Okay, now that Ive read the entire thread, I shall chime in on everything.
Roger, you need to chill. (and please, before you respond telling me I must not be a theatre professional because I don't fall to her feet, remember that I AM) Donna is an alright Velma, but by FAR she is not the best. If I wanted to be mean, I'd call her a one trick pony, but we have no reason to be mean to each other anymore... soo.... but I digress.
Donna is very talented, that is true. She does have a husband -- Cleve -- who is also an actor.... and her daughter is an absolute doll. But I doubt they have kept her from moving forward and leaving Chicago. She's been in the show, what? 9 years now? At this point it's not only a paying gig, but it's also habit. I have no doubt she will close that show out.
She's alright as a Cell Block Girl. She's.... consistent, that's for sure. She's alright as a Velma. Definitely not my favorite, but I'd take her over a lot of other Velmas in a heartbeat.
As for non big black belty Mamas.... oh lord. Michele Pawk, hands down, my FAVORITE. I have never seen a woman SO encompass the role and just be so goddamn amazing. A close second for favorite Mama is Roxane Carrasco. She played Annie in the show for a number of years and understudied both Mama and Velma...... Rox is a powerhouse in both roles... and she's not big and black either. lol
"You're every gay man's wet dream!" ~ MA
If in Heaven you don't excel, you can always party down in hell...
