Was the Lauren Ambrose funny girl revival gonna be a flop?

Updated On: 10/12/14 at 09:37 AM

The movie score is quite different than the show, especially Act II.

To state the obvious: an actor who strikes us as physically attractive need not strike us as physically attractive in a particular role (look no further than Charlize Theron in Monster).

Carol Lawrence for instance, who most people would consider a very attractive woman, played Fanny. So did Pia Zadora. So did Lanie Kazan, at the time considered by most to be a very sexy and beautiful woman. I have no idea how well these ladies might have done with the role, but I doubt the answer would have much to do with their being beautiful women out of character.

Much of the flack about Ambrose seemed more to do with her not striking some people as convincingly Jewish. Notwithstanding that Ambrose had no problem convincing audiences and critics that she was Hennie Berger in Awake and Sing. Of course, Hennie Berger and Fanny Brice are not the same woman, but Lauren Ambrose is an actor. And a damn good one.

Then there are those who complain that Ambrose didn't have the star power. This seems to ignore the possibility that the role might have made her, as roles sometimes do for actors, a much bigger star. Many probably voiced the concern, that she isn't a big enough draw, when it was announced that Angela Lansbury would play Mame, and no doubt in spite of her phenomenal success on stage, Lansbury didn't get the movie precisely because she wasn't considered a big enough draw. And we all know how that turned out (which is not to suggest that we know the movie would have been great with her.... we don't - to the contrary, the movie has other problems besides Lucy!).

Bottom line, casting is an art. Perhaps never is that understood better than when it seriously surprises an audience. Seeing someone you wouldn't ordinarily think of for a role shine in it is a thrill. Conversely, all too often people we think will easily shine in roles - including big stars - can turn out to give highly disappointing performances. (count me as one who thought Michelle Williams could have made a superb Sally Bowles and just didn't - of course it goes without saying that that's just my opinion).

The best thing to do is to keep an open mind.

When someone as extremely talented as Lauren Ambrose has an opportunity to play a part like Fanny Brice my immediate reaction is "the jury's out," and it's going to be a hell of a trial. And good on the team for taking a big risk on someone I admire greatly whose unexpected casting might just add to the joy of what just might turn out to be a great performance.

And if that should happen, people will want to see the show.

One final note, I have no reservations about her vocally. It may not be well known, but Ambrose is a wonderful singer.

Updated On: 10/4/17 at 09:00 AM