All About Musicals

Sorry for the belated post! Well, my predictions were right: Derek and Allie were eliminated from the competition last Sunday night.

I really liked Derek, but I’m just not sure that he’s got the stamina to perform 7 days a week, plus matinées. His voice cracked too many times to be confident. I do hope I understood correctly that Kathleen Marshall plans to work with him in the future, though. I know he’d be good!

And poor Allie. She was so sweet, but it’s just getting down to the wire. I wonder how Max took it? Though if the two really are attempting a relationship, being on Broadway together may have made it awkward and stressful on their relationship.

I can say that I didn’t really appreciate Ashley S’s attitude; she was quoted as saying something to the effect that she would stop at nothing to get on that Broadway stage. It wasn’t very sweet, and sounded quite competitive, though the quote may have been taken out of context. I realize that it’s a competition, but she just doesn’t seem as gracious, though we can’t judge her based on this competition alone. Outside she seems to be nice, but she definitely has a competitive edge. Anyway, I thought it was sweet how her fans got together and flew her sister in for the competition.

Laura was amazing, as always. She’s so believable in whatever roles she’s portraying! She’s got the girl-next-door thing going for her, and I think she’d make a fantastic Sandy. It’s like she was born to play this role!

I enjoy Max (pictured above) and Austin (pictured below) pretty equally, for different reasons: Austin has this romantic chemistry when he sings duets, and Max has a ton of natural charm. It’s going to be hard to see either one of them leave next week. I wish one could at least be the other’s understudy! But out of the two, I think Max is my favorite. He doesn’t just sing; he goes above and beyond, and you can see that he’s putting his all into whatever he’s performing. He has given 110% in each and every performance, and always does what’s asked of him. His story of his experience with Bell’s Palsy was inspiring. Sure, he may have been an unlikely pick at the start, but in just a few months look how far he’s come! He’s incredible! He’s real. And I believe he’s the one to beat. He’s got a lot to offer Broadway.

Austin is great, but he has this brooding, smoldering appearance, and though it almost made me swoon at first, it doesn’t seem very Danny-like. I haven’t seen him get goofy, and that’s much of what Danny’s nature is: being goofy. His voice and the smoldering looks are quite amazing, though! I just don’t know that this is the right role for him.

When it came down to the emotions portrayed in their performances, I’d have to say that Laura easily showed the most emotions, acting-wise. When she and Ashley S. sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” Laura was believable, and acted the part incredibly well. Ashley S. just wasn’t as believable.

I have to say, also, that between Max’s and Austin’s performances of “Sandy,” Max really let go and acted it well. I am so proud of him– he’s come so far, and probably was an unlikely candidate to make it this far! Now it looks as though he has an excellent chance of winning! He has always done everything that the judges asked of him, and he’s just come so far and grown so much!

Laura and Max did the best jobs when it came to really acting the roles last night, and all three judges agreed.

I still think Austin has a great romantic smoldering vibe, but the show isn’t completely based on Danny’s smoldering looks. Max has the charm and comedic timing, but maybe doesn’t quite smolder as much as Austin– though extreme smoldering might be a bit much for a musical about high schoolers. Anyway, they’re all fantastic!

My picks are Max and Laura. But I really want both Max AND Austin. :o)

So, who’s the one that you want??

Technorati Tags: musicals, musical theatre, musical theater, Grease, you’re the one that I want, Austin Miller, Kevin Greene, Max Crumm, Chad Doreck, Laura Osnes, Ashley Spencer, Kathleen Monteleone, Derek Keeling, Ashley Anderson, Juliana Hansen, Kate Rockwell, Allie Schulz, Jason Celaya