Laura Bell Bundy and the Note — Page 2

I agree that LBB isn't very good, vocally. She also has problems with the belting during the title song. The Evita comparison is a good one. If she can't hit that note, find someone who can.

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I saw this twice over the weekend (not by choice) and she did not hit the note either time. I thought she might be doing better with some vocal rest but apparently not.

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Yes, she has missed performances. Both Becky Gulsvig and Annaleigh Ashford have gone on in the role.

"Musical Theatre isn't always about hitting the notes perfectly. On the cast recording, sure, but every night in a show that rests on your shoulders? Character should come first. She's not off-key, she just can't always get there. Big deal. I think she's doing great. Has she even missed a performance yet?"

I could not disagree with you more. Characterization is a vital part of theatre, obviously... but they don't call it MUSICAL theatre for nothing. This is professional theatre, not some community theatre production. When people are paying 100+ dollars to see you do a show, you better give them their money's worth... and from what I hear, that is not happening. People keep talking about theatre before mics and Ethel Merman. Well Ethel also played Rose, who carries just as much of Gypsy as LBB does of Legally Blonde, and she was never out, and she hit her notes... without a mic. There is no reason for a real-time pitch changer, I could see maybe a click track. But I think it's a little immature to be saying "give her a break, it's not her fault". The reality is that this is a business, and if you only hit the note for half the audiences that come to see the show, that means half the audience didn't get what they paid for. So get a click track, or get someone who can sing it 8 times a week.

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I couldn't give you a number, but I know it's quite a few. I believe Annaleigh only went on once.

Yes, Ethel Merman did carry Gypsy, but I don't seem to remember the names of her exhaustive dance numbers in that show. Help me out here folks... she danced in what, three numbers? Did she do "You Gotta Have A Gimmick?" "All I need is the Girl?" Maybe NONE!!

We all seem to love Sutton Foster. I don't seem to see any mention here of the massive cheat the producers allowed her to take in "Modern Millie" when she DROPS AND OCTAVE on the final note of the title song which we all know that freak of nature Julie Andrews belted out of the park, er, once in the recording booth.

Give the girl the note. Give the girl her props and give the girl a break.

Oh, and Becky Gulsvig didn't get the part for numerous reasons I'm sure. The producers chose LBB for what they considered sound reasons. They surrounded her with wonderful performing talent and chose a great director (style of clothing on the first day of rehearsals aside) and slick costumes and sets.

So they made one mistake. They should just fix it and move on.

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I think what people are saying is they need to fix the problem, and come up with an alternative. She can't keep singing it the way she does.

I can do it. So I know she can do it too. But she needs to have a back-up.

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Do you do it 8 shows a week? I'm sure 3/4 of the audience doesn't even notice. It is a thrilling song, with or without this money note.

Well...I forgot about how Laura was actually a robot who is programmed to hit every note as perfectly as she does on the recording....

oh wait...

she's HUMAN?

damn those humans for not being perfect...maybe someone on the message boards who OBVIOUSLY KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT THEATER should do the role instead...







........seriously people?

I thought this thread was titled "Laura Bell Bundy and the Nose" which would be just as appropriate.

I never heard Idina Menzel hit the last note of Defying Gravity either...not live twice, or on television.

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mywonderwa11-If you're interested in hearing Annaleigh's version, search around on "the site". There's an audio of her.

Just wanna add that I saw the show recently and she hit the note PERFECTLY AND she was great through out the whole show. My friend got back from his trip to NYC today and idk if he saw it on tues or whatever but apperently he said she hit if fine also. I think we are being a bit to hard.

Sondheim has been quoted as saying her prefers acting first, singing second.

Just saying...