[PappyCat]

I've been playing around with some ideas on how to play Winnifred, since I'm playing her this spring.

Should I play her Sassy? Or Overly optimistic? Other ways?

Like, I felt Tracy Ullman played her really optimistically, where as Sarah Jessica Parker (judging by the CD) played her rather sassy. Now, regardless of how well you think that particular actress DID, what do you guys think?

I was considering playing her really happy, and just cheerful about everything (until she gets alone in her room and vents a little Happily Ever After) even when things aren't going so well.

But than there are some lines that make me think she's a little sassier than that. That she has a little bite. Maybe a mixture of the two?

What do you think?

[LaurelDP]

I'd say Winnifred definitely has some "bite".

She had a lot of moxie, you know?

[tilltheworldexplodes]

good question.
my best friend actually just closed playing winnifred. and let me tell you, the character can be played a million ways.
the first time i saw OUAM, the best, a girl played winnifred very upbeat, never missing a step. a few short circuits, didn't completely connect everything, but basically knew what she wanted and how to get it. she was absoultely fabulous, her comedic timing [which is key, cant stress it enough] was perfect - just phenomenal.
now, i saw my best friend preform and i really didn't like it to say the least. her winnifred, as directed, was completely obscene and repulsive, masculine and obnoxious. it was just loud, overbearing, and painful for the show.
therefore, there's a line between funny and obnoxious. winnifred defenitly has spunk, and never forget that. she's in no way typical, and doesn't want you to forget it.
anyway, i hope i helped. it's a fabulous part, so do have fun!

[playwrightmo]

I'm in the process of reading the script in preparation for directing a production, and I would say that you're all right. Fred is a combination of an optimistic, somewhat masculine, spunky spitfire with some underlying security issues. She's not the most refined person in the world, and yet she's not afraid to tackle things head on, but deep-down I think she's like the rest of us. She's a human being looking for love.

I think this is important to remember. I think that Dauntless is first attracted to her because she reminds him a lot like his mother. And yet, there's that sensitive side that makes her human. She's a multi-level character.