I didn't care for Sherie's take on Maureen at all. For me, it had nothing to do with the fact that she wasn't Idina.
In short, Sherie's interpretation of the role bothered me. Maureen is a goon. She's hammy, absurd and at times borders on insane. However, the most important character trait for any Maureen in my opinion is that she never realizes that she is hammy, absurd or borderline insane. Maureen has to believe in herself and take herself 100% seriously in order for the character to work.
Sherie played the role somewhat tongue in cheek, as if she was making fun of herself. She emoted Maureen's wackiness which I find to be a big mistake for that character. In effect, she was gesticulating a lot of "wink, wink, nudge, nudge - I'm goofy" mannerisms that really was wrong for the character in my personal opinion.
Sadly, it seems that a lot of Maureen are going with this approach these days. When I saw the show earlier this month I questioned whether or not the cast truly "gets" the show.
I've actually grown to enjoy her very much, but her Maureen (due to interpretation, not talent) was one of the worst.
Updated On: 11/30/05 at 10:27 AM