jazzygirlsings
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High Strung "Leads"...Warning...bit of a rant ahead...
Right now I'm in rehearsals for a show and the leading girl is making a big drama of being the lead.
First of all, there's a bit of singing in the show that she has to do, which she does fine...but she's so (supposedly) insecure about it that she will literally stop the scene to be like, "OMG, that was too high" or "That was awful", etc...I think it honestly comes from a larger need for constant validation that she's doing okay, for whatever reason...
AND she is one of those people who blames things on herself, etc. (Probably for the same reason...) I was choreographing a square dance sequence yesterday and we were having problems with grand right and left. I said we need to run it again and she bursts out with, "It's all my fault! I can't get back in time to do it!" And I said to her, "You're not the only one that's having trouble with this, which is why the other choreographer and I want to run it again."...well, basically she just stands there and says, "well, I'm just gonna screw it up again because it's all wrong..."
Believe it or not, this was not the moment when I wanted to strangle her...That happened during the recording yesterday...
The lead opposite her has been struggling with his rendition of the same song she has to sing...He begins to sing and SHE STOPS HIM AND SAYS, "That's all wrong!" Isn't that for the DIRECTOR to say? It was when she started to displace her own insecurities that I was like WOAH!
The piece itself is very much an ensemble piece anyway, she's really more of a pivotal character...so when she wigs out, we're all there and her behavior is stopping and affecting all of us.
Not to mention that she keeps herself very distant from the rest of us. She basically only hangs out with the assistant director and the director...
Now, there's something you should know about the company I'm working with...Everyone does the same amount of work, whether it's on stage or off, so we all do company bows...I'm wondering how she's going to take this little bit of info!
ANYWAY...I find that this happens a lot with younger actors and they forget that no matter what role you play, theatre is a team sport. I'm actually glad this is happening because being in the position I'm in now, I'm able to look at the situation more objectively.
I know that the next time I get a leading role, I have to keep my actions in check. Not that I have a tendency to be the same way, but it's a good reminder of how NOT to behave.
Anybody else run into this behavior? And does anybody see this behavior in themselves when they are given the responsibility of a larger role?
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OneSongGlory
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I actually am yet to have the pleasure of working with a bitch lead, and I've done quite a few shows, too. Like right now I'm doing Footloose, and our Ariel and Ren are honestly two of the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met. However, I have met quite a few, but they were more of the disgruntled didn't-get-the-lead sort who were jealous of the leads and went around saying they were better than everyone else. They're no fun.
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jazzygirlsings
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^There's certainly no shortage of those, either! LOL!
But maybe it's something that happens more on a professional end? Because honestly, that's the only other place I've run into it...I never experienced it in educational theatre...
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OneSongGlory
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I've never really done educational theatre, but I've never been paid to act either. All my experience pretty much comes from pretty large community theatres.
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jazzygirlsings
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^AH! Gotcha!
But at the same time, what you were saying about the supporting cast often being bitter is kinda rampant everywhere! LOL!
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MaryMag
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I've actually seen that behavior in quite a few old ladies who feel the need to re-assert their dominance over us younger girls. They can somehow turn what appears to be humility or self-degradation into a reminder of their superiority. Some ladies ahve been rather mean about this sort of thing to me; I then comfort myself with the fact that I look better in a swimsuit than they do.
And being the "lead" isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you may get the final bow, but sometimes your part sucks. Or is boring. And then no one is going to remember you, though they will remember the crazy character actors with the HILARIOUS scenes. That's like the show I'm in. Yeah I'm the title role but I'm not the character people are going to remember. I'm surrounded by some of the most hilarious characters Durang ever created. I'm only there to ground the play in reality since the rest of the characters are so insanely melodramatic. I would have preferred to be one of the crazies. They're the ones that will be mentioned in reviews and have the best lines!
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metaphor17
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| MaryMag wrote: | | I've actually seen that behavior in quite a few old ladies who feel the need to re-assert their dominance over us younger girls. They can somehow turn what appears to be humility or self-degradation into a reminder of their superiority. Some ladies ahve been rather mean about this sort of thing to me; I then comfort myself with the fact that I look better in a swimsuit than they do. |
I'll have to remember that. there's this awful older lady at this theatre that I work at often... she only ever gets chorus roles, but she's continuously on a MAJOR ego trip...
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Bianca.
