How about Jennifer Hudson as Elphaba?- Page 3

[ladywholunches24]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 2:54pm

[yarn769fink034]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 3:11pm

Elphaba doesn't have to be white but,Jennifer doesn't have the voice and I'm just going to say it She's t fat.
Margrate Cho once said "Baby,you to fat to fly" you people need to aply that.

[Rentheadut]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 3:53pm

While I think that Jennifer Hudson is absolutely INCREDIBLE I'm not sure how I feel about her doing the part of Elphaba. I don't have a problem with Elfie being black, but I just don't see J.Hud as being able to pull off the wicked witch. Joanne, yes. And of course, Effie. But Elphaba? Eh....

And when oh when are we going to get a black Tracy Turnblad?!

[ladywholunches24]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 5:38pm

we cant get a black tracy turnblad... that would mess with the plot of the show, u know with the whole penny falling in love with *i m not giving it away ahahha* and the issues dealing with race in hairspray

[Rentheadut]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 6:12pm

Oh yeah.

Hmph.

Point. Set. Match.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 11/28/04 at 6:20pm

No the question is when are we going to get a black Rose in Gypsy? Or a black Audrey w/white urchins in Little Shop? That would be tight!

I don't want J-Hud in Wicked now. I'd rather her orginate a role or do a revival of a classic show.

[Ronlopez]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:46am

Magaret cho is still fat too. What the hell does that have to do with this young lady being on the stage? And unless she is doing a play about the life of the olsen twins i don't see where size comes in. Her voice is just fine.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:05pm

Jennifer is losing weight anyway. I think it's hard to tell because her cheeks are still plump, so you can't see it in her face.

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:16pm

I try never to post on these inane threads, but when ignorance is on display, I must chime in.

There are people here who think an actress who can handle Effie is out of her depth with Elphaba?

Are you kidding me? Effie is one of the most punishing roles ever in the history of theatre (not just musicals...THEATRE). The emotional journey and vocal ability needed is overwhelming and can actually damage an actress's ability to sing (witness Ms. Holliday).

Some days, reading these posts make me want to jump out the window because sometimes people have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!!!

[Rentheadut]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 2:24pm

Robbie-

It's not that I don't think Jennifer can handle the emotional depth of Elphaba--that's not it at all. I just have a hard time picturing her in the role. I think she's incredibly amazing but I agree in that she should originate something or start small. Taking on Elphaba is kinda a big deal.

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 2:29pm

It's true that most actors and performers are not ideal for every role. And an honest, intelligent discussion about that is one thing.

But when people start claiming that she can't handle Elphaba but should be just fine taking on Effie, it smacks of both ignorance and racism. Just saying.

Also, if you think taking on Elphaba is a big deal, just WAIT till casting starts for the DREAMGIRLS revival.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 2:46pm

Robbie, you said it all!!

That's the reason why DG is so rarely done because it's such a demanding role. There are many people who could take over Elphaba, but I can only think of a few that could even touch Effie.

[Ronlopez]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 3:26pm

Robbie some people like to follow in the steps of our president and act retarded. We don't know how she would be. That is why there are so few blacks on stage now. They are not given the opportunity. And with closed minded statements like I have seen in here I can tell why.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 2:54pm

For those who actually never heard her sing. There is a clip on her new website.

Bringing back this thread is a little obnox
http://www.jenniferhudsonmusic.com/

Posted: 1/1/05 at 3:26pm

"I think it is fair to question her acting ability simply because she has never done any."

For what it is worth, Jennifer worked as an actress in the Chicago area long before American Idol ever hit the airwaves. In fact, she has spent more time on the acting stage than she has ever spent in that singing competition. American Idol may have put a lot of contestants on the radar screen but it doesn't mean none of the performers ever worked in theatre, or any othe art form, before they appeared on the show.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 5:13pm

I'm getting in late on this conversation, but I think having a black Elphaba, at this point, is a little too much for the producers. Yes, Elphaba is GREEN, but you would know if there's a black girl playing the role, and it would kind of make the show about something different, what with Elphie being so hated and outcast. Just think about it: a black wicked witch of the west. That has all kinds of implications, even though they're not meant. I think it will and should happen, but not so soon into the run. I personally think it would be fine, but I'm sure there are people out there that would take it the wrong way. Am I totally wrong on this?

