I like Idina. I used to love her, and now I like her. I think she's talented, more so as a singer than an actress, but a fine actress.
I must address Kristin because I think she's an amazing performer and singer. I wouldn't say that she is overrated by people like me (who love but do not obsess). But she is overrated by the tweens who saw Wicked and think she's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I must say though, in ALL the times I've seen her perform live, and other instances...that woman has NEVER missed a note. I've never heard her crack or go flat or be pitchy or anything. It's sick, I tell you. Unfair.
Continuing on...
Anika Noni Rose - saw her in Caroline LA tour, nothing special.
Marissa Jaret Winokur - I liked her, she was good, and a nice person to boot - but maybe I was expecting more?
Eden Espinosa - I actually like her voice up until D-ish. Then it gets a very sharp, harsh tone which I dislike.
Amy Spanger - I didn't realize she had a following until this board. But I saw her in Urinetown...everyone else was great, but she was draggy. And she has NO upper register, I swear.
I'm going to get burned for this but...
Norbert Leo Butz. A year and a half ago, people said that they liked him, yet he wasn't a very good actor because the role sucked. Now, there's a thread "Norbert's Gonna Win The Tony??". I saw him perform in Wicked and in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in San Diego. I felt the material was contrived, and his acting choices did nothing to make the humor feel any more natural. I felt he completely overplayed it. The character itself is already over-the-top, and I think he overdoes it. However, when he was just chillin' as Freddy Benson with his hat and khakis, I felt that was good acting. Otherwise, forced.
Regarding Jason Alexander...I saw him in The Producers and thought he was hysterical! However, to each his/her own!
Deet: Shira, I Love You!