i dont really understand...

wow, you truly use the letter "a" much more than you should

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I'm liking her a lot more than I thought I would after reading the comments.

Because she strains on the vocals, doesn't flip into her head voice when she should, and can't even sing A6 decently?

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OMG people....Katie Clarke is Not Kelly O Hara....its so annoying to get on here and here people talk badly about her when they sit at home listening to the original broadway cast recording of mame, mastubating over a picture of Carol Channing or stephen soundheim.... what summer musical theatre camp did u get access to a computer to allow u to get online and bash someone who is absolutly amazing....who beat out COUTNLESS of other people to replace a person that you hold to such high esteem... it would be one thing if the critcs were coming from credible sources... not from starving waiters in dinner theatres or 15 yr old kids thinking they are going to be the next big hit... thats katie clarkes job...she is in her FIRST broadway show DIRECTLY from college... thats more than soooo many people on broadway can say....i would like to qoute katie from the intermission portion of the pbs special.. "i didnt have to wait tables i got a broadway show straight out of college and here i am" ....as diva as that sounds when qouted...its true...i only say any of this because i went to school with her and recently went to visit her and see the show... she said she didnt like reading these reviews on here because they were so mixed that she didnt know what to think... i told her not to sweat it...most of the people who respond to these posts are theatre freaks anyways...i say that term with love... the first time i heard katie sing i told her that she was going to be famous someday...she gave a modest reply... i remeber watching her cry when she was told she was to fat to wear a skimpy costume for a show and i look at her now and think WOW...that person who said that is soooo regreting those words.. when i was in ragtime with her she was the most intense person to work with..she is the modest person i know and i seriously dont know of a more deserving person to have such an oportunity... she was always a delight to talk to and i am so fortunate to have known her..i was so proud watching her last night and it makes me happy to see that SOME people realised that they shouldnt believe what alot of jealous people write... i do not know of many people who act with as much intensity as katie clarke and are as beutiful as her either...inside and out... so go ahead....think of a response... try to find a spelling error or stupid ass remark...it still doesnt defeat the fact that although katie might not be perfect in ur eyes... im sure that if in her shoes, very few people could come close to what she does on that stage 8 times a week. please dont write a stupid ass response to this unless it is a genuine response...i dont have time for stupid people ...

"...i dont have time for stupid people ..."


You best be leaving then.

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sammieB: Ah, yes, the "You're just jealous!" response. It never gets old. And the fact that you know her only means you're going to take this personally, when it isn't at all personal for me. You know her, but I don't. I'm sure she's a lovely person, but vocally she just doesn't cut it for me. And I'm judging her on her singing, as that is what you do in a musical, not on what a sweet person she is.

People need to stop saying we're comparing her to Kelli. Yes, we do have a high standard, but that is besides the point. Celia Keenan-Bolger is actually my favorite Clara, and she was considered unable to handle the role, vocally. Kelli was amazing, but when I heard this Katie Clarke girl had been cast right out of college I was expecting someone who would wow me. She didn't. Katie has a pretty voice. She is talented. But the role is too demanding for her and she just can't nail it. She is wonderful with the lower stuff, but when it gets to the point where she can no longer comfortably use her mix it falls apart. When I see a Broadway performer I expect to be floored. I don't expect to think "Wow, I could sing those high notes better than her." I don't WANT to think that.

Also it is a fallacy to think that casting directors are immortal and always make good decisions. Yes, it's commendable that she was cast right out of college, but I don't know why she got chosen. Maybe it was for her acting, because she was very good in that respect. Maybe they wanted a character voice for Clara. I, however, don't. I considered Clara's role a true blessing to legit sopranos, who don't have much on Broadway nowadays. I think an actress playing a role in a musical, particularly one on Broadway, should be able to easily sing the notes of the score. I really don't think that's too much to ask. As someone said here, it boggles the mind to think that they kicked out Celia for not being able to handle the role vocally and then cast Katie Clarke. It's a huge double standard.

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Maybe I do have too high of standards, but, again, I do expect the performer to be able to easily sing (meaning, no straining) all of the notes in the score. I don't think THAT should be a hard expectation to meet.

I hate to say it, but I doubt all of those people go see LitP just for her. They probably just go for the show itself. If they go for anyone, it's for probably for the Tony Award-winning Victoria Clark.

