Weak Leads... — Page 3

There were plenty of threads before the first preview with people expressing their doubts over her suitability for the role.

Of course you are welcome to not enjoy her performance. However I am trying to point out that the internet creates certain "norms" for discussion. In a way its almost like going to a dinner party in the 80s and proclaiming your love of Stephen Sondheim over that ghastly Lloyd Webber fellow.

We are all conscious about what we say and how other people interpret that. That in turn influences what we say. Of course this varies from degree to degree but you cannot deny we are social beings and the internet has radically transformed this process of opinion setting. Who knows who starts it? Just think back to any majjor casting announcement and you can see the pre emptive judegement strikes. That then informs people's subconscious when attending previews and they post accordingly.

Laura Benanti is not the only person who is subject to this sort of "trendy bashing". Here in the UK pre-cancer Maria Friedman used to get a lot of stick for being cast again and again in lead roles. In both Ragtime and Woman in White her sister was producer. That sort of "inside" knowledge then allows someone to dismiss her before they see the performance and then attain credibility in the community for their views.

Laura Michelle Kelly also had a healthy dose of trend bashing for Mary Poppins. Looking at her career trajectory and being aware of the behind the scenes rapid rise, you can see distinct parallels to Benanti.

Thanks for that response. when you put it like that there are def comparisons with Laura Michelle Kelly and her rise over here. She didnt just come out of nowhere to be Mary Poppins. She had all the main parts in Beauty and the Beast, Whistle Down the Wind, Les Mis and My Fair Lady and was being "pushed" to the top.

Factors not related to performers' performance do affect our judegements as you say. And I am sure there probably are other actresses out there who would seem a better fit for Julia. For understandable reasons the wider commuity are not privy to else was seen for the role. The mystery of casting eh??!