I saw Lauren the night of the 20th and thought she was great. I actually enjoyed her performance more than Emily’s. I thought Emily was good, but her character’s awkwardness felt a little too put on and forced. Lauren seemed naturally awkward and, in turn, it created a very endearing and sweet Middle Allison. Not to say Emily’s Allison wasn’t as well, but there was an innocence that I think is crucial to the role that isn’t fully there in Emily’s performance (for me).
Having seen these two ladies, as well as Alexandra Socha, in the role, I think Socha has been, far and away, the best in the part so far. With Socha, I felt like every line, movement, and expression was infused with a quality perfect for Middle Allison and she had a beautiful voice to boot. For me, she elevated that role to a place neither Emily or Lauren reached. Not to say Emily and Lauren weren’t great in the part – they both did a great job and, had I not seen Socha’s performance, I don’t think I would have felt like I was wanting for anything. However, having seen Socha and seeing one of those great performances where it felt like the actor and role were meant for each other, Emily and Lauren’s performance never reached that level for me.