patti cohenour reviewed in piazza. — Page 3

I can't wait to watch this on PBS.

Curtain? Not typing in stanza-like prose today, are you? What made you decide to be coherent?

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Hate to come late to the discussion, but I saw Patti in the role last week (after seeing Victoria twice—last October and earlier this month). I had no intention of seeing it a third time until I realized Patti sings my favorite song on the "Big River" recording (which I've loved for years without paying attention to the casting), and then I had to sneak in another visit.

It's a great testament to both Clark and Cohenour that they each succeeded, and that both affected me in completely different ways and in different scenes, which is unusual because I tend to form very strong biases based on who I see (or hear) first. (Juvenile, I know, but there it is.)

With Clark, it came in the scene where Margaret is talking on the phone to her husband—the expression on her face just did me in, and all she was doing was listening and staring out into the audience. It was haunting. (And now I see it's the image they used for her great big billboard shot down in the parking garage. So apparently I'm not alone in this.)

With Cohenour, it came a few scenes later, after she's found Clara in the piazza at midnight and leads her back to their hotel and sings her that lullabye, rocking her to sleep. Totally killed me.

So what I would say: Clark's acting hit me a little harder, but I prefer Cohenour's voice (and ultimately liked her a bit better in the role). Of course it's all a matter of degrees: Clark's portrayal is fierce and brittle, a force of nature—almost a slap in the face; Cohenour is softer, sweeter, thoroughly affecting, yet somehow less vibrant. But Clark's singing voice has that sharper, almost metallic edge to it (more brass than violin, one might say), whereas Cohenour's is warmer, less strident, frankly prettier. I liked the music more when I heard her singing it. But ultimately both were compelling, both were a marvel, and—for me—both were a treasure.

And now I'm so very sad to see it ending... Please someone continue to give both of these marvelous actresses the opportunity to strut their stuff.

Updated On: 5/29/06 at 09:36 PM

I thought Patti had a much better grip on the part, which I know will not be a popular opinion on this board.

*ducks to avoid flying OBC's*

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kgee, from one writer to another, your word choice and descriptions are simply beautiful. great review!

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I haven't seen Patti.

Oh, I completely agree -- I'm now fairly obsessed with her voice (which is totally unique -- and I'm not usually bowled over by Broadway sopranos, so that's saying something), and have already ordered the CD through her site. Can't wait!

I thought Victoria was amazing, too—I'm glad they're both getting a chance to shine in this show, and that I had the opportunity to see both interpretations. The character is marvelous—how often do they make mature, complicated women the focal point for musicals anymore? That alone is reason to celebrate. But if you asked me who I would rather hear sing the score, I would choose Patti—personal preference, no?

Updated On: 5/29/06 at 09:50 AM

kgee - personal preference, si. And a damn good one because it's mine as well!

SO glad you got the cd. It's absolutely exquisite! It's the most gorgeous and calming work I've heard in a long time (that isn't the overly-played "Fur Elise" or something similar). Very unique and just so well done.