Thoughts on Brenda Braxton as Velma?

[Zeitoujo]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:11am

What does everyone think about her performance?
Saw the show two weeks ago and was underwhelmed by her rather "boring" take on the role.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:23am

Lordy, I saw her in the first National Company almost 10 years ago. No wonder she's on auto-pilot!

[MissAnneThrop]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:30am

According to telecharge her last day is 1/4. Is she going to extend or are we ever getting any one new. I have nothing personal against Ms. Braxton but oh man, girl needs a vacation away for a while. Her performance is so routine now.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:40am

I saw her ages OK. She was OK. Talk about a steady job!

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:41am

I'd love to see someone exciting in that role for once. Anyone know who's replacing her?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:45am

I saw her two or three years ago and she was okay, but obviously bored. I can't imagine her now...

[MissAnneThrop]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:45am

BB is currently in her 10th engagement in the role on Broadway since 2003. We haven't have a completely new Velma since Nancy Lemenager.

Who would you like to see take over. I personally want Donna Marie Asbury to be bumped up full time. She is by far one of my favourite Velma's

Updated On: 12/31/08 at 11:45 AM

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:53am

Stephanie J. Block would be cramazing, but she's unavailable.
So would Karen Olivo, but again, unavailable.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:01pm

I can't picture Karen Olivo as Velma. At all. Sorry.


I'd love for them to bring Deidre Goodwin back. Or Heather Parcells (apparently she played Velma on the tour?).

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:19pm

I saw Braxton on tour four or five years ago. I found her completely unextraordinary.

I can't picture Block in the role. At all.

[That Groovy Guy]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:20pm

"Underwhelmed" and "autopilot" are my thoughts as well. I saw her a few months ago and thought she had a great voice but she was lacking in enthusiasm and I could barely hear her...from the third row. I am not familiar with any of her other work but I got the impression that she could be great if she gave it her all instead of her "some."

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:25pm

She was on autopilot about four years ago, when I last saw her. It's time for her to move on for good. However, I imagine she'll either extend again, or another familiar face will return to that role. Sad, but true.

Maybe Maya's "foot injury" has healed?
Updated On: 12/31/08 at 12:25 PM

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:40pm

For anyone who can't picture SJB as Velma...

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:47pm

Is SJB a trained dancer? Velma's dancing is pretty crazy. You MUST be a trained a dancer to play Velma.

[dg22894]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:08pm

I really liked her I saw her last April and I liked her really did I thought she was amazing.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:11pm

evic...what? HOW DARE THEY ONLY OFFER 20% DISCOUNTS! WHAT HORRIBLE HUMAN BEINGS!

I'd make fun of other things about your post, but that was all I could understand.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:45pm

Stephanie J. Block as Velma Kelly? No.
I'm a huge Karen Olivo fan but I don't see her in the role either.
Natascia Diaz or someone to that effect would be better.

[blaxx]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:56pm

At this point, anyone but Brenda and Bianca, please.

[Zeitoujo]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:59pm

Can't wait to see the new Velma!
I could see Jessica Goldyn as Roxie! Thoughts on that? I am a huge fan of her work!

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:05pm

put Melanie G in this role...then she could have done both!

WOOT

[dg22894]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:08pm

Jessica Goldyn would be great. If Brenda wants to leave I would love to see Natalie Cortez as Velma.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:27pm

Yeah, I still can't see Block as Velma.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 5:53pm

I'd like to see Terra C. MacLeod back in the role. I saw her about four years ago and thought she was excellent. I hope they announce a new Velma soon because I want to go back to Chicago to see Hardin and Hewitt and would like to see a different Velma.

[blaxx]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 6:23pm

I saw Terra on the tour last night...meh. She also has played the role too long.

[newsieboy23]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 7:02pm

I've got to give Brenda Braxton credit for being nearly SIXTY and kicking her face.

And Bianca is a brilliant Roxie. I support bringing her back whenever possible.

When is Christina Applegate going to join as Roxie? She'd be perfect.

The clips of Ashlee Simpson didn't look too bad, It would be nice to see her Roxie as well.

How about Paula Abdul as Velma?

I'm sure everyone possible has been suggested and/or considered at this point...