To be a bit more positive, I like her portrayal better than Kelli's, though. I really did love her acting. She nearly had me in tears during "The Beauty Is (Reprise)" and "Clara's Interlude."

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Updated On: 6/17/06 at 01:26 AM

Can't we all just get along? :)

I don't think anyone's being ridiculously judgemental or mean about Katie. People are just expressing their opinion and giving reasons and examples to back up their opinions. It could be a lot worse, as I'm sure we've all encountered.

I agree that Katie took a different approach to the role...but different doesn't always equal better or successful. And what might work for one person, doesn't work for another. I personally didn't necessarily dislike Katie's performance, but I liked Kelli's better, and couldn't get over that preference. I am certain there are people on this board who felt hte exact opposite.

Different strokes for different folks. I don't think that justifies any insults or anything else beyond non-heated discussions as to why one person enjoyed or didn't enjoy what they did. Let's just end this catfight now before it really starts and agree to disagree.

ETA: I think this is a show, along with Spelling Bee (off the top of my head) that I personally think the OBC Clara will always be better. Mainly because, it is one of those roles in theatre, that you NEED the time to explore that those who helped create the roles had. Someone stepping into a replacement role with roles like this doesn't have the time to explore as much characterization as you do when you're helping to shape the character and the show. It's the difference between being able to comment on the character as they are outside of what we see in the show, and not. For example, listening to Dan Fogler talk about his character in Bee, he'll go on about his history and things he likes that we never get to see in the show - because he's had a chance to think about all that and make a very thorough character. Matthew and Kelli and Victoria and all of the OBC had the opportunity, with this show, to do just that. Now, I don't think it makes as much of a difference in every show as it does with roles like Clara. I think that's always gonna be a setback for those stepping into this role.

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Updated On: 6/17/06 at 01:27 AM

Trust me, I completely understood your position, we shouldn't have to hold back on what we think for the stars personal friends. We never came to argue or degrade Katie Clarke, just give our say on what the thread asked. I don't get the point in being made fun of because we hold a different view on a show we love a lot.
I haven't read any of these horrible things against her, but I suppose that people are just going to think what they will. That is the result of being in a Broadway show, you are bound to come across criticism, it certainly isn't a new concept.
Despite all that, I still think she pulls out a spectacular performance, I'm watching it right now and no matter who is in it the show will always be terrific. Katie might not be what I expected, but that doesn't make her bad and the show is still breathtaking.

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Also, be careful, SammieB, in how you're phrasing things. I'm sure you don't mean to, but by saying how much katie clarke deserves the opportunity she's been given...perhaps it's just me, but my immediate thought is the implication that there are those on broadway who maybe DON'T deserve that luxury. Never a good thing to imply.

I'm also fortunate enough to have friends and people I've worked with previously on broadwya and/or on tours (one of which is going to be clara in the tour - can't wait to see her!) and I've caught a lot of slack for saying how much they deserved it, which made me feel awful cause I don't mean to imply others don't...just wanted to pass that tip along before people jump on you about it like they did with me...

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TREY, I completley agree. I get frustrated on these boards at the lack of appreciation.

I may prefer one show or actor/actress to another, but I can usually appreciate their talent and/or performance all the same, I just prefer one person's interpretation, etc. to another's.

It sucks that not everyone does that on this board. Or perhaps it's more a problem that ti's just not always clear, that's all.

There are few, if any, people on broadway that I think aren't talented, it's just a matter of knowing the talent that's out there and thinking perhaps someone else could or did do a better job for me. Taht'sa ll.

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Thank you SammieB, for your input and insight.

I did not/do not dislike Katie Clark as a person or performer... I simply like Kelli O'Hara in the role of Clara in the musical LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA better than I like Katie in the role.

Broadway is subjective. People will like different shows and performers. If you can't stand the heat, get off the stage.

That said, I get defensive and emotional when people say they do not like this show or that person's rendition of "BEING ALIVE" or whatever when I love it, so I understand how you/people feel.

This is Broadway, not Hollywood. Attitudes and bashing should not apply here We are all in this and here on this board because of our love for Broadway

Let's share the love

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Updated On: 6/17/06 at 10:25 AM