Soon, a Résumé Taller Than She Is (Kerry Butler)

In new musical theater, it's a diminutive blonde's world. For a while 4-foot-11-inch Kristin Chenoweth was cast in every reading or workshop. Recently, 5-2 Kerry Butler, has overtaken her as every composer's dream ingénue.

From tomorrow's New York Times...
Soon, a Résumé Taller Than She Is (Kerry Butler)

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Updated On: 7/9/05 at 08:02 PM

Kerry is James Dean cool!

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I can't wait to read the article. Love Kerry!

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Blonds rock!

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Jane - they also didn't mention at least 3 or 4 other workshops/readings she's participated in recently....

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I think kerry butler is overated. she is a vanilla actresss who doesn't stray far from her safety net of the same character portrayls. While her voice is just fine, I don't think it overwhelms, or surprises with simplicity(ie: megan mcginnis. I don't understand why the new york times would pick her out, when there are so many other actors and actresses out there that are much more diverse.

Her portrayl of Audrey was bland, as was her turn in Batboy. Batboy is a great musical, and sometimes average people get placed in amazing roles. I don't see much variety in her performances. The new Penny Pingleton is amazing in harispray, and find nuances in that character that Kerry didn't.

I would love to see a times article on someone who makes amazing turns in theater. Christian Borle comes to mind, from Millie to Spamalot.

I just don't understand the fascination of Kerry Butler. SHe is a very replaceable talent. Jen Gambatese, another vanilla actress, could do the exact same thing Kerry does.
I hear Kerry is a wonderful human being, and a great light of life. Which is far more important than her talent on the stage. So while she may shine as an amazing person, I don't find her light shining nearly as bright on the great white way.

just my two cents.

massofmen, there are a lot of talented people on Broadway who deserve to be profiled in the Times. This is Kerry's moment.

The only thing I've seen her in is OPPOSITE OF SEX, and she blew me away. She sunk her teeth into the character of Deedee and never let go. She was dynamic with stage presence to burn. As I've said before, I can't imagine anyone else in the role - and I'm a huge fan of the film.

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Kerry goes where she is cast - she's not a TV star who can pick and choose her Broadway roles. It's very difficult to break out of a certain "type" - OPPOSITE OF SEX will do that for her if it gets mounted.

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Right, but Kerry has formula for how she performs the roles she is cast in. A very good formula, might I add.

" 'The thing about Kerry is she sparkles," Ms. McCorkle said. 'She brings a sort of funky edge in a perky way.' "

I concur.

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Updated On: 7/10/05 at 11:15 AM

The casting directors call in the actors. Unless the director and producers specifically ask to see certain performers, the casting director decides who gets to audition. That's what they get paid for.

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Kerry was incredible in Hairspray.
She was also incredible in Bat Boy. I did not love her in Little Shop but she is a fine actress with a beautiful voice.
Kerry deserves to shine.
She is also gorgeous and sweet.
I think she deserves it all and more.

Updated On: 7/10/05 at 11:54 AM

I can understand the "vanilla actress" accusation and I somewhat can agree, especially for her dialogue acting, but I do think she's particularly stellar at acting while singing; I remember sitting up close during "somewhere that's green" and being totally mesmerized by her.

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"bland"

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