[Musicalluver]

Hello all former and future Sarahs! How have most of you done "if i were a bell"? Do you "belt" it or"mix" it? I have more fun when I belt it, but I tend to get under pitched. What have you all done when you sing the song. Is belting too out of character for Sarah?

I <3 Musicals!

[AllThatJazz777]

Jeez I have been posting way too much on here . . . anyhow, belting is definitely not out of character for Sarah, but the most important thing here is doing what you're comfortable with. Sure, it's traditionally belted/sung in a very chesty voice, but if you're a poor belter don't try to belt it. One, you could hurt yourself. Two, you may be really heavy and under the pitch. Since she's drunk, there's a lot of room for fooling around with this song and it's very forgiving technique-wise. Lucky me, when I did it our choreographer staged it so that I was completely out of breath at the end of Havana, so every night I'd start "Ask me *gasp* how do I *gasp* feel." The most important thing about this song is the acting, not the singing, although both are important.

A word of caution: If you're going to "mix" it, make sure that the mixing makes sense. Do something like singing "Ask me now that we're fondly caressing," since it's more intimate, and then belting "Pal, if I were a salad I know I'd be spashing my dressing." Above all, just had fun!!

[BoundBySound]

During that song Sarah is hung over so belting wouldn't be out of character but if you are uncomfortable with it then you could probably mix it. If you work on it then I think that eventually it will become a habit to not sing underpitch. Just do what you feel you will perform best with.

[christinadaae]

You don't have to base what you do on what other people who have played the part before you have done.
If you think, because shes drunk, or for contrast, you should belt it, then do it.
If you think that she wouldn't belt it, then don't.

She your character now.

[BroadwayDoll]

Hello, I'm playing Sarah, btu I'm having so much trouble with her character.... I feel as though I'm just reading lines, nto being Sarah. Does anyone have any tips? She's a hrad character to portray especially with all of the character development.

[dlahr1988]

I'm auditioning for sarah on May 29th for a community theater. I'm really nervous because I'm only 18 and generally they choose someone a little bit older.... but also extremley excited to give it a shot! I just found out a couple days ago that the audtion song for all women is "If I were a Bell." I think I'm going to use more of a mix because I don't want to completely stray from saran's sweet/feminine side. anyway... here's my question

I've been preparing to act out this song by turning on really crazy music in my room and dancing really goofily in front of the mirror (while nobody's watching of course ). I think it helps me get used to playing drunk and stepping out of my comfort zone a bit. I'm wondering how much acting I should do when I sing the song for my audtion. Obviously I don't want to do choreography or anything ridiculous like that. Does anyone have any suggestions of how I could show the judges that I can sing this song with personality? I don't want to look cheesy or overdo my audition. Any ideas would be much appreciated!

sorry about the novel.....

[phantomphan85]

You've got as much a chance as any of the others. I'm 21 and I got the part, when lots of older women went for it. The thing to remember when doing "Bell" is just to let loose and have fun!

Sorry, if that wasn't much help. Good luck with your audition and let us know if you get the part.

[dlahr1988]

Thanks! I'll make sure to do that...

and good luck in your show!