Katie Clarke — Page 2

If there is any justice, the producers would have brought back Kelli for the telecast. A truly amazing performance.

But I guess not. See what happens when you cast people from Sam Houston University (what the hell is that? Yosemite Sam's school?)

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Thank you iluvtheatertrash, I completely agree, my problem with Kelli was that she was mentally handicap until she had to sing, then she was an adult then she was mentally handicap again. Kind of like Shoshana in Wicked, who would build up the moment, and then when she sang it was like “Shoshana R&B at Joes Pub”

(edited for spelling)

Updated On: 6/4/06 at 12:36 PM

Absolutely brilliant analysis of Katie's performance.

One of the things about all great shows is that the actors can bring their own little touches and intepretations to their characters without violating in any way the intent of the creators or the integrity of the piece.

All of the actors in Piazza do EXACTLY this...and after you've seen the show dozens of times from all vantage points you notice all these little touches which make the performances so subtle, touching, and effective - and always fresh & new... (and there are also the little bits of stage business in the background which are so delightful - example : the priest sneaking a glass of wine behind the table floral arrangement during the madness after Franca kisses Fabrizio and everyone else's attentions are elsewhere...there are lots of little things like this that are going on constantly in this show ...and are delightful to watch even if they aren't center-stage).

And each actor will bring different nuances to every individual performance if they are truly in the moment and not just walking through the role. Even with her incredible focus and consistency, I don't think I have ever seen Victoria do the role EXACTLY the same way twice...there are always almost unnoticeable differences from performance to performance. It keeps the performance alive.

And Katie is particularly talented in getting these little things into her portrayal - making Clara a vibrant, complex, and appealing character (not that Celia, Kelli, Jennifer, and Laura also don't each do the same in their own unique ways - but they aren't Katie's ways...as it should be).

It was an interesting week in which you could see David Burnham playing opposite 3 Claras - Katie, Jennifer, and Laura - all within the span of one week. Aaron has done so as well, and has commented on the challenges and rewards of finding different Claras on different nights - all during the same week.

i love how people are saying Katie Clark "emboddied the part" of a retarded girl. that just cracks me up...

For those who want to see for themselves, Katie returns Tuesday night, and Aaron Lazar returned last night (Saturday) after his week of illness and is playing the Sunday matinee today with Jennifer Hughes.

Mr. Tuttle obviously doesn't know what he/she is talking about. A) Sam Houston State University is one of the leading musical theatre school in the country. and B) Katie Clark is one of the most talented/hardworking people ive ever met, and she deserves everything she receives.

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I'm attempting to stay out of this as I'm obviously biased, but I'd just like to thank Issame and iluvtheatertrash for your thoughts. Katie is a brilliant actress.

Seeing as how Miss Ohara didn't attend one of those institutions either, I fail to see the relevance in your blanketed and easily assumed point. Nonetheless, I respect yours and everyone's opinion. Back to the true subject, Katie. There was clearly something there the day they cast her, something genuine and beautifully astonishing, or else they wouldn't give that chance. I believe she's great! "The Beauty Is" that regardless of where we go to school, what notes we miss from time to time, what critics didn't like our acting choices, we get to see in performers like Katie how unique we all are. It's her up there showing us that gift we each posess. Congratulations Katie! I believe in you (and in all of us out there)!

I would think many people from the southern institutions that "aren't worth mentioning" would consider you a pretentious prick, Mr. Tuttle. Way to belittle a lot of hard working performers, some without the means, finacial or otherwise, to attend the schools whose tips you are riding.

Katie Clarke is extremely lovely. Her vocals are charming. I have no doubt in my mind she will become a leading lady, next to Kate Reindeers, Kristin Chenoweth, Sherie Scott, and Rachel York. However, she can't hit some of the notes. She strains a lot. For example, in "Tirade", she's out of breath for most of it. You could say this is a character choice, since she's... throwing a tirade. Or you could say she's not controlling her breath. I would rather see Clara belt at Franca full force. Her talents are apparent. They just need to be somewhere. (I picture her as Glinda or Christine Colgate myself. Hehe...)

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Ah, the age old question of great singer with diminished acting skills, or a brilliant actor who's straining for the notes.

Depends on the show, and I think, here you need someone who can sing the score. There's nothing more painful to me than praying someone through a song, and it will always lower my opinion of the actor, performance, show. It's just the way I am.

It's a Guettel score, the show is gorgeousness embodied; strained singing doesn't really fit in.

It wouldn't stop me from noticing her acting abilities, but I don't like to make excuses after shows, saying, "Well, I guess it's ok that she couldn't necessarily sing the score, because she's a great actress." Not in this show, at least. Tonya Pinkins was straining the hell out of Caroline, and I still thought it was one of the best performances I've ever seen live.

I haven't seen Katie yet, but I guess I'll see on the 15th, and I'll be able to comment, and maybe I'll be wrong!

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Can't wait to see the telecast this week.