Patti Cohenour replaced Clark, beautifully, this afternoon

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 8:08pm

I had wondered if Clark might miss today -- the album is being recorded tomorrow -- and whether related or not, she was indeed out. I won't use this thread to debate the score, which I am still on the fence about, but Cohenour was in every way accomplished at the matinee today. Her performance has a sweetness and an unmistakenable authenticity to it -- the gentle pre-Golden Girls Rue McLananhan sprang to mind -- and she breathed confidence throughout, even timing the transatlantic calls to her husband with apparent perfection. Her singing is, as expected, both bell-like and, when needed, soaring.
We debate understudies often at this board, and most of us have little patience with absences, and feel cheated. But I am glad I stuck around today.

I saw the Cohenour Christine in PHANTOM almost twenty years ago. She is a gift to the theater who continues to give, and one bit of irony should be noted: credit-for-credit, she is by far the more experienced actor. One could argue, she's had the more well-rounded career; certainly, she's played roles that are in general more vocally demanding than the ones done by Clark. There might've been a time when Clark was Cohenour's understudy. As recently as last year. Such is the nature of timing and opportunity.

I applaud the management for finding someone of comparable talent, presence, and standing in the profession. PIAZZA is an enemble show in many ways, and it's encouraging to know that a key component is being handled by two ladies who deserve its spotlight. Or, as they might say in the show itself, "la luce della ribalda." Bravissisma, Patti.

Updated On: 4/24/05 at 08:08 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 8:13pm

Thanks for the review.

I love Patti Cohenour, I had no idea she was in the show ANDClark's understudy. Good for her, especially since her normal part is so small. Another standby/understudy I wouldn't mind seeing as instead as the original (not that Clark won't be brilliant, but at least she has a brilliant person to cover for her)
Updated On: 4/24/05 at 08:13 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 8:16pm

Bravo for cheering on an understudy!!

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 8:23pm

I have liked her in everything except the last SOUND OF MUSIC revival. Her Reverned Mother was just too darn nice. Other than that, I do appriciate Cohenour's work a great deal.
Updated On: 4/24/05 at 08:23 PM