As far as Jennifer Hudson specifically, I think that her voice is too "round," if you will. It's not as piercing as I think Elphaba should be. Her voice is HUGE, but not exactly piercing. I could see someone more like Shayna Steele than Hudson.

And as far as her acting goes, I don't think anyone can address it because no one has seen her just ACT. From her American Idol performances, she was one of the few singers that performed her songs, so I would assume that she's got some acting chops in her. But I DO think that she should tke on a smaller role before she tackles Effie, which she should.

(**Let it be known that I am NOT racist in any way, shape or form.**)

[Justice]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 6:05pm

Um..she's good for Effie, Dorothy, or something original..but certainly Not Elphaba.

[felineofavenueb]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 7:12pm

Justice, I'm going to hope you just mean vocally. Personally, I can't hear her (in my head, obviously) as Elphaba but race should have nothing to do with it.

As far as going on AI goes, I think it's a shame that a lot of people seem to think of it as a cop-out to real talent. I admit to being addicted to the series and I'll be the first to admit that half of the finalists always suck. But there are those that are really talented (Jennifer, for example) that happen to go on AI and have that be their foot in the door. I don't think major media coverage should be a good enough reason to write somebody off for being on B'way. That being said, I sitll would like to see her earn her way to any leading B'way role rather than it being handed to her becuase of her time in AI, and it appears that she's doing just that.

[kim1061]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 8:04pm

someone said awhile ago that she wouldn't be good because she is fat. well shoshana got it and she's not the size Idina is. Megan isn't the size JLT is and yet she is still there. I think weight has nothing to do with it.

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 9:33pm

I LOVE Jennifer Hudson's voice. Not sure if she can act, but she sure can sing. However, I don't think she would be right for "Wicked." "Dreamgirls" or "Caroline, or Change," sure. Not sure if "Wicked" would be her thing. I love when we talk about race it's, "Why can't there be black Elphie," or "there should be a black Rose for 'Gypsy'". Okay, how about a white version of "Raisin in the Sun," or cast Tammy Blanchard as Dorothy in "The Wiz"? hehe

-Vincent

[Ronlopez]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:25pm

yeah she was on stage b4 idol and as far as a white cast for the wiz or raisin in the sun. ha ha. that is the same argument as how about straight pride. makes no sense and is not needed.


http://www.jenniferhudsonmusic.com

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 1/1/05 at 10:30pm

And a black Mama Rose, or Gypsy Rose Leigh isn't needed either...but, hey, that's just me!

-Vincent

[felineofavenueb]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 3:16am

And, OrdinaryJukebox, you're just prejudiced (or at least you're reaaaaally coming off that way)... but, hey, that's just me!

[Thetruth]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 11:06am

Ordinaryjuke, In the race/roles debates most have agreed that shows dealing specifically with race (Hairspray, Raisin in the Sun, etc) should be cast traditionally. Parts in shows where race is not a major factor could/should have color-blind casting. Your example A Raisin in the Sun fits into the first category, so your point sounds very illogical...As far as The Wiz goes, that's a bad example because the play was meant to be a black/soul/motown/whatever remake of The Wizard of Oz. I don't have a problem with other races playing the other roles, but in order for the show to stay true to itself, Dorothy needs to be black.

Also, I'm just curious as to why you mentioned an all WHITE cast of Raisin in the sun and a WHITE Dorothy in The Wiz...Why not include some other races in your example. It's not just a black and white issue.

[kim1061]

Posted: 1/2/05 at 11:27am

well said, thetruth.