More missed shows: Murphy or Reinking????- Page 2

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 10:59am

I think the reason why so few missed is because it is much more difficult to perform vocal subtlety on mike than performing not-so-subtle (or perhaps a different kind of subtle) off of mike.

When you have to project, you learn projection, and usually louder is easier on the voice (if done correctly...which it would have to be in order to sustain). It is usually combining a piano sound with a forte one that messes up the technique of performers. So, it is no wonder many singers on Bway have to have vocal rest...they have to learn both the art that Merman and her kin knew, PLUS a miked technique that allows for greater subtlety of voice. And, with each new mike it seems a new technique must be learned...thus you see so many stars requesting the same sound equipment at different venues...so they don't have to relearn their voices on the new equipment.

It's a tricky trade, and I easily forgive stars who miss. Well, for legit reasons. I still don't buy that Errico has that big of a vocal problem. I think she's just embarrassed.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 11:16am

It's not like I hunt the star down and smack them round the head with their own bad technique if they miss a show or anything, but Donna Murphy has taken the most enormous liberties.

[joeyjoe]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 11:25am

"I still don't buy that Errico has that big of a vocal problem. I think she's just embarrassed."

touchme, i now have coffee stains on my shirt...

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/22/04 at 3:20pm

And those of us who happened to see "Chicago" during Ann's absence had to suffer through the pathetic performance of Nancy Hess.

[AReinkingfan]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 1:30pm

Oy!

I travelled 7 hours by car to Boston one year to see Ann with a touring company of CHICAGO, but when I opened up the Playbill that evening, alas, she had been replaced for that performance. (DOH!)

Thank goodness, I was fortunate enough to see her in a performance of FOSSE at a later date.

[timote316]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 2:30pm

After hearing Reinking on the Chicago Cast Recording, I'd be thrilled with her understudy lol. Her voice annoys me on the CD

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 3:18pm

amen timote, i'm not fond of her on it either

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 4:00pm

Why must everyone constantly bring up Donna Murphy's abscences? Yes, it is true she missed many performances, but we don't know what the truth is. Perhaps the reasons that Merman and Martin were able to maintain 8 shows a week is because the theatres were 50 years younger. They were not nearly as bad as they are now. I can only imagine what backstage is like.

Nobody knows what went down at the Hirschfeld. There very well may be a back story that nobody knows. Donna Murphy has said in past interviews that she is ill, and it would be UNETHICAL for her to discuss it. The show is hard show to do whether or not you happen to be sick. "Conga!" alone is a killer. Ms. Murphy has said that she has performed with SEVERE back pain. If you saw "Wonderful Town" more than once, with or without Donna Murphy, then you probably noticed a change in "Conga!" Ruth does not fall from the fence anymore, she is lowered down by the fleet. The director would not have allowed the change if there had not been good reason.

I agree that the press on this show has been bad. There needed to be some statement as to what was going on. Not necessarily from Donna, but from someone. This does not mean that Donna Murphy should go gossiping to Liz Smith. That is unprofessional.

I wish Donna Murphy all the best with "Passion" and all her other future projects.

[capnkidd]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 5:11pm

touch me,
you are dead wrong-ms errico has indeed been ill-shame on you for suggesting otherwise when you clearly have NOTHING to base that on...and dottie?Nancy Hess is an excellent performer who once had to be called from home after being released when ute lemperer unexpectedly left during act1-the curtain was rung down for 15 minutes & Hess had to start cold with "I can't do it alone".A real trooper...

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/9/04 at 10:59pm

Please, Let's not diss Ann Reinkings voice.

I think her interpretation of Roxie is quite interesting, it's more an over the hill woman, craving success..

I think Anns "Funny Honey" is BRILLIANT. She pours so much emotion into the song, with her singing. After Amos rats on her, her anger, her emotion, through her voice is AMAZING. Truely an amazing version of the song. Her and Ruthies "Funny Honey" totally KILL the Weak voiced Renee and her version.

And also, you gotta be crazy to say you rather have seen the stand by than Ann. Ann is an incredible dancer, and has amazing stage presence, and I would kill to have seen her Roxie..damn.

[AReinkingfan]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 1:27am

Bravo, ljay! Well put!

I know that not everyone likes every Broadway actor or actress, but it's nice to remember and appreciate the legends who paved the way for our newest bright stars.

Ann is best known for her dancing, primarily. Her vocal style is definantly an acquired taste. (I happen to enjoy the raspier sound myself.) This vocal style fit the roll of Roxie Hart for that particular recorded intepretation (CHICAGO circa 1997), and in my personal opinion, was also a fitting tribute to the Broadway legend Gwen Verdon who had originated the role in the 70's, as it was similar in some ways.

[capnkidd]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 1:43am

you mean other than the fact they both did bob....lol

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 1:44am

well i gotta say i do love how she handled certain songs (funny honey, nowadays)...just some i can't stand (roxie, just for how she says " a whole buncha boys"

[capnkidd]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 1:44am

and welcome back,reinkingfan

[AReinkingfan]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 1:59am

Thank you for the "welcome back", Capnkidd! And as far as your other comment goes, in the words of Rosalind Russell as Auntie Mame... "How vivid!" lol

jonartdesigns - I can appreciate your opinion. But that line "a whole BUNCH of boys!" in the song "Roxie" has had me laughing since the first time I heard it! (Ha ha) Crazy delivery, wasn't it?

[capnkidd]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 2:21am

reinkingfan,
she really was a *ahem* unique roxy..I understand she ended up w/the role because they didn't find anyone suitable....sort of a default...a very charming lady,too...

[AReinkingfan]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 11:05am

I had never heard the story that Ann received the roll of Roxie by default! Interesting. Wonder if that is true...

In any case, I still think that it was a very good choice. And she IS a very gratious lady. I was able to meet her briefly after a performance of FOSSE, and she stayed by the stage door in the freezing cold and signed anything that anyone put in front of her, and spoke with the fans. I could barely ask for an autograph, due to nerves. She is one of an extremely few people who can do that to me. Ann was absolutely delightful that day.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/10/04 at 11:19am

Yep.. I agree with you AReinking fan, you've made some great points.

I do agree though, I'm not that huge a fan of her Roxie, but I really wish they included the monologue on the Cast Recording.

But I think it might be true that Ann wasn't suppose to be Roxie. I think I've read before that Faith Prince was gonna do Roxie at Encores. But something happened and she couldn't do it. So they couldnt really find anyone else, and they knew Ann played the role in the 70's....and since shes doing the choreography, she can act, they felt she can handle the role.

I THINK that's what happend, not completely sure.