I agree that a good actor will put their own spin on a character as opposed to mimicking or downright copying a distinct performance right down to the inflection used by another actor. While it is always nice to see high schools and regional companies successfully put their own spin on the designs and direction of a musical, it's not the same as when performers blatantly rip-off another's performance.
Unless the school caters to aspiring set designers and theatre directors, there's nothing wrong with reproducing an award winning production. Part of an actor's craft is to offer their own vision of a character. If acting is all about copying your favorite Broadway star's take on a role, then you might as well make a living as an impersonator and stay away from acting.
She is talented and I'm glad she is going places. I'm pretty sure she didn't intend to copy Lupone or Walsh. It happens when you look up to and admire a particular performance--you subconsciously tend to mimic what you admire. I'm sure she knows better now.
And those of you outraged over the use of the same orchestrations are utterly ridiculous. What do you expect? For a high school to write whole new orchestrations? Oh man, LOL.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
Updated On: 5/31/10 at 08:56 AM