I am a musical theater geek through and through. I have been singing and performing my whole life so I can be critical but I think she sounds great for a first timer on Broadway. I kind of wish she was belting some of the higher notes a little bolder but who knows what they directed her to do. Also, she is perfect for the role of Roxy. Her natural persona just fits the role so well.
Thank you for being real haha everyone who’s like “I’m a musical theatre person and she’s sucks” I’m just like huh? I was a dancer so I can only judge that but I thought she did great
@@mlason1 Thanks for your comment. 😊 I honestly was very impressed by EJ's performance. It's obvious that she took the opportunity seriously and put alot of work in to be the best she can. Even though she has the dance music career, in my mind she still isn't a professional. At least not in musical theater. I think alot of guest celebrities who didn't earn the role in a traditional way would not have necessarily put in as much effort. I mean, let's be honest - It could've been a disaster and she would have been a big joke because she is a housewife on RHOBH. Before my first comment I went on TH-cam and I watched Ashlee Simpson, Brandy, etc. perform the same song from when they had the role of Roxie Hart. With exception to Brandy's singing voice, none were necessarily better than EJ. But I thought even Brandy had some difficulty singing in the Roxie Hart style with the accent. Really the only way to know for sure who was the best would be to attend all of their shows. I think anyone who says she sucked either just hates her or is just an overly critical theater snob. (There are alot of those. Lol.) EJ received great critic reviews so I am not the only one who thinks she did well. Again, thanks for the comment.
I am a lifetime theater kid who has never seen the sun and I agree wholeheartedly with your critique! She was great! If she could belt (I'd even take a skrelt), I'd wanna see her do Velma. She's got that side to her too, and its saucy 😈
I grew up with a Broadway star, my Mother, and Erika- You nailed it! Congratulations ...Your so much more than those Housewives always screaming at each other- You've got Class! Love Chicago..Your perfect for the part!
I think she sounds great for someone doing broadway for the first time. No one in this comment section has played Roxy ON BROADWAY so unless you’re a professional vocal teacher try not to be too judgmental
Sara Juanita I have been in tons of shows, in fact I am about to play Tanya in Mama Mia when everything opens back up...you’ve got to have a broadway voice to hit the big notes and she has not hit one 😳😳😳😳
you don't have to be a professional vocal teacher to comment on someone's performance. Do you have to be a politician or have a political science degree to comment on politics? No, you don't have to. That's a fallacious argument
@@nicholasbosco8811 youre absolutely right, everyones allowed to have an opinion, but my comment was about the comments from people who just wanted to say something mean/be a bully instead of giving an opinion. HOWEVER after whats been going on w this woman this past year I am no longer defending her, so feel free to say whatever!
I think people are being very harsh on Erika's performance. It's a hard song to sing, and I think she sounded quite good. It's a high-pitched song that suits her voice
I’m a huge fan of Erika’s, but frankly this song is not very difficult to sing. Anybody who’s on a broadway stage should be able to deliver this song clearly and easily. I imagine she dances and acts the part much better than she sings it. I think if they had taken the key down a half step? maybe a whole step she’d be belting more confidently? It’s also important to take into consideration Erika’s age, a woman’s vocal prime is like 20’s - 30’s and then it’s a slow case of decline. I’m fairly sure Erika is 49/50 here? I think all in all she did a fantastic job in everything (except for the vocals, which were sub par) overall a great performance
Erika did an amazing job especially considering it was her first broadway performance. Why tear down someone for their performance when it wasn’t bad? She did what needed to be done and had the audience with her.
Had to come here after listening to her sing at Diana Christmas party on RHOBH . I didnt know if they used autotune here too because she sure didn't have it at the party. 🤭
Thank you chimenysweep! Why is everyone else so bitter with criticism. If people don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself. Just because someone has more experience or authority on a matter doesn't mean they're entitled to bad mouth others. Spend that energy in voting for a better US president in the next elections.
