Leading Actress in a Musical?

It occurred to me today that the winner of the Tony Award for best leading actress in a musical has always been a favorite among younger fans (Sutton, Marissa, and Idina). I feel that Victoria's well-deserved win this year didn't create a buzz around her by the younegr generation. I am 16 and have seen Piazza twice and I think it's a shame that other adolescents don't create a "following" for Ms. Clark as they did for Sutton, Marissa, and Idina just because her musical is not a big touristy show. It just pisses me off because she works her ass off on that stage every night and because she is not in a campy show, she doesn't deserve a following among the younger generation. Did anybody else notice this? Please post your thoughts.

"And at least all of HER fans are sane."

That is priceless, but very true.

What are you talking about? Chita Rivera is HUGE with 13 year olds!

Yeah, she reminds them of their great-grandmothers.

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I think that because Piazza is such a classical show is the main reason why teenagers aren't creating such a cult gathering. It's okay by me, because I don't think Victoria Clark really needs it... she has talent enough to drive her every day. Her voice and acting abilities are amazing! I personally think that Piazza fans are more mature, as opposed to those who are obsessed with Wicked... no offense, but to see Piazza a couple of times is definitely different than seeing such a fun-driven show like Hairspray. That being said, I think that Piazza has a lot of funny moments from each character of the story.

--korenglish

I think you're generalizing too much. Not EVERY young Broadway-lover follows Sutton, Marissa, AND Idina. I'd venture to say not even MOST do. I love Idina. I love Sutton. But Marissa does nothing for me. I haven't heard enough of Victoria to say whether I like her as much.

I really need to buy that OCR...

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To me, the difference is that The Light in the Piazza and the characters in the show have more substance than say, more lighthearted shows like Hairspray and Wicked. Just because Victoria doesn't, to your knowledge, have a young following, doesn't mean she doesn't have one or have a lot of fans. I'm younger, and think Victoria is amazing. Just because there isn't a new thread about her every day doesn't mean there aren't people that appreciate her talent.

Piazza pays homage to the more classical genre of musical theatre, whereas Hairspray and Wicked appeal to the more mainstream music right now. That's the difference. Younger fans are attracted to shows that have music that they like, thus why they are attracted to singers like Idina, Sutton, and Marisa.

JMO

Piazza is such a great experience, especially the stage door.

No screaming fans thankfully. I was probally the youngest one there, and I loved it. I can't stand those obcessed teen freaks. I try not to thinka bout my Wicked stage door experiences, especially the one I had on Idina's last week, it was ridiculous. And the fans are crazy.

Aigoo basically said it all.

But generalizing...maybe. I for one would rather listen to Victoria than Idina and I'm of the young 'uns... I never really though Idina fun to listen to. Not saying that she's not talented of course, but compared to Sutton...

Anyhoo I see what you mean

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I'm 14 and I LOVE The Light in the Piazza. It's one of my favorite musicals (my favorite after Cabaret) but honestly, as Jimmy said, Victoria Clark's voice does nothing for me. I enjoy listening to Sutton Foster (not really Marissa and Idina), and I love all the other singers in Piazza except for Victoria.

I love Ms. Clark!

jera

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I feel guilty for saying that the "young belters" are dime a dozen (though nobody's criticized me for it yet!). Sutton, Idina and the rest are gifted and unique performers. But there are more musical actresses out there that can sing in that chozen "style." Everyone wants to be an "Elphie," the same way that every young girl wanted to be a "screaming Annie" back in the late-70s and early-80s. It's the popular flavor of the moment, and there are lots of wannabes as well as can-do's.

Victoria Clark has a voice with hidden jewels in it. She can sing sweetly enough, sometimes conversationally, sometimes lyrically, and even belt a bit. Then suddenly in her high register, she can hit dramatic notes that other singers only dream about. I personally prefer a voice that surprises me. Not someone who, in the first 10 seconds I hear them, I know exactly what I'm going to get.

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Updated On: 8/14/05 at 11:42 AM

These are Bobby-Soxer fans... without the proper attire. Just like Elvis had in his day, and Sinatra had in his. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great.

I don't think it has that much to do with relating to the leading characters though. As insanely popular as South Pacific was in its day (and I DO mean insanely popular with all age groups), and also The King and I, there weren't screaming fans of emotional teen girls & boys waiting at the stage door for Gertie Lawrence's autograph, or Mary Martin's. It doesn't take away from these Tony-winning actress's appeal or star power in the least. Just a different fan base, with a different way of expressing themselves.

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Updated On: 8/14/05 at 12:29 PM