Wonderful Town - Linda Mugleston superb in the role

[jphimself]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 8:53pm

With Donna Murphy apparently out of Wonderful Town since 12/11, including tonight's performance, maybe it's time the critics went back to see her work.

I saw her performance last Friday, 12/12. She was wonderful. Either she was doing an dead-on imitation of Murphy, or the director and the script have a good deal to do with the way the role is played. I suspect the later, along with considerable native talent on Linda's part.

95% of the audience attended in spite of Murphy's absence and they loved it, giving Mugleston a standing ovation when she came onstage to take her bow.

Could it be that Murphy is getting credit for something she isn't that fully responsible for?

[Doogie]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 9:15pm

Linda Mugleston rules! I saw her go on for Luisa in NINE one week after she left the show (they called her back for the day as both Mary Stuart and the other understudy, Kristin Marks, were out). Not only is she a fantastic actress with great emotional depth, with a superb, deep, rich belt to go along with it, she is also one of the kindest women on the face of the planet. She deserves nothing but the best and she is a prime example of how talent, charm, and genuine kindness can go very far. Call me a shill, I don't care. Linda Mugleston Rocks!

Doug, who's proudest moment in life to date was being the guy who had his name said by all the women during Folies Bergeres at the final performance of NINE

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 10:07pm

I love these two posts. They are eye-opening reminders that talent, bless it, always surfaces, often, ultimately, saves the day. I saw the show with Murphy, but I'm almost tempted to see Mugleston, just to support a performance to whom this theater season (and the Weisslers) owes a huge debt.

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 10:12pm

Just a stupid question...when I saw this show last week, when Jennifer walked out on stage in the beginning, everyone started cheering. Were they cheering for her because she's cool and "Kissing Jessica Stein" was pretty successful, or did they think she was Donna at first? (And it seemed like this show attracts a more mature crowd...so I doubt they'd be the same ones that would know that movie.)

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 10:31pm

When I saw Wonderful Town two weeks ago, Linda said she was ready and rearing to go on again. Though I'm really upset that Donna is ill, I'm so happy that everyone is having the opportunity to see Linda and realize what an amazing talent she is. I've said this a million times, but if you have the opportunity to see her in Wonderful Town, don't pass it up. Donna did a great job with the role, but I enjoyed Linda so much more. She's got the voice and the comic timing (the audience was howling during One Hundred Eays Ways when I saw it), and I felt that the relationships she cultivated with everyone on-stage were so genuine--that glow she got on her face when she heard Rob Baker was coming to dinner was priceless.
And, as Doug said, she is one of the kindest women on the face of the planet, and very modest as well. Go Linda for finally getting some well-deserved attention.

And the audience probably applauded for Jen because they knew her from Jessica Stein.

P.S. Doug? That was you they were sighing at! LOL! That is fabulous!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/16/03 at 10:45pm

I overhear people mentioning KJS, so I think there are those who do know her from that.

As for Linda--she is phenominal. Donna is too. Those audience members who choose to stay (or have no choice) are really getting a treat without knowing it at first. I tell some of the vocally angry patrons that the understudy is phenominal. They say, "That's what you say!". After the show or at intermission, they come up to me and tell me I was right. So many people are nuts about her performance. They ask me how many times has she done it. The fact is, Linda was brilliant her first performance in the role, and like Donna, she is constantly tweaking and finding new moments.

Linda certainly has moments that seem similar to Donna's--but I suspect these are directed moments. There is quite a bit that is very much her own Ruth. The writing and direction of the character are certainly helpful, but it is Linda and Donna who ignite it in their own ways. The other ushers and I have debated who is better--we really can't decide. However, basing it off of audience response, Linda has to win over the crowd while Donna already owns much of it from the start. But by the end, both ladies are getting cheers and standing o's.

I just hope that Linda gets to be over the title from now on--she deserves it.

And, Linda, if you are reading this: THE AUDIENCE LOVES YOU! =)

Posted: 12/17/03 at 12:48am

Saw the show tonight. Mugleston does a fine job. Westerfelt sings well but her acting is flat. The show is extremely enjoyable, with much credit to Bernstein-Comden-Green. Orchestra sounded terrific, dancing was fun.

Would have liked to see Donna again having seen the original Encores! My family from out of town loved the show even Donnaless.

Bulldog.

