Katie Finneran in today's NY TIMES

[Owen22]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 8:06am

For those of you who are criticizing (and taking nasty delight) in Katie's struggling during the previews of "Annie", make sure you read the interview. Yes, she is struggling, but its an actor's struggle, looking for tone and trying to get past a surprising ailment that makes her past triumphs all the more remarkable. And I'm sure she'll be remarkable again.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 8:49am

Read the full article here:
http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/theater/katie-finneran-takes-on-annie.html?_r=0&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1350564482-s6egVG/80OmR2W//QoHyhA

[newintown]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 9:05am

I have loved the gal in prior shows, but I just can't stand it when performers complain about their difficulties. I once saw a formerly almost-famous singer in her twilight years, croaking her way through a seedy cabaret act, announce to the audience out of nowhere, "I'm sorry; this band just isn't very good, they're holding me back..."

Just do the work, sweetie, and take care of the audience. And never try to analyze comedy.

[Owen22]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 9:09am

I know one shouldn't feed trolls (and no matter how long you have been on here newintown you are STILL a troll) but ... no, on second thought ...

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 9:29am

Very interesting article. It sounds like she is taking full advantage of the preview period though.

[newintown]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 9:32am

If I'm a troll, Owen, does that make you a billy goat gruff?

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 10:01am

Newintown, there is a difference between an artist apologizing or passing the buck during a performance and an artist being completely honest in an interview. I didn't read this as a complaint. I read it as a great actor baring her soul in the same unparalleled way I - and it seems you as well - have seen her bare her soul on stage.

And when Finneran bares her soul, just try to turn away.

I am a huge fan of hers, loved reading about this process, sympathize with her struggles, and wish her a great success in ANNIE.

No matter the result, she is taking a great risk and I have the utmost respect for her professionalism and fearlessness.

[newintown]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 10:22am

Point taken, henrik, point taken. As I noted - I've enjoyed the gal many times and will again, no doubt.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 11:35am

I think she's definitely analyzing it too much. I don't think Loudon or Burnett analyzed their portrayals this deeply. Just play the play, Finneran.

[ajh]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 12:23pm

She certainly doesn't sound like she's bleating or moaning about the difficulties that she faces, she's just stating the facts and good on her for doing so. I think good comedy tends to have it's basis in truth and by building up her Hannigan over the preview period from what sounds like a pretty melancholy starting point she should, by Press Night, have a hilarious and unconventional take on the role (if all Hannigans were expected to facsimile Loudon or Burnett there wouldn't be much point in ever doing the show again imho). My only problem with this is the fact that preview prices are now the same as main run ones, so early audiences are possibly getting a far less satisfying experience than later ones but for the same buck, but that is a producing issue, not one with Ms Finneran. Am seeing this in February and I must say that Katie Finneran's casting was a deciding factor in my going ahead and purchasing a ticket to Annie.

Updated On: 10/18/12 at 12:23 PM

[newintown]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 12:39pm

"I think good comedy tends to have it's [sic] basis in truth..."

It's Acting 101 lessons like that that are responsible for most of the grisly murders of comedy today.

[LYLS3637]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 12:58pm

"It's Acting 101 lessons like that that are responsible for most of the grisly murders of comedy today."

No way. The best comedy has its basis in truth or what is perceived as truth. From I Love Lucy to All in the Family to Mel Brooks to Tootsie to Christopher Guest and his troupe, great comedy arises out of some sort of emotional attachment to what we see as real either about ourselves or the society around us.

The immaturity and uneducated factions of the masses is what's responsible for bad comedy. It's the only way to explain how Adam Sandler and Larry the Cable Guy get to keep making movies.

Katie Finneran clearly has the instincts. I see a few parallels between her and Lucille Ball. Lucy used to be horrible during table reads, but as she developed the comedy each week during rehearsal, she was able to work out what eventually translated as "funny."

