I don't know why I feel the need to be so defensive about this show, but here goes!
I don't find Hilty and Block to be flashy, I know they have a big fan base (myself included). I do think, however they are fantastic performers. Block has really grown, in my mind. I saw her as Elphaba in the 1st national tour and did not like her, but now I love her and think she is a phenomenal performer. Always liked Hilty (plus we have the same birthday - so does Susan Blackwell - which just makes it more fun!).
I don't love Janney, but will admit that she sounds a lot better on the CD than live IMO. I think she can certainly sell a song, but sing a song is a completely different story.
As per the bland/Legally Blonde comparisons/ripping off thing: I have a lot of respect for this score (and I'm pretty sure I've said this before) because it brings us back to a different time in musical theater where not all scores were pop rock and many shows didn't exist in only one act. Perhaps that's why she used Kander and Ebb styles - or songs - to exemplify that. I could also be reading way more into it than anyone should. I think Legally Blonde tried to call us back to a different time, but didn't go all the way. 9 to 5 has an entre'acte! Would I call it the best score to hit Broadway? H*ll no (can we use the real word, I'm not up on the rules as I should be), but I do think Dolly did a great job for her first bway score.
I know Backwoods Barbie ended up on her latest solo album, but was it written for that album and used in the show, or vice versa, I never remember the story.
"I've never encountered such religiously, you know, loyal fans as Broadway musical theater fans. It's amazing."
--Allison Janney
Updated On: 7/10/09 at 11:19 PM