You Know How I Feel About Wedding Singer but...

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:18pm

Amy Spanger was robbed of a Tony Nomination. She was the best thing about this show, and gave a thrilling performance in my opinion. This is saying a lot, as Spanger was low on my list of performers going into the show. She won me over with her superbly crafted performance in a show that I felt was quite awful.
Updated On: 3/6/07 at 07:18 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:20pm

I don't really disagree with you, about any of those points.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:23pm

all I can say is... wow.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:34pm

This has been discussed before. In my opinion, Spanger was one of the few good things about a thoroughly mediocre show. Did her performance warrant a Tony nomination, however? No.

Her work aside, the material she had alone couldn't compare to that of those that were nominated that year. Leavel, Withers-Mendes, and Fields alone all had meaty parts with show stopping numbers specifically for them, where as Spanger did not (not to mention the fact that Finley, in her ten minutes of stage time, managed to steal the rug right out from under her.) Lawrence was able to ride the "Pajama Game" wave and Carmello was recognized for being consistently good (even if she too was in a crappy show with crappy material.)

In a particularly strong season for Featured Actresess, it wasn't a big shock to see someone like Spanger overlooked.

Updated On: 3/6/07 at 07:34 PM

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 10:15pm

Let me say, up until October, I believe Amy Spanger was the most talented cast member.

By the time I saw it in November and closing night, she was awful. All singing was flat, and she was gasping for air. It was laughable.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 10:27pm

While I do think that Spanger was good, it's a bit of a stretch to say that she was "robbed."

The 5 nominees were:

Beth Leavel, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Carolee Carmello, LESTAT
Felicia P. Fields, THE COLOR PURPLE
Megan Lawrence, THE PAJAMA GAME
Elisabeth Withers Mendes, THE COLOR PURPLE

I would have nominated Spanger over Carmello, but certainly not over:

Donna Lynne Champlin, SWEENEY TODD
Diana Dimarzip, SWEENEY TODD
Lauren Molina, SWEENEY TODD
Cyndi Lauper, THE THREEPENNY OPERA

[Mrs.LinkLarkin2]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 11:15pm

I loved The Wedding Singer, I saw it four times, but a lot of that has to do with my sister's obsession with Constantine. I like those cutesy, upbeat, silly, flashy musicals. I thought she was one of the highlights of the show. She and Sammie were my favorite characters. She was hilarious!

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 11:31pm

Would you have nominated Champlin, Munk? I certainly enjoyed her in the role, but I though DiMarzio was far more effective.

Updated On: 3/6/07 at 11:31 PM

[Joshua488]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 11:42pm

Yes, Amy Spanger was definitely a stand-out in The Wedding Singer, but I don't think she deserved a Tony nomination.

And I agree that as time went on, her vocals diminished. Someone PLEASE teach that woman how to mix. As much as I love Amy Spanger, singing out of your nose doesn't count as healthy belting.