As a failed musical theatre artist who did the whole drama school thing, more than 10,000 hours of professional vocal training, has worked in theatre since 18, auditioned for 100s of productions and met so so so many talented people throughout my life and experience, it really breaks my heart that the industry does this. I have nothing against her as a person, it’s not her fault that she got cast but honestly this is so incredibly weak, there’s no way anyone would even get into drama school with that voice, let alone a Broadway musical. She’s definitely got charisma but it really is a joke to all the trained performers who have more talent in their fingernails than she has entirely. Very depressing
Gurl BYE. Chicago has been casting celebrities for two decades to fill seats. Erika is a great performer. You’re clearly projecting your failures and that’s depressing for YOU. No one asked for your resume, do better.
I’m a huge fan of the musical & it’s many productions, the film adaption, and Erika. While I can agree Erika’s voice isn’t strong enough to lead the show, Roxie Hart as a character is much like Sally Bowles in Cabaret, hence A-Lister “celebrities” often playing both characters on broadway. The characters are over the top characters, seeking fame & attention & love in any & Every way they can. But, the characters aren’t meant to have strong enough voices for such fame & celebrity. The film adaptions of Cabaret (with Liza Minnelli) and Chicago (Renee Zellweger) had to miscast the characters for the sake of the film as a musical. But in actuality, the actresses & their voices are too strong for the role. Roxie & Sally have been working their whole lives trying to become famous singers & performers, and had opportunities to become just that, but are too delusional to see that they aren’t talented enough to actually do so. If you throw away your preconceived notions from the films & actually research and study the musicals, the stories, and their source material, you’d actually learn that the character isn’t supposed to be the world’s greatest vocalist & singer, but really, a mediocre performer never destined for fame or greatness, and so deep in denial that they feel the need to resort to self destructive behaviors & actions. Especially when someone (like Fred in Chicago for example) tells them the truth and tries to break their facades that are based in this denial. Learn & know the story behind the characters & the musical before judging the performers & the casting & their talents. Once you’ve done that, you may be able to see how Erika is actually a decent choice in casting for a character that was never supposed to be talented enough to achieve the success she does in the story. And, on top of all this, look at the world around you & look inward, because the last thing this world needs is more negativity & judgement, especially when the world is falling apart & needs people to join together, hold one another up, and unify for the greater good. Be kind, be good, be positive. Much love & light to all.
so the broadway musical should sound like a cat being raped by a construction worker because the character was a novice singer? Jean Val Jean was a poor man who never could have afforded a vocal coach so Les Mis should sound terrible?
Well there shouldn’t be preconceived notions from the film because Zeta Jones and Zellweger are also not the best vocalists, they were good enough to justify the casting though…it’s a Broadway production, there’s a fourth wall…you don’t go to watch Les Mis and wonder why these soldiers of the revolution break into perfectly pitched songs?-surely the characters should be tired and their vocal chords too dry from screaming for all that?…the lion king - isn’t it kinda outta character for a lion to sing?? ITS MUSICAL THEATRE…it’s not just about the story, there’s an aesthetic quality, as in, it’s stylised and supposed to sound good. I would argue that it’s not kind at all to cast someone immensely privileged whilst talentless amongst an industry that is teaming with amazingly talented struggling artists who have bled, sweated and cried tears for the sake of their craft and are having to slave away in Hooters to make rent. I mean, have some integrity for goodness sake, art needs to be challenged and critiqued, it’s honestly insulting
She was better than Pamela Anderson and Christie Brinkley, which isn't saying much! 🙄 I think Melanie Griffin was better and she doesn't have a musical theater background, just saying 😉
I don’t like it. My mom watches whatever housewives show this old privileged woman is on. Her voice doesn’t fit the role in my opinion. Chicago is a beautiful show, but Erika doesn’t fit. Those ensemble girls put in so much energy, and deserve the part way more. I can only imagine that they went for the part just to get this tv show “celebrity” who goes out, drinks, and gets in verbal fights for the camera. Broadway is full of so many talented people and so many people audition for shows on Broadway, trying to make it and achieve their dreams. Imagine how they must have felt seeing this casting. I hope she doesn’t come back after the virus, so many people are more deserving of this than her. I’m sorry, this is just how I feel about this. My opinion may piss you off, but however you respond could never change my opinion.
