Okay, so I said I wasn't going to get involved in this thread but if I've said it once I've said it a thousand times, I just don't think Miss Bean is a good performer.
Vocally she makes my ears hemorrhage! Her "technique" is horrid. From the placement to the wide "e's" any person with training knows that it is just wrong and unpleasant. I still feel like she scream/yells more than she sings. Not to mention the over riffing that she feels is necessary.
As far as her acting is concerned, I've seen community theatre actresses act far superior to her. She has no grasp of emotion, timing or character at all.
No, I am not coming to this conclusion as I have indeed seen her live and in person in WICKED but the performance on the divine Martha just reconfirmed everything that I have felt and said before regarding Miss Bean.
I of course wish her no ill will, I just find her "talent" less than mediocre and not Broadway leading lady caliber.
By the way, being sick is no excuse. Check out the filmed version of Bette Midler's DIVINE MADNESS concert. She was horribly sick with a very high fever (102 I believe) and she still rocks and gives an unbelievable performance!
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds."
~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
