I simply do not get: Elaine Stritch Ethel Merman Barbra Streisand Mandy Patinkin Kristen Chenoweth Carol Channing Nothing against any of them, I just don't understand the hype.
*sighs* I knew it was coming evetually, but it's too early for a flame war. To each their own, bythesword. But what exactly do you dislike about him so much? Just curious. I guess i would have to say Krisitn Chenoweth. Her voice is obviously well-trained, but I don't love it and her characters are all so much alike I have to wonder if she can act anything else.
audra mcdonald?!?!!?! she have an amazingly trained and controlled voice, and an amazing range. plus she is a fantastic actor. she could be doing opera right now
"Contentment it seems merely happens, It appears Accompanied by no bravos and no tears"
"The world is good you said Enjoy it's highs you said The summer flies you said So make a parade Of every moment Now throw away your hate And focus on what's great instead" ~William Finn
Adam Pascal Idina Menzel and the entire original cast of Rent esp that Daphne girl Hunter Foster Hugh Jackman (he scares me) Carolee Carmeloo esp. after she butchered "Don't rain on my parade" this summer. People actually cheered after ...wtf Donna Murphy in WT
while i agree with jrb, i DO have to say that "hype" is what the fans give the performers... why not ask the question, "why are fans so vehement in their adoration of certain actors or shows?"
I knew Mandy Patinkin would be mentioned (even though I think he's an extraordinarily talented individual, with one of the most UNBELIEVABLE voices in the business), and I had a feeling that Peters (whom I LOVE) and Channing would be mentioned, but STREISAND and LINDA EDER??? I'd think this board would worship them.....and MERMAN? Wow...Whatever...
I think the appeal of Ethel Merman was her booming voice. She could project her voice to the back of the theater without a mic. Back then that was all they cared about. I personally dont like her, but I recognize how much of a legand she is. Carol Channing is such a big star because of her personality and stage presence. I dont get Elaine Stritch. I loved her monologues in her show, but I dont like her singing.
I don't get: Bernadette Peters (I don't like her voice at all) Sutton Foster (I thought her voice was good, but not great like some people said she was, though she's a very good actress)
I'd be curious to know how many of the people posting actually have seen the people they appantly "don't get" LIVE - or even perhaps have seen them in more than one role/performance to have something to compare. I'd give more thought to the suggestions if I knew they weren't coming from just listening to a CD or TV performance.
BTW, it's interesting to read everyone's opinions. Such different tastes we all have.....