On Broadway, Chicago has always had rotating stars in the top three positions and most of them aren't known for their singing or dancing abilities. That's pretty well known when people tryout for the show since those particular positions aren't open for regular casting. I personally think she sings it the way it's intended since Roxie was a wanna be but to each their own.
Savannah Tucker Your right it’s your opinion. Try to remember I think they put different people in that position not just talent. For the thrilling Experience!
@@ctcatlady Because she didn't deserve to play that role. Many other BROADWAY stars would have done a better job and the audience should get what they pay for--a seasoned Broadway star.
Ok, so she can’t sing. She’s got charisma! And this amazing orchestra is doing a great job if staying with her! Cause she sure as shit ain’t trying to stay with them...
I don't know how I feel about Erika but one thing I'm certain of: that was a brilliant casting! She has a nice voice, can dance and act! Awesome
I am a musical theater geek through and through. I have been singing and performing my whole life so I can be critical but I think she sounds great for a first timer on Broadway. I kind of wish she was belting some of the higher notes a little bolder but who knows what they directed her to do. Also, she is perfect for the role of Roxy. Her natural persona just fits the role so well.
Thank you for being real haha everyone who’s like “I’m a musical theatre person and she’s sucks” I’m just like huh? I was a dancer so I can only judge that but I thought she did great
@@mlason1
Thanks for your comment. 😊
I honestly was very impressed by EJ's performance. It's obvious that she took the opportunity seriously and put alot of work in to be the best she can. Even though she has the dance music career, in my mind she still isn't a professional. At least not in musical theater. I think alot of guest celebrities who didn't earn the role in a traditional way would not have necessarily put in as much effort. I mean, let's be honest - It could've been a disaster and she would have been a big joke because she is a housewife on RHOBH.
Before my first comment I went on TH-cam and I watched Ashlee Simpson, Brandy, etc. perform the same song from when they had the role of Roxie Hart. With exception to Brandy's singing voice, none were necessarily better than EJ. But I thought even Brandy had some difficulty singing in the Roxie Hart style with the accent. Really the only way to know for sure who was the best would be to attend all of their shows. I think anyone who says she sucked either just hates her or is just an overly critical theater snob. (There are alot of those. Lol.) EJ received great critic reviews so I am not the only one who thinks she did well. Again, thanks for the comment.
I am a lifetime theater kid who has never seen the sun and I agree wholeheartedly with your critique! She was great! If she could belt (I'd even take a skrelt), I'd wanna see her do Velma. She's got that side to her too, and its saucy 😈
Also... RIP Anne Reinking 😭💔👑
I think first time on Stage ( Broadway) had to be nerve racking!!! I give her props for being asked & doing her Thang!!!! Congratulations Erica !!!!!
Pray for the Haters!!
Erica: You are amazing. Congratulations on your debut....
She’s honestly fantastic for Broadway 🤷🏻♀️
I grew up with a Broadway star, my Mother, and Erika- You nailed it! Congratulations ...Your so much more than those Housewives always screaming at each other- You've got Class! Love Chicago..Your perfect for the part!
So many struggling Broadway artist who deserve to have played this role. Money talks.
She is amazing how many other wealthy women played Roxy?
I think she sounds great for someone doing broadway for the first time. No one in this comment section has played Roxy ON BROADWAY so unless you’re a professional vocal teacher try not to be too judgmental
Sara Juanita I have been in tons of shows, in fact I am about to play Tanya in Mama Mia when everything opens back up...you’ve got to have a broadway voice to hit the big notes and she has not hit one 😳😳😳😳
@@BlondyG123 I mean I agree with you about Erika 100%... But does your mother know that you're out?
Yeah Sara Broadway is no joke... doesn’t really matter if it’s your first time
you don't have to be a professional vocal teacher to comment on someone's performance. Do you have to be a politician or have a political science degree to comment on politics? No, you don't have to. That's a fallacious argument
@@nicholasbosco8811 youre absolutely right, everyones allowed to have an opinion, but my comment was about the comments from people who just wanted to say something mean/be a bully instead of giving an opinion. HOWEVER after whats been going on w this woman this past year I am no longer defending her, so feel free to say whatever!