Updated On: 10/18/12 at 12:58 PM

[CalebMeyer]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 3:25pm

Anyone who's saying that she's analyzing it too much is just being silly. It's her job as an actress to explore EVERY facet of Miss. Hannigan, and from that interview it seems that she's doing everything in her power to turn in a great performance. Some people can just jump on stage and give a dazzling performance, some need to spend weeks reading the script over and over again, some people need to live as the character for a while. We can't hold Miss. Finneran to our own standards of how she should get that performance.

[Owen22]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 5:09pm

Dear newintown:

I'm sorry your life turned out so horribly.

Enjoy voting for Romney.

Owen

[newintown]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 5:14pm

[gasp!] Owen! Such viciousness is beneath you, sweets, it really, really is.

You know, it's not such a bad thing to encounter disagreement from time to time - that is, if we can maintain some sense of humor.

That's your Sunshine Lesson for the Day - Cheer up!

It gets better.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 7:06pm

I'd also like to point out my opinion that in the NY Times main picture of Finneran with Crawford, it looks very Carol Burnett-Aileen Quinn-style to me... They were obviously influenced (they = the designers) by the 1982 movie version. The red cardigan on Annie, the purple dress and red hair on Hannigan.. hmmm...

[Owen22]

Posted: 10/18/12 at 7:42pm

You can, as always, think the person who is persecuting you is doing so merely because said person disagrees with your opinion. Everyone knows its because you're actually Satan. Or Ann Coulter.

[newintown]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 8:59am

"Persecuting?" "Satan?" "Ann Coulter?" "The?"

Such hyperbole. Such silly rage. What's it all about, Alfie?

Remember - perspective. Perspective.

Finneran, delightful though she is, will be forgotten before a century passes. And you will never be known at all. So what's the point of all this hysteria?

[Owen22]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 9:39am

yawn

[newintown]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 9:44am

Please - don't start relying upon devastatingly witty wordplay; I won't be able to keep up!

[After Eight]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 9:47am

"And I'm sure she'll be remarkable again."

She's already remarkable (again). I found her to be wonderful as Miss Hannigan.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 10:00am

Just a hunch but I have the feeling she is going to get raves, and the success will be deemed all the more triumph for the struggle.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 1:35pm

I found that interview fascinating and touching. I don't think she's using her struggles as an excuse. I applaud her for being open about the obstacles she faces in creating a role. Very much looking forward to seeing her performance next month, after she's had a while to find her footing.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 1:55pm

A few of my queens just saw it and said Finnerman was stellar.

[egghumor]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 10:45pm

I just now read the article and then I reviewed the entire thread before posting... Before I respond to the feature piece, I want to state for the record that I'm a (surprisingly) big fan of ANNIE (at least the original Bway production) and Katie Finneran. I was one of multitudes who was delighted to learn that she was cast as Miss Hannigan and assumed she'd likely skate to her next possible Tony (or get VERY close). I also want to add that like newintown (assuming I understand his feelings), I'm often turned off by interviews and works that focus on the “angst of art-making.” Even before I read the article, I did not read with that thought in mind as The New York Times clearly sought Ms. Finneran for such a discussion.

In general, I thought it was a terrific piece and I certainly ended feeling lots of empathy and respect for Katie Finneran – and everyone involved in this high-pressure production.

OK... The reason I'm posting is because the thing that immediately leaped out at me was how YOUNG Katie's Miss Hannigan looks! Yes, I know Katie Finneran IS young, but lordy, she DOES NOT look like someone who has given up on herself and is bitter – and guzzling when her spare time permits. In these photos, because of her beautiful eyes and open expression, the remaining glamour really undermines Miss Hannigan's desperate behavior and choices. In fact, there's no evidence of any desperation in the two photos as far as I'm concerned.

I agree with those here who support this fine actress in pondering and exploring every psychological aspect of Miss Hannigan, but PLEASE, can someone help her with some of the externals???!!! (the director and the designers – makeup especially need to get busy and help Miss Finnegan out – now!)

I realize I'm basing my freakout solely on two photos, but I have to believe she actually looks like that to large degree on stage, no?