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..you mean it doesn't end after High School?
...uugggghhhhh.
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jazzygirlsings
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LMAO! It actually gets worse in some cases! 
People put a lot of pressure on themselves...
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Bianca.
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jazzygirlsings
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Syrs...I gotta take that smiley with the wall away from you!
You're gonna do some serious dain bramage! 
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SuperKabob
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| MaryMag wrote: | | I then comfort myself with the fact that I look better in a swimsuit than they do. |
| MaryMag wrote: | | And being the "lead" isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you may get the final bow, but sometimes your part sucks. Or is boring. And then no one is going to remember you, though they will remember the crazy character actors with the HILARIOUS scenes. |
Very true. In my last school show, I played a girl who was insanely nervous about an audition, and she had a big scene at the very end of act one involving lots of yelling, hypervenilating, and paper bags. Though I wasn't the lead, I had an ENOURMOUS amount of fun doing it, while the "lead" of the show had a lot of melodramtic monologues. The same was true, for another show, where i was a game show host for a skit. People would come up to be and tell me it was their favorite part.
It really is quite fun to be the comic relief in a show. The leads are hardly ever as much fun, or as memorable, as the comedic roles
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Bianca.
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | Syrs...I gotta take that smiley with the wall away from you!
You're gonna do some serious dain bramage! |
hahahaha<33
but it's my faavvvooorriiitttteee 
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candigirl1990
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commenting on the ppl who have major jealousy issues with the lead.
it really sucks for me at least cause i put my self out there just like everyone at auditions and the last three shows i've done have been leads. but it seems like the more i get, the more ppl dislike me. and it totally sucks cause ppl call me a stuck up bitch and tell ppl that i think i'm the shit, when i'm just there doing what i love. and for ppl to say stuff that isnt true about me is just wrong cause i've had ppl tell me "yea i came to the read through thinking you were a stuck up snob cause of what ppl have said about you and idk where they got that from". idk. drama just sucks basically right?
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jazzygirlsings
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I know a lot of people have brought this up, but the thread isn't about the supporting players being beeotches...it's about the leading players being out of hand...
There's a difference. I've already acknowledged that the supporting people often have a chip on their shoulder...
Do you think that my story makes it sound like I have a chip on my shoulder? Because I don't...
In fact, I love the part I was given because I actually get to play a character type that I normally don't get to play, which is fun! 
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candigirl1990
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ohhhh no not at all.
i just briefly skimmed and saw that topic and thought i'd write about it. haha my bad.
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jazzygirlsings
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| candigirl1990 wrote: | ohhhh no not at all.
i just briefly skimmed and saw that topic and thought i'd write about it. haha my bad. |
Okay, good! I was worried for a bit there!
I was just genuinely curious to see if anyone else has come in contact with this and their experiences! LOL!
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Roger's Chica
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When I was in "Footloose" in high school, our Ren was the most ridiculous high strung person I've ever met. It didn't help that he proceeded to go out and party every night after the show and ended up getting so sick that he burst both of his eardrums right after the run, but even before that...
He was completely unable to remember what outfit he was supposed to wear in each scene and, accordingly, would pitch a fit if his dresser wasn't standing next to him every moment he was in the changeroom... despite the fact that she had tons of other duties and was really only supposed to help him do his bruise make-up for the end of act one and help him change for the prom. He would explode at his sister (a chorus member) if she wasn't standing completely still backstage. He would stop rehearsals and pout if everyone in the theatre wasn't watching him rehearsal his big numbers, etc.
It's been a good 4 years since I've done the show, so most of my memories have faded away, but I can remember practically scratching my eyes out during every single rehearsal.
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jazzygirlsings
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^Wow...I understand why you might not want to remember every little thing about that experience! I wouldn't want to remember that, either! LOL!
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LisaKitty
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Like when I was rehearsing "Pirates of Penzance" and the woman playing Mabel stopped our rehearsal cold for a good half hour, because she didn't like her blocking at the end of "Poor Wandering One". Frederick was supposed to pick her up and carry her upstage to a little private area while the girls in the chorus had their "discussion" (those of you familiar with the show know the scene I'm talking about).
She pitched a complete fit to the director in front of the entire women's chorus and the actor playing Fred, because she couldn't understand why he would want to carry her away to be alone. What she really meant was she didn't understand why she couldn't be front and center stage at all times she was on. Then she spent another 20 minutes giving a dissertation about how the entire plot of the show was focused around Mabel and how much Frederick loved her, and therefore, she should be the focus of every scene.