I think people are being very harsh on Erika's performance. It's a hard song to sing, and I think she sounded quite good. It's a high-pitched song that suits her voice
Fox Vaughan she should not be on broadway if she can’t sing!!!! 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
I’m a huge fan of Erika’s, but frankly this song is not very difficult to sing. Anybody who’s on a broadway stage should be able to deliver this song clearly and easily. I imagine she dances and acts the part much better than she sings it. I think if they had taken the key down a half step? maybe a whole step she’d be belting more confidently? It’s also important to take into consideration Erika’s age, a woman’s vocal prime is like 20’s - 30’s and then it’s a slow case of decline. I’m fairly sure Erika is 49/50 here? I think all in all she did a fantastic job in everything (except for the vocals, which were sub par) overall a great performance
Me too I think she did very well.
Shona Gardner Tell that to Lin Manuel Miranda....
Lolllll then go see lisa rinna’s reviews
Erika did an amazing job especially considering it was her first broadway performance. Why tear down someone for their performance when it wasn’t bad? She did what needed to be done and had the audience with her.
She was so beyond perfect for this role in every way. Her voice even fits it to a T
Had to come here after listening to her sing at Diana Christmas party on RHOBH . I didnt know if they used autotune here too because she sure didn't have it at the party. 🤭
Her voice isnt the strongest. But the crowd seems to like her
Have there been any reviews published.
Lorraine Saunders There are some If you put in the search engine
She plays the bad girl and her husband is rich.
She did a great job...memorizing the words and reciting them.
Aww look another hateful man who needs to go out of his way to diss a woman on TH-cam! What a stud
Are you on broadway?
Also by performing confidently with poise and elegance
i mean it was her first time, she probably did better the next couple of days
She can't sing tho
Um no, she has no talent 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you chimenysweep! Why is everyone else so bitter with criticism. If people don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself. Just because someone has more experience or authority on a matter doesn't mean they're entitled to bad mouth others. Spend that energy in voting for a better US president in the next elections.
Sara oh please, I’m anything but bitter. Erika just cannot sing. Not everyone is born with talent, it is what it is. 😂😂😂👏🏻
this is me :)
As a failed musical theatre artist who did the whole drama school thing, more than 10,000 hours of professional vocal training, has worked in theatre since 18, auditioned for 100s of productions and met so so so many talented people throughout my life and experience, it really breaks my heart that the industry does this. I have nothing against her as a person, it’s not her fault that she got cast but honestly this is so incredibly weak, there’s no way anyone would even get into drama school with that voice, let alone a Broadway musical. She’s definitely got charisma but it really is a joke to all the trained performers who have more talent in their fingernails than she has entirely. Very depressing
Why are you putting your own problems on someone who was trying her first role and did relatively well
@@jordanbraydenstudios Because no one goes to Broadway to watch ‘relatively good’ theatre…
Chicago, more than any other show, is known to outsource celebs. I assume to keep seats filled since it doesn’t have to panache as other shows.
Gurl BYE. Chicago has been casting celebrities for two decades to fill seats. Erika is a great performer. You’re clearly projecting your failures and that’s depressing for YOU. No one asked for your resume, do better.
@@jordanbraydenstudiosFairPoint I think their point was, it should be better than relatively well it should be the best. Erica Jane is not the best.
Great phrasing!
ok she did well
I thought she would deliver the dialogue better but it’s okay
Bravo!
I’m a huge fan of the musical & it’s many productions, the film adaption, and Erika. While I can agree Erika’s voice isn’t strong enough to lead the show, Roxie Hart as a character is much like Sally Bowles in Cabaret, hence A-Lister “celebrities” often playing both characters on broadway. The characters are over the top characters, seeking fame & attention & love in any & Every way they can. But, the characters aren’t meant to have strong enough voices for such fame & celebrity. The film adaptions of Cabaret (with Liza Minnelli) and Chicago (Renee Zellweger) had to miscast the characters for the sake of the film as a musical. But in actuality, the actresses & their voices are too strong for the role. Roxie & Sally have been working their whole lives trying to become famous singers & performers, and had opportunities to become just that, but are too delusional to see that they aren’t talented enough to actually do so. If you throw away your preconceived notions from the films & actually research and study the musicals, the stories, and their source material, you’d actually learn that the character isn’t supposed to be the world’s greatest vocalist & singer, but really, a mediocre performer never destined for fame or greatness, and so deep in denial that they feel the need to resort to self destructive behaviors & actions. Especially when someone (like Fred in Chicago for example) tells them the truth and tries to break their facades that are based in this denial.
