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Post by Talissa on May 4, 2003 19:23:59 GMT 11
Following on from a chat Backstage, what do you think would be some of the most challenging roles in musical theatre?
Jean Valjean is definitely a hard one, for range and acting, as is Christine Daae, for her range. Also, any role which involves large changes, such as Jekyll/Hyde and Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.
~Julia
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Post by Tinechorwen on May 4, 2003 19:51:40 GMT 11
Yep, I definitely agree with you on all those, (stupid ALW writing Christine's part so high....who on earth, other than the freaks of nature, can sing that high?!)
I think, acting wise, Fantine from Les Miserables is quite a tough one, because it's a very thin line between too far and nice. Some actresses play her too sweet which is completely unrealistic considering what she has gone through, and some play her too butchy, which makes it hard for me to sympathise with her, (mean as that sounds) So I'd say Fantine too, for sure.
Maria from West Side Story needs a very good range as well, and so does Eliza for My Fair Lady, but not to the same degree I guess. I saw a production of MFL once and the girl playing Eliza had the most operatic voice ever. She didn't even change it from when she was a poor person to after Higgins' lessons. That was annoying, so yes, that can be hard if you can't do the right accent, or change your voice at all in this girls' case.
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Post by Talissa on May 4, 2003 19:56:44 GMT 11
Actually, while we're at it, I'll add Cosette to the list. She's a really hard character to act because so many people go into the show prejudiced against her, so it's hard to win their sympathy. Too may people play her as the traditional ingenue character, but she does have a story to her which is often lost when surrounded by all the much stronger characters in the show.
~Julia
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Post by Tinechorwen on May 4, 2003 20:05:05 GMT 11
And Cosette has been through alot as well, although her suffering came early in life so she probably doesn't remember all/any of it, but it would still affect her. And she is quite rebellious, she's just fallen in love with a guy she's barely met and who is about to go and fight, and against her fathers will of course.  There definitely is a sterotype on Cosette, I don't think the directors help it either as they always cast the sweetest sounding sops as Cosette. I'd like to see somone do something different with her, that would be a challenge for sure! |
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Post by Buff on May 5, 2003 9:16:36 GMT 11
Being male, I'll stick to male roles  Valjean- for the vocal range and ability, as well as stamina required Jekyll/Hyde - being able to change convincingly between characters Cervantes/Don Quixote - as per Jekyll/Hyde Jesus (Godspell) - has about 75% of all the dialogue, the hardest solos and drives the action. Poor Jesus = poor show Phantom - being able to sing with a mask duct taped to your face can't be easy Buff |
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Post by Tinechorwen on May 5, 2003 21:07:29 GMT 11
You'd think being a Phantom fan I'd remember the mask, being a relatively essential part to the play. Definitely the Phantom, wearing that mask and the suit is bound to be tiring after awhile under heavy lights as well. I was going to say the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, but that wouldn't be hard as he only changes in the end. Comfort wise, I don't think his costume would be fantastic though... |
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