How the BLONDE casting plays out (aka: the also-rans who also got cast) — Page 4

Bailey's dancing was leaps and bounds ahead of Autumn, yes, but singing or acting? No. Bailey is a total caricature, overacting every line, begging for people to watch. And her singing? It was pretty good last night, but in no way better than Autumn's. Autumn is a natural actress. But they wanted to keep the mold of a dumb blonde Elle, so of course they chose Bailey.

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Updated On: 7/22/08 at 11:05 PM

OMIGOD u guys I'm new to the broadwayworld community and I've been reading all of your messages and honestly getting a kick out of them you guys are hilarious. But I swear I almost choked on my Twix bar after reading this heinously absurd comment by musicaltheaterfan3. The way I see it is you can only play the race or religion card when it's a completely valid argument. Personally I could never play Elle Woods mainly because I don't have the stamina and because, oh I don't know maybe it's because I'm totally Jamaican!!!!! If they don't like Jews they really wouldn't care much for me!!! The character Elle Woods loves to tan, I don't need to tan because I'm golden brown all year long. To say that Emma didn't get the part because of discrimination and the fact that she is Jewish is ridiculous!!!! The character of Elle Woods is an underdog and is humble when she gets the chance to prove herself, Emma on the other hand from the very beginning felt entitled to the role and that's obviously what Paul, Bernie and Heather picked up on and the fact that she wasn't up to snuff. You've either got it or you don't. And lemme tell ya she didn't!!! Unfortunately Emma thought that she was playing with a full deck of cards and that she had it in spades when in reality she only had a 2 OF CLUBS AND 3 OF DIAMONDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Updated On: 7/23/08 at 03:09 AM

I honestly love Bailey, great personality and charisma from here to the moon, but she does sing a tiiiiiny bit flat most of the time. Just watch the video of "OMG" om MTV (the one filmed on stage), her last note is horrible. But it could be nerves, and I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt!

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Umm. She just didn't go to any vocal coach. She went to the renowned Joan Lader, who is also Patti LuPone's vocal coach.
Joan also worked with Madonna when she needed to strengthen her voice for Evita. And she helped make some long lasting changes in Madonna's voice.

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Updated On: 7/23/08 at 11:29 AM

I only saw the last four episodes of the show, and I agree that Bailey is the more Elle. I don't think that she is the most talented person, but I do think she will be the best Elle. It will be interesting to see if she can sell tickets to this show.

Well i finally got to watch the final (here in the UK we have to wait to download it from some shiny but not all together legal site)

If anyone out there who watched the final really thought autumn deserved the part then you are obviously not paying attention.Autumn has a great voice but it's just not right for that role (Betty Buckley has a great voice but i don't think the Pink Boots and dance breaks would suit her either lol), on top of that her look was all wrong and she had no clue of how to play sweet, cute, valley girl etc.

The simple fact is Bailey killed it in the final, she was on fire and embodied the character, She was Elle.

She sounded great, danced brilliantly and looked the part as well as been believable with everything what came out of her mouth.Every time Autumn would say Oh My God she sounded like she was taking the P**s.

Im glad both have ended up in the show but the right woman for the role won.

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It'd be interesting to see if a 2nd place complex works for Autumn (e.g. Clay Aiken not winning AI but doing leaps and bounds better than the winner). She may not have been the Elle they were looking for, but she may snag better roles in the future. We shall see...

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