

Eliza Dolittle from Cockney flower girl to elegant lady

Henry Higgins from He-Man woman hater to at least "Growing accustomed" to one's face

Elphaba from misunderstood green lady to Wicked Witch

Of course there are more...

Praying Decca Broadway will put "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" on CD!
#14

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:40pm

As much as I love Wicked, I don't think Elphaba had much of a transformation. She just kind of was. LOL She was never really misunderstood. People simply shunned her because of her skin. The only real transformation I can think of is from bottling up her frustration to letting it loose.

Though I could be wrong. *shrug*
artistic dominion
#15

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:44pm

Elphaba DOES go through a small transformation...

Idina Menzel, however, did not.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson
#16

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:44pm

The Witch in Into the Woods.

I know people see her more along the lines of Physical transformation as opposed to Character transformation, but she does develope likeable qualities throughout the show.

Elphaba, Glinda, AND Fiyero in Wicked.

Definielty Louise in Gypsy and Eliza in My Fair Lady.

Jo in Little Women.
"It's the little things; the details, that distinguish the Barbra Streisands from the Rosalyn Kinds."~Gilmore Girls~
#17

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 5:03pm

Jean-Michel in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#20

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 5:27pm

I'm jumping on the Louise bandwagon, especially during the Strip. It takes a great actress to pull off the transformation of a person's entire set of values in a couple minutes. I love it.

Also, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and even though I think people will make fun of me, Gertrude in Seussical. :)
#23

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 5:38pm

Gertrude learns to be herself and what's truly important when it comes to love, of oneself and of others.
Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on." - from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
#25

re: Favorite Character Transformation in a Musical?

Posted: 7/22/05 at 5:43pm

Tobias in "Sweeney Todd".

Tobias emerges from the cellar, singing in an eerie voice. His hair has turned completely white..
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

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