Kerry Butler interview now up... — Page 2

Sheekala:

To which show are you referring to, or was your comment about first preview just a general one. I didn't gather from Kerry's interview that there was a "complete" blank slate at the first preview. It sounded like he (Zaks) built on the character during previews, and not that he was clutching at theaterical straws.

Maybe I misinterpreted your post (which could be likely)...

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It sometimes depends on the director also, Hal Prince comes into rehearsals with a very clear idea of how he wants the show to "live" and be seen, Zaks is usually focused, althought he had many different directions regarding Guys and Dolls, many that were "wrong" after trying them and it led him to change many aspects right up until the official opening.

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oh--i think you make a very good point, robbiej! =) Some of the best theatre in the country is regional--not Broadway.

I think sheekala said what I was trying to say in a better way.

All in all, I think Kerry's interview sheds some interesting light on things. I'm willing not to blame her or her talents. Maybe she was misdirected or miscast. I think the issue is rather similar to the Bernadette/Gypsy issue--is the person (who we know is talented) simply miscast? Or just a take we don't agree with?

I need to see this show so that I can really have a specific opinion about Kerry. But, these thoughts are universal. And, this is a great thread.

=)

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Jack I just meant "In general", and I said in one of my early posts that Jerry Zaks should get some of the blame, and maybe Kerry Butler will grow into her Audrey, and maybe this production will run for 10 years and maybe my pants will fit me one day.

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Look, I'm sure that Butler is a very funny, kind woman. Again, I don't know her personally BUT... couldn't it be as simple as this,(and I'm reiterating again because I KNOW Jack loves it when I do) she may very well NOT be the greatest, most gifted musical theater *actress* there is. Audrey is a very complex role and Ms. Butler may not have the depth or range as an actress to do many *deep* roles. Maybe the "Penny Pingleton" thing is what she does and what she does best. The fact that she has good vocal skills does not necessarily make her a gifted actress. We can argue this forever but it's a great deal more simple than any of us (myself included), have made it out to be. Great role, not so great actress to portray it.

Al Al

I do love it when you reiterate yourself reiterate yourself :)

I don't think anyone on this thread, myself included was hailing Ms. Butler as the "the greatest, most gifted musical theater *actress* there is"

Everyone can debate this forever. And lucky for you (and I) that debates happen on this board.

It's unfortunate that you would grade any performer based on one role they have had. It sounds like you have written this woman off based on her Audrey. That she can't possibly be a good actress because you didn't like her in this role. That's fine. If I were to base my theatergoing on that principal, I probably wouldn't ever go to the theater anymore. Nor would I even read your posts anymore.

Maybe I missed the part where you've seen Kerry do serious roles that allowed her to show you depth and range in the past that forced you to come to this ultimate conclusion.

All that said. I respect your opinion. She doesn't do it for you as Audrey.

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That's not true Bg, I don't think she's a great *actress*, that's all. I've seen her in Hairspray and Bat Boy. She's a fine vocalist(weakest, IMO, in LS)but has never blown me away with her acting chops, or rather, lacktherof. It's never been personal. When it's *personal*, I'll let you know.