"ze turning point"

I'm just so used to super-strict forums where if you say one word not related to the topic there's a big frenzy... It'll still take me quite a while to become more laid-back.

On a completely different note, I never realized how much I liked "Manderley In Flammen". At first it just made me laugh because the singers sounded so awkward - but I guess you wouldn't have the steadiest voice if your home was burning down either, would you?

Apparently, Maya Hakvoort is going to play Mrs Danvers in the St. Gallen production. Not what I'd have expected... I don't know what I think. I don't really think her voice is right for the part, but I can't say about the acting without seeing it.

Well, I think that's really great casting. She puts a lot of acting into her performance, so it'll be interesting to see a really dramatic Mrs. Danvers. I've heard her rendition of 'Rebecca' too, from the Wien Musical concert in Osaka, 2008. I think she's really good. I can't find the clip right now, but I'll share it when I do.

This is turning out to be a really well-cast production! Any word on who 'Ich' is going to be?

I'm really glad with this casting! I'm really curious about how she's going to do it, and I'm only more exited for this production. (and I think there is a little national pride going on here It's nice to travel across half Europe to see another Dutchie on stage )
I haven't heard anything about Ich... I hope we'll find out soon, and also when the show is going to play (yes, it will premiere on 22/10/2011, but the other dates are not yet known... And I want my ticket )

I think she's really well-suited to the role. I'm excited for you!

I just hope the new 'Ich's voice isn't overly squeaky, like some of the other girls. As much as I love Wietske Van Tongeren, it gets a little unnerving in those higher notes... Which is why I'm optimistic for the casting of Sierra Boggess in the Broadway workshop!

Hmm, I have heard that Osaka recording, and I didn't really think her voice was right for Danvers. I'm afraid that if she tries to sing the songs as impressively as they're meant to sound, she may strain her voice. Not to say her voice is weak, it's not, but it's a different type of voice.

CDG, can I ask you what you've heard of Wietske's Ich? I agree that on the highlights recording she sounds a bit weak and squeaky, but she's already tons better on the complete recording, and I saw her live in late 2007 and thought her voice was absolutely lovely.

Maya does have a reputation for cheating a little on those impressive ballads, as evidenced in the Wien revival of Elisabeth, but she sounds a bit more human than Susan or Pia, which might bring a new layer to the role.

I like Wietske an awful lot, and I agree that her voice has come a long way from even seven years ago, but her high belt is just a little shrill for my tastes sometimes, like it's still maturing (and it probably is). That's a small beef I have with her, though, probably due to the fact that I'm classically biased and I prefer 'pure' high notes. Her enunciation and tone in the lower register (and higher, in later years) is very good, though, and she acts a great deal more than some musical actresses do.

Ich isn't really a belty role, though, is it? Not to my ears, at least... It's more for sweet and beautiful vocals, which Wietske can do well, at least she could the night I saw her. I'm myself very picky about voices most of the time, and prefer a more classical sound, but Wietske isn't what I'd call squeaky, not anymore. Her voice wasn't quite enough for Stephanie, but that's a very different type of role.

For the record, I'm not one of those people who absolutely want Susan as Danvers and nobody else - I found her acting too machinelike for my taste, though her voice and presence are impressive. It's just that I would also not like to have to give up on the voice to get the acting - I'd like to have both in the same package. Which may be too much to ask, but sometimes one can get that, so I'm not giving up hope...

Soemtimes she strays into belting territory, but not very long and not anymore. As I've said, I think she's much improved, and I only had little problems with her voice before.

It does seem rather strange that you can't have both in the same package in musical theatre sometimes. But I think Maya will still be really good.

Wow. I missed a big announcement XD

I actually think Maya'll be pretty good as Danvers. She does put a lot of acting in her performances, if Elisabeth is anything to judge by (she may not be the best young Sisi, but her second act 'older" Sisi is phenomenal IMO), and it would be interesting to see a more human Danvers...(I NEED to hear the recording of Maya doing Rebecca...I think I did hear it once, but I don't remember...XP)...

Still, this St. Gallen show sounds like it'll be good, what with THomas AND Maya being in it...

Oh and to Katie: *glomp* I missed you!

Yeah, I actually really wish that the St. Gallen production were closer to me right now.

No luck finding that clip, but here's her singing I'm An American Woman.



Also, is it just me who thinks that Donna Murphy would make a fantastic Mrs. Danvers, if she were available for an English production? Here's her in Passion.