Meanwhile the rest of the female cast was not-so-silently plotting how they could kill this woman and let her much nicer and equally talented understudy take the role, so that they could actually get through a rehearsal without having to stop for a "diva fit break".
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Eponine93
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Is this show the girl's first major professional role? She may be really nervous and be venting it out at the cast.
Jazzy, you're a nice person. Try to have a heart-to-heart with her. Some people just need more reassurance than others. She may have a lot of outside pressure as well as other issues that can be worked out through communication. Let her know that you're on her side, share experiences, and even see if there is something the director or the other cast members are doing that is bugging her. If they are, see if you can persuade them to make life easier for her if it's not too out of the way.
She may just be putting up the diva act to hide her own feelings. It may take some work, but if she has someone to vent to maybe she won't take it out on fellow castmates. Maybe she realizes she's not being accepted in the cast because of some reason that started it, and out of self-hate for not being accepted is making life miserable for everyone else? Talk to her and try to work it out.
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jazzygirlsings
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^That's great advice and I actually did talk to her for a bit last night. As a person, she's absolutely wonderful...which is why it's so hard when I can't stand that behavior on stage...
But yeah...we had a great talk and I may not have told her all of my feelings, but I'm pretty sure she began to understand the bigger picture. I reassured her that we are all in this together and if she needs anything, like help running lines or running her song or something- we're all there for her...
It was really nice because I invited her out for drinks last night with a few other members of the cast and I was so happy when she said yes! We all had a great time!
Hopefully, that will translate back into rehearsals...FINGERS CROSSED!
As for LisaKitty's story...UGH!!!!!!!! I'm sure you guys probably tried to trip her or something throughout the process! LOL! That's just the kind of diva stuff that you can't remedy without some kind of yelling match or physical violence...
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Salome
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Most of the time the supporting roles are better and more fun to play...
Ive done alot of both but god how I enjoyed supporting roles like
Jenny in Threepenny
Sorel in Hay Fever
Dani in Cementville
Beggar Woman in Sweeneyv Todd
and
Hope in Anything Goes
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jazzygirlsings
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| Salome wrote: | Most of the time the supporting roles are better and more fun to play...
Ive done alot of both but god how I enjoyed supporting roles like
Jenny in Threepenny
Sorel in Hay Fever
Dani in Cementville
Beggar Woman in Sweeneyv Todd
and
Hope in Anything Goes |
What has that got to do with this topic?
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Salome
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notning..i hijacked it...soooo stay put. *puts gag in Jazzy's mouth*
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jazzygirlsings
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^Now this is a girl with a massive diva complex! LOL!
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Salome
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ooooohhhhh you didn't! 
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MissMusic
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Oh my gosh.
Last year, our Junior High Production was of Godspell(Jr.)
And there were WAY more girls than guys.
Our cast consisted of 4 guys and about 10 girls.
One of my friends auditioned with "beauty school dropout" and had all the girls cheering at the end. His comedy got him the coveted role of Jesus. And he be came the biggest egotistical obtuse blockhead ever to walk the earth.
He EVEN almost quit to do track, but ended up doing both. He NEVER payed attention, and disrespected theatre, always picking up the highschool props and playing with him. Granted he's a fabulous singer, but still!
Not to mention, this year we're preforming Aladdin (Jr.) and he is absolutely Positive he's going to get the lead of Aladdin. He's even said that none of the other guys are ever conciderable for the part, even though half of them are 7th graders he's never met before. And there's the fact that he's 6 foot 2, and theres only one girl that would match him height wise, but it still would not look right on stage. We've told him time and time again he shouldnt assume things like this, but he does. I think he'll get Jafar, but he's still certain he'll get the lead, just because he snatched it last year as a 7th grader. THere are so many times i want to slap him. But i hold off.
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star2ballie
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salome, you are too a diva.. LOL. sorry to go o/t, but salome check your PM!
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Eponine93
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| Quote: | | His comedy got him the coveted role of Jesus. And he be came the biggest egotistical obtuse blockhead ever to walk the earth. |
That's why I hate when I or someone I know are involved in shows that have roles that are important in faith and religon (Godspell, JCS, Children of Eden, ect.) The actors begin thinking that they ARE Jesus or God.
