I've always been intrigued by the debate on the vocal ability of Sally Bowles. Should you get an actress who doesn't sing well or should you get an actress with a terrific voice? First and foremost you should have an actress who has great acting chops, of course. Should you get an actress who is a terrific singer and have her sing badly on purpose just because Bowles is not a true talent?
Yes, Sally is supposed to be a lousy singer, but I want to hear those terrific songs sung fantastically. I assumed as a kid that when Liza sang in the film version, we were hearing what she THOUGHT she sounded like. I want that incredible song belted out so I get chills, not sung weakly and slightly off key.
But then that's a debate that goes beyond just the musical Cabaret. I remember the first time I heard Send in the Clowns by Glynis Johns I was so disappointed. She didn't sound good, and it's such a beautiful song.
Sondheim has always been of the school of thought that the acting is more important than the singing. I get that you want a terrific performance but, especially with Sondheim, his songs are so interwoven and such a main part of the performance that I want them well sung.
And what about something like Sunset Blvd? Would the character of Norma Desmond really be a great singer? She's an aging has-been star of the SILENT screen. Or is it since her songs are performed as part of her real life and not in a stage performance that its alright to have a powerhouse like LuPone or Buckley sing them?
Does that mean the songs that Sally sings off stage should be sung well, and only the ones performed at the Kit Kat Club should be sung badly?
I've always been fascinated by this debate, singing/acting and reality/fantasy.
Updated On: 9/3/13 at 11:36 PM
