Idina Menzel's Tony performance — Page 6

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#126

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:21am

^^ this. I know this isn't a fair comparison, but I prefer actors like Kelli O' Hara who don't do belting, and focus on the story. Doesn't mean she isn't capable, but it keeps her well rounded. For me, I would rather pay to sit in a theatre to be told a story, which is what I believe theatre is, than see someone hit really high notes for an hour. It lacks depth, and it isn't very moving. Granted, there are some exceptions of people who dont just throw their head back, and wail. There is an audience, and to me I find it more captivating in that sense.

#127

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:34am

I really don't feel she is belting her way through the show. I felt that more with Wicked where everyone was expecting to hear her hit certain notes. And let's not forget she is not the only one singing this score!

I am no vocal expert but I noticed she is doing something with her voice where she "pulls back" on certain notes as if she is protecting her voice. It is like she is muting the note. (Sorry for the poor description!) I was wondering if this is part of her vocal training.

And I agree this is a vocally demanding role. I was impressed with how at ease she seemed to be singing it the evening I saw the show. The notes seemed to jus flow out as opposed to being forced.

I don't really know what people expect. You have to also take into consideration the type of voice she has. I just think she sounds so much better singing this role. I am not a "fan" of hers but I really enjoyed her performance.

I was at the opening night of the national tour of Next to Normal in Denver. I had heard and read on these boards how ravaged Ms. Ripley's voice had become. I had listened to parts of the recording and everything I read was evident that evening. For some reason, I don't think this will happen with Menzel. I could be wrong though. JMO

Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

Updated On: 6/10/14 at 10:34 AM

#128

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 10:38am

Kelli O'Hara and Idina have very different voices. Kelli is very classically trained, and her show highlighted that with the opera-like numbers she was given (To Build a Home, Almost Real, Always Better). Idina's show highlights both her belt and her quieter side (Learn To Live Without). Kelli is simply not (or a least not known as) a belter - and she and Idina play very different roles. And belting is often required in scores - Evita? And many actresses area well known for belting - Patti LuPone. Idina sounded healthy and in the moment, and was certainly the highlight of the broadcast for me. So please don't judge for only belting when the number is out of context and more truncated than the Follies OBCR.

"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir

#129

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 12:58pm

JNB - Go see the show - then pontificate.

Up In One

#130

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:20pm

mstar, have you seen the show?

It does tell a story. Two, actually.

Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

#131

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:49pm

"Kelli O'Hara and Idina have very different voices. Kelli is very classically trained, and her show highlighted that with the opera-like numbers she was given (To Build a Home, Almost Real, Always Better). Idina's show highlights both her belt and her quieter side (Learn To Live Without). Kelli is simply not (or a least not known as) a belter - and she and Idina play very different roles. And belting is often required in scores - Evita? And many actresses area well known for belting - Patti LuPone. Idina sounded healthy and in the moment, and was certainly the highlight of the broadcast for me. So please don't judge for only belting when the number is out of context and more truncated than the Follies OBCR."

This...all of this. It's like comparing Sandra Bullock to Gwyneth Paltrow...just totally different styles and strengths.

#132

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 1:57pm

"I am no vocal expert but I noticed she is doing something with her voice where she "pulls back" on certain notes... I am not a "fan" of hers but I really enjoyed her performance."

What are we supposed to "read into" the seemingly "unnecessary" quoting?!

#133

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:16pm

I wasn't aware that bring primarily known for belting or your head voice affects whether the musicals you perform in tell a story or not; in fact these are two completely separate factors!

#134

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:22pm

"I wasn't aware that bring primarily known for belting or your head voice affects whether the musicals you perform in tell a story or not; in fact these are two completely separate factors!"

This.

#135

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:22pm

Up In One - I saw the show. My comments are informed by its content.

Words don't deserve that kind of malarkey. They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good anymore…I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.

#136

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:33pm

hater, nothing to read into. Just put quotes around those descriptions because I wasn't sure if I was using the right terms. Calm down!

Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

Updated On: 6/10/14 at 02:33 PM

#137

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/10/14 at 2:37pm

I'm calm, just couldn't figure out what inflection you were meaning for us to use, as they seemed to read fine without them...

#138

Idina Menzel's Tony performance

Posted: 6/11/14 at 4:07pm

can't blame her for belting since the song seems to be intended that way by the composer, which might be artistically disputable, but it is what it is now. And she's a terrific belter and I also have the feeling that she's not damaging her voice. maybe some people just have some sort of physical superpower for neverending belting, who knows... i mean look at that face and that the openness of her mouth (sorry if that sounds weird) she clearly has some admirable bonus points for singing there.
acting wise I am not quite as convinced. these huge, manic eyes. The biiig steps she is taking, the arm whirling... She could be a bit more elegant, poised or soft there IMO. However, despite the wide-open eyes in some moments, I was still moved in other moments, esp. At the beginning, where she looked very sad and almost worn down, empty. I hope that is just good acting and not anything one might be reading into it due to what happens in her real life.
Overall hats off to a great Broadway star.

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