Week 6: Live Show
I think Andrew Lloyd Webber must be relishing his role as the ’sulky’ judge as we witnessed a real spoof style moment, whereby he said “You don’t need to film this bit!” before stomping off. This show is certainly more formulated than all the others. But, it sure makes for good telly, whatever Kevin Spacey thinks!
The Nancys have started to look like they want it now and you can also sense that the ’sisters’ aspect of the show is starting to ebb away, as individuals are now stepping forward, away from the rest of the pack.
First up is Jodie with a very male song: “Luck Be a Lady” from the hit show, Guys And Dolls. Her acting is coming along also and Andrew says she is 10% away from being fabulous.” She has bags of personality and gives a turn which is exactly what musical theatre should be. There are some rough cabaret edges but I have seen far more O.T.T performers than her on stage recently. All power to her as she is listening and really learning.
Sarah is certainly acting better but comments that she has never been in the situation evoked by the song “Mr Bojangles!” Well, that’s what acting is for, Sarah! She delivers a good performance but it feels really stage-school and too squeaky clean for me. I am starting to get bored, as she seems to do the same every week now. She always gives a “Pick Me” turn but I am not very convinced anymore.
Rachel sings “For Once In My Life” and the arrangement is very Las Vegas. She has a strong voice but her diction is all over the place. It is all Catherine Zeta Jones transatlantic meets Andrea Corr. This is definitely her weakest week yet. There is not much you can do with the Stevie Wonder song and she still looks the part and could blow away the competition in terms of the poignant scenes, within the show. But, judging her on this week, there is a slight chink in her armour.
Samantha sings “Sway” and reminds me of Madonna, as she cannot sing and dance at the same time, either! She is a great pop star or ideal for a modern show like Flashdance or Footloose. But in terms of playing Nancy, she lacks the stature and al round emotion to carry this role off. They may have renamed the Isle Of Man, The Isle Of Sam, but Nancy, she ain’t!
Andrew says the oddest statement, following Sam’s stint: “I’m glad I am not the producer, as I would not know which one to choose!” So, you’re not choosing anyone every week, Andrew?!!! Is this an insight into what goes on behind the scenes, I wonder?
Niamh is up next with, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and gives a very clean-cut rendition. But it feels like we are watching a Disney character now, six weeks on. Where is the edge, the life experience, the acting ability or the rough diamond within? It’s time for Niamh to go now and get a part in High School Musical as she is a nice performer but, not Nancy!
Jessie strips it down for “The Man That Got Away” and vocally, it’s impressive. But the awkwardness remains, despite a rave from the judges. Are they trying to make the competition seem much more exciting or closer than it really is? Or do they feel they have been too harsh with this lass before? I ask, because the stooped body language and the annoying ’singing out of the side of the mouth’ remains. Not to mention the dodgy Cockney accent which cannot surely be ironed out before opening night. Jessie might amaze the judges, but she only has flashes of brilliance for me. I just don’t see the actress within.
Ashley sings “Big Spender” and has a good fighting attitude which you have to admire as this reflects Nancy, herself. But she is not a front runner and this performance proves that. Her body language is hunched and the stylists have put her in an unflattering frock, yet again! Comedic, she maybe this week, but she crouches across the stage when she should be strident. I would pay to see her on stage, following some training, but not as Nancy.
WHO IS NOT NANCY?
For me, Niamh, Samantha or Jessie could go home. What do you think?
Come back later for the results……….
May 4th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
What a Disgrace this weeks results show was. No Way should Sarah have been out at this stage. And what is Ashley still doing in this show!! (In fact why was she ever in this show???)
I thought Andrew Lloyd Webber was supposed to know a bit about star quality. Our Hopes are now pinned on Jessie.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Well having watched the performances I would have said:
Jodie-This was a terrible, terrible song for her and quite frankly I was distinctly underwhelmed by her vocals-straining at the top, as pointed out by the judges.
Sarah-She was once again brilliant vocally, but had to agree with BH when he said that she has one expression-she does. It was clear after yet another bland performance that she could not play the role of Nancy. A brilliant singer, but not Nancy.
Rachel-Surprisingly awful, flat on the low notes and cracked on the top. This was a brilliant song, but boy oh boy did she wreck it.
Samantha-A really great performance-she sung and swayed and moved so elegantly across the stage. Definitely the best of the bunch so far.
Niamh-I was expecting her to be fantastic after her appalling performance last week and she certainly was better, but she was by no means outstanding and for the first time I found myself agreeing with ALW that perhaps she did not have the vocal strength….Still think she deserves to go further though!
Jessie-Vocally phenomenal and her acting was pretty darn good too, but is she Nancy……
Ashley-For me this was the best performance of the night and most Nancy-like. I cannot believe that ALW cannot see this girl’s brilliant potential to play the role of Nancy. She gave this song an outstanding performance and I just hope the public have the will to make up their own minds minus ALW.
As a bottom two I would have Jodie and Rachel and Jodie would go home.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Although I think Jessie is a good singer I noticed in the scene the girls did in the Public House that she couldn’t do a cockney accent and neither could Niamh. Also, when I was young I sang in a production of Oliver and neither of these girls seem anything like Nancy to me. Nancy was a cockney who was presumably raised in a rough environment. Jessie looks more like someone who was raised in a Palace and anyhow, she has to be able to do a convincing accent and even after some weeks she can’t. As for Niamh–well— she should get removed–soon–she is good but she is not Nancy.
Rachel made a mess of her song and I have perfect pitch–so both her and Jodie made my ears hurt. Jodie is good though and I think could play the role. Samantha is my favorite, although to be honest NONE of the girls seem to me to have what it takes to be a really outstanding Nancy. They could probably all do well in some role–but Nancy–no–
However, one of them must get the part so I go for Jodie as she is the most suitable although not my favorite. When voting I try to think who could play the role–so I don’t always vote for my favorite person—because you have to think of the part they have to play—.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I totally agree about Jessie-her accent is all wrong for Nancy.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Can’t believe Sarah has been voted out. The best contender - great singer/actress and plenty of charisma. Makes a mockery of the whole show - she was brilliant and I’d go and see the show if she was cast. Wouldn’t go and see Jodie - too caberet - or Rachel - too ‘professional’ I didn’t see her getting emotional when Sarah left. What is Ashley still hanging around for? All wrong!