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Kaiana
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^lol!
Are rehearsals going any better now Jazzy?
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jazzygirlsings
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I have another rehearsal with the full cast on Saturday, so I'll definitely give an update!
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Salome
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just slug her and get it done with. hahaha!
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jazzygirlsings
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I think I actually get to do that on Saturday! LOL!
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Salome
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you have a fight scene in the show? cool lol
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jazzygirlsings
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Yep!
Hair-pulling and everything! And I WIN!
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Salome
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haha! love it!
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jazzygirlsings
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^Me too!
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Salome
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okay..so now you have to tell me about the scene !
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jazzygirlsings
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I basically call her a slut in front of the whole town at a dance...I call her out on being preggers, but not having a husband! LOL!
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vanillabean
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The director's daughter always acts like everyone should bow to her every whim.
Funny story --
Her and I had quick changes in Brigadoon and I took my costume to the quick change room and her's wasn't in there. So I was a nice person and I ran downstairs and got it. (Since she was onstage and her quick change was right after the scene she was in). Then I went to the side of the stage she comes off of and told her I had brought her quick change costume upstairs for her and it was in the quick change room. She tore my head off. Made me quite mad, I was just trying to be nice.
She is the opposite though, its obviously her notes that are out of tune and she blames everyone else.
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Salome
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why dont you work for another theatre then? or complain to the board of director's about this guy. obviously he needs to be reigned in.
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vanillabean
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who me?
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Salome
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yes. cant people go to the board of directors about this guy and his daughter?
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vanillabean
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Except that he IS the BoD...
See this theatre I work with is non-equity community not-for-profit. The director does it out of his home essentially. If he wants to put all his own family in a show he can and all anyone can do is not go to the show, or drop out.
We have one other theatre in town but it is a children's theatre. There are 2 equity/non-equity theatres in a city 2 hours away,, but its really hard being in school to go for a month of rehersals and then 3 weeks of shows.
So essentially if I want to do theatre, I am stuck. At least for another year until I am out of college.
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Salome
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WOW. Ive worked in alot of community and non equity theatres but they all have boards of directors. this doesnt sound luike a non profit theatre ,it sounds more like pone guy's vanity group to do what he wants. everyone should just leave and form a real group.
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LisaKitty
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| Salome wrote: | | it sounds more like one guy's vanity group to do what he wants. |
There are quite a few groups like that where I live. I call them "P***s Extension Theatre".
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MissMusic
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| Eponine93 wrote: | | Quote: | | His comedy got him the coveted role of Jesus. And he be came the biggest egotistical obtuse blockhead ever to walk the earth. |
That's why I hate when I or someone I know are involved in shows that have roles that are important in faith and religon (Godspell, JCS, Children of Eden, ect.) The actors begin thinking that they ARE Jesus or God. |
Bahahaha That is an extreme understatement.
He seems to believe that since he wowed Ms. O last year, He's just gonna walts on in singing Billy Joel and become Aladdin. I'm gonna laugh when he doesnt get it. I'm going to laugh: hard.
He really gets on my nerves. He is so egotistical, i swear i want to smack him every two minutes.
He asked me the other day if i thought my friend liked him and i said "I dont think so." He asked her and she says "Do you always believe kelsey?" so now he thinks she likes him when she deffinently doesnt.
But what ever...
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SuperKabob
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| Eponine93 wrote: | | Quote: | | His comedy got him the coveted role of Jesus. And he be came the biggest egotistical obtuse blockhead ever to walk the earth. |
That's why I hate when I or someone I know are involved in shows that have roles that are important in faith and religon (Godspell, JCS, Children of Eden, ect.) The actors begin thinking that they ARE Jesus or God. |
On the contrary, our Jesus (in Godspell, Jr.) was the BEST person, like... ever. She (yes, she) would always show up to EVERY rehersal, and she would learn everything, wether it was her part or not. On top of all of that, she was an excellent singer and actress. She would always take critiques from anyone, and she was the first to memorize her lines..(in middle school theater, very big deal) Did I not mention how awesome she was??
Judas, however, had a few... "spotlight problems" It couldn't seem to cross her mind to get out of the front row, or to not be in the center. She also missed a bunch of rehersals, and was quite rude to about half of the cast.
Heh... I just relaized it sort of parallels people's conceptions of the real Judas and Jesus... odd
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