both.
very different but awesome takes on the role.
Given that it was pretty much written for Audra...
Audra.
Is there a recording of Audra doing this show?
I don't know about the show, but the title song is on her recording at the Donmar.
Idina Menzel was simply astonishing at The Public (and this coming from someone who loves Audra McDonald and finds Menzel to be overrated in just about everything she's ever done.)
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/8/07
I saw idina at the public. Def. her best work :)
Audra without a doubt.
I was astounded by Idina's nuanced, truly beautiful performance at the Public. She was excellent. I can't imagine many other people in the role. (might like to see what Kate Shindle could do with it.)
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
I didn't see Audra do it, only heard her version of the title song. But I truly enjoyed Idina's performance in 2005. I love her doing that jazzy stuff so much more. But that show is one of my absolute favorites of all-time, anyway.
Mungo: Audra performed the role in Williamstown a few summers back. Mary Testa and Henry Stram were the two cast members who returned for the version at The Public. Tom Wopat and Michael Hall were the other two (along w/ Audra) who were in the Williamstown production.
Any good? Bought it months ago and havent played it yet.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/7/06
When the show was in Williamstown, was the entire show performed or just R Shomon?
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/8/07
I never saw Audra in the role, but her version of the title song on YouTube is egregiously saccharine.
It was all three peices TheaterAddict but it was then titled "R shomon".
http://www.wtfestival.org/performances/detail.php?PerformanceID=335
Williamstown's site with pictures of the production.
Granted, I never saw Audra do it, but...
I thought it was the best thing I've ever seen Menzel do. She was really terrific. I think Audra, although probably playing it a bit differently, could of done the Kesa and The Wife just as well. However, I CANNOT picture her as THE ACTRESS (which I thought was the role Idina truly excelled in.)
Speaking of Idina and Audra, in just a few short weeks Idina's real life husband will be playing Audra's TV husband (well actually ex).
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/6/05
Let's keep in mind that no one here has seen the original and we don't really know what changes were made. I must say I enjoyed Indina's performance...except for the title song. Having seen Audra a bunch of times I can honestly say that I think Audra would rip thise role a new one. As much as I loved Indina in this role, I think Audra acts rings around Idina in general.
I've nothing to say about Kate Shindle doing this...
I prefer listening to Audra's version of SWIWS, but Idina really nails alot of the other songs on the recording. My personal fav's are Kessa and No More
Broadway Star Joined: 2/7/06
Thanks for the pictures, gustof777
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
Does anyone know why Audra didn't reprise her role for the Off-Broadway production?
I'm not 100% but I'm fairly sure that it was conflicting with several concerts and other obligations.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
By the way, the Illinois Theatre Center will be presenting the Chicago area premiere of SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE in April, 2008.
our website
Featured Actor Joined: 6/7/06
I didn't see Audra's performance, and I have a hard time seeing her in the role that I saw Idina play. I'm a fan of Audra's, but her acting seems to be...well...all the same.
I'm not a "huge" Idina fan, but I thought her work in SWIWS was truly remarkable!
-Vincent
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