"I would have to agree with "the Pud." Some roles are made for younger actors and actresses, and the role of "Sherrie" is one of them...in my humble opinion."
As long as you look/read the part, there is no excuse as to why someone can't play a certain part. The question is do you take care of your voice and body to a point where you can handle the role?
For example, look at Elle Woods, another role written for a younger person that requires stamina. Laura Bell Bundy was in her mid-20s when she assumed the role, and her voice got shot eventually. Wasn't Becky Gulsvig older than Laura when she assumed the role? In my opinion, her voice was able to handle the demands of the role much better. Not to mention she was touring.
NYTheatre01, you are right in saying that certain roles are made for younger actors, but to actually question someone's capability to handle the role based on their age is just stupid. If you are 38 and able to play a role such as Sherrie, then what is wrong with that if you look the part? I didn't even know Amy Spanger was that old.
And implying Amy Spanger's age had anything to do with her inability to handle the role is just as stupid.
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611