[DonnaMurphyRocks]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 2:52am

Sorry, i don't mean any offense to Linda at all, but I came from a really long way away mostly just to see Donna and I have never felt such a heart-breaking moment as when they told me she was not on for any of the shows I had tickets for!!!!!!! I actually started crying in the lobby, and I only stayed to watch one show. I think it would have been better with Donna in it, no matter who her understudy was, and the night I was there anyway a lot of people left because they wanted to see her in it. Donna is just the greatest actress ever, and time stands still when she's on stage. This was actually the second time I'd missed her too. All I can say is "IT SUCKS TO BE ME!!" I did think the show overall was very good though, and I loved the music and I thought Jennifer Westfeldt was really cute. And Linda did a good job too, but it wasn't the same. I just hope the third time I try to see this show is the charm, and that Donna will be on the cast recording.

I'm sorry to be venting everyone, but I'm just so distraught!!

[DonnaMurphyRocks]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 2:59am

Oh, I have something else to add - I hope you get better soon Donna!!!!!!

[Benzy92]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 9:22am

I saw Donna and loved her.. but Im sure Linda could do it wonderful also.. When I saw the show, Jennifer didnt get an entrance applause. I wanted to, but no one was clapping.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 10:08am

I'm just curious, while I admire the praise being heaped on the understudy,and I'm sure it's well deserved, I'm shocked at how *forgiving* you all are being about Murphys excessive absences. Why is that?

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 10:14am

DonnaMurphyRocks- I'm sorry. That really stinks. I think I'll wait to get my tickets for this show until I know Donna is absolutely well.

AlDente- She is SICK. Of course we are forgiving. What kind of a statement is that. I'm surprised Reidel hasn't started bashing her performance because of it.

[robbiej]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 10:18am

Al,

I have, unfortunately, heard that Ms. Murphy is having some vocal problems. If that's the case, I understand her reticence and hope she gets better. If she can't continue, I hope they find a wonderful replacement (be it Ms. Mugelston or someone else).

I do find it interesting that Ms. Peters was crucified this past spring for her illnesses and Ms. Murphy gets a buy.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 10:40am

I have noticed that Donna Murphy seems the Reagan -- in the teflon sense -- diva of b'way. It's terrible she was ill, and I have no doubt that she was/is sick, and feels justified. But whoever posted (here or elsewhere) that she never missed in her previous b'way gigs doesn't have thier facts straight. She missed many, many KING AND I performances, for whatever reason. Her understudy in that show went on with some regularity. I have reliable sources on that.

I post this not to lead to widespread dissing of her work ethic, but to point out the sometimes inconsistent ways the b'way fan base views absenteeism. I think it's time the WT management used the Norbert/Taye fix -- bring in another star for 6 weeks, then bring back Donna when the pipes and lungs can take on her Town. Until then, the drama of tracking her in/out presence is most damning to an otherwise happy occasion for many--the revival of this show.

[magruder]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 10:41am

Oh sure. Bernadette Peters gets sick taking on the most demanding role in musical theatre, and it's off with her head. Donna Murphy gets sick and Talkin' Broadway seems about ready to start a collective chicken soup fund.

Updated On: 12/17/03 at 10:41 AM

[Al Dente]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 3:03pm

Thats was my point exactly!

[tpdc]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 3:36pm

I saw both Donna and Linda in WT and enjoyed both performances. I thought Linda wasn't very much like Donna at all. Linda seemed more "Ruth" to me than either Roz or Donna. Linda just seems to really get the character. Her readings of Ruth's big numbers are very fresh and funny. Her Swing is the funniest version I've seen. That said, Donna was very exciting in the big numbers and Linda as yet doesn't do all the physical business in Conga with the comic flair Donna does. If you see WT with Linda, you'll be seeing a very fine performance that is different but equal to Donna's. I'd love to see Linda in another show.

Donna only missed a couple of pre-scheduled shows during her run in PASSION and Fosca must have been as taxing a role as Ruth.

[dotmarie]

Posted: 12/17/03 at 5:07pm

I love Linda and have since Into the Woods. I saw the pre Broadway run at the Ahmanson and the theatre had some family pre-show activities, so we went. Linda was there (as was James Lapine, now that I think about it) and she sang "Moments in the Woods" and talked about being an understudy (she understudied like 5 roles in that show). She is very incredible and totally deserves a leading role on Broadway (although she is probably one of the most gifted and capable understudies we have right now). I'm dying to get her solo CD.