So as expected, the final episode of Legally Blonde: The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods began with another actor being eliminated, as Rhiannon was cut, leaving (as a certain blogger I could name predicted) Autumn (on the left in the photo from MTV) and Bailey (on the right, natch) as the finalists.The final audition took place in the actual home of Legally Blonde on Broadway, and the finalists had to perform three numbers with the cast - "Ohmigod You Guys," "Positive" and "So Much Better."
We got to see quite a bit of each number, and it looked like a wash for the most part, with both performers turning in excellent auditions. My impression - confirmed by the judges - was that Autumn was the better singer, and Bailey the better dancer. I'd also give Autumn a slight edge on acting, but all that was pretty subjective, since we were only seeing part of each performance.
Joining the three judges this time around was the guy who (one assumes) had the biggest vote - Jerry Mitchell, the show's director. It was entertaining to see his reaction during the cutaway shots, as he mouthed the words to the songs along with the actors.
Finally the judges rendered their decision, and gave the role to... Bailey! I admit to being surprised - throughout the competition, Autumn has been the most seasoned performer, the best singer - but the judges went with the 20-year-old Bailey.
It's difficult to say why - perhaps because Mitchell is a choreographer, Bailey's skills as a dancer carried more weight. Perhaps they wanted another southern girl to play the part originated by Kentucky native Laura Bell Bundy. Perhaps they thought she'd appeal to the MTV audiences. Who knows?
Autumn, for what it's worth (which is to say, not much), you had my vote. Perhaps this show will follow the Grease formula and bring her into the role a few months down the road. One can only hope.
But that brings this show to an end. Now can I please get some guy-friendly theatre to write about? Between Mamma Mia! and Legally Blonde, I'm kinda overwhelmed with girl-friendly shows here. Don't they need stars for Jersey Boys? I'm just asking is all.
4 comments:
So sad Autumn lost, but after the first audition number of the night I felt Bailey had the role sewn up. I still believe that Autumn is the better singer and actor. It's just that Bailey just "is" Elle Woods.
Here's hoping that Autumn goes on to bigger and better things.
Denise, I think you're right - Bailey certainly does look the part, and they've said that all along.
It's the funny thing about reality shows - even though we don't know these people, we tend to choose one to cheer on - the one we "like" best (it's the secret to American Idol's success). And there's a huge difference between a live performance and one that's televised - the people sitting in the theater see and hear things we're not getting at home.
I hope you're right and we haven't seen the last of Autumn.
Autumn is understudying Bailey in the role, and Lauren and Rhiannon are in the tour. Autumn will also be playing one of Elle's best friends. So good things came about for all the actresses.
You can read the entire story at Playbill.com.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119676.html
Yes, and Autumn will have a regular role in the Broadway show, too, so that's good to hear. Nice that they were able to include all the performers.
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