Learn & know the story behind the characters & the musical before judging the performers & the casting & their talents. Once you’ve done that, you may be able to see how Erika is actually a decent choice in casting for a character that was never supposed to be talented enough to achieve the success she does in the story. And, on top of all this, look at the world around you & look inward, because the last thing this world needs is more negativity & judgement, especially when the world is falling apart & needs people to join together, hold one another up, and unify for the greater good. Be kind, be good, be positive. Much love & light to all.
so the broadway musical should sound like a cat being raped by a construction worker because the character was a novice singer?
Jean Val Jean was a poor man who never could have afforded a vocal coach so Les Mis should sound terrible?
Jonathan Marchetti WELL SAID!!!!
Well there shouldn’t be preconceived notions from the film because Zeta Jones and Zellweger are also not the best vocalists, they were good enough to justify the casting though…it’s a Broadway production, there’s a fourth wall…you don’t go to watch Les Mis and wonder why these soldiers of the revolution break into perfectly pitched songs?-surely the characters should be tired and their vocal chords too dry from screaming for all that?…the lion king - isn’t it kinda outta character for a lion to sing?? ITS MUSICAL THEATRE…it’s not just about the story, there’s an aesthetic quality, as in, it’s stylised and supposed to sound good. I would argue that it’s not kind at all to cast someone immensely privileged whilst talentless amongst an industry that is teaming with amazingly talented struggling artists who have bled, sweated and cried tears for the sake of their craft and are having to slave away in Hooters to make rent. I mean, have some integrity for goodness sake, art needs to be challenged and critiqued, it’s honestly insulting
@@PopsicleSponge ahahaha I thought exactly the same thing straight away 😂😂
does anyone have ANY video of her run? OG TH-cam theater peeps? anyone?
Yeah.... no autotune on Broadway. Ugh!!! She’s always sounded like this. Off pitch with no real voice.
Why isn't the actual performance shown??
nobody's allowed to film in the theater. this was probably basically just an audio recording
Oh dear.
To anyone who commented that's only see the movie please don't judge. Cuz those actors can't really sing.... autotune is a lovely addition to movies.
You call that singing?
When's your Broadway debut? Oh ,that's right.. you don't have one,sorry.
@@KM-mv3qr at least she didn't screw innocent victims out of millions of dollars. Btw she can't sing worthy of Broadway. Horrid.
Her voice is terrible. I feel bad for the struggling broadway singers & dancers who would’ve killed this role
she’s ok. she could’ve gave more energy and i wonder if she was a good dancer.
She WAS a good dancer years ago. Really good actually. But, when the most dancing you do is for ridiculous videos, the skills leave.
She can dance!
Everyone's a freakin' critic.
Lol..
She was better than Pamela Anderson and Christie Brinkley, which isn't saying much! 🙄
I think Melanie Griffin was better and she doesn't have a musical theater background, just saying 😉
WTH???!
This is atrocious. She’s out of tune and can’t hold a note. Honestly I’ve heard better performances in high school productions.
I don’t like it. My mom watches whatever housewives show this old privileged woman is on. Her voice doesn’t fit the role in my opinion. Chicago is a beautiful show, but Erika doesn’t fit. Those ensemble girls put in so much energy, and deserve the part way more. I can only imagine that they went for the part just to get this tv show “celebrity” who goes out, drinks, and gets in verbal fights for the camera. Broadway is full of so many talented people and so many people audition for shows on Broadway, trying to make it and achieve their dreams. Imagine how they must have felt seeing this casting. I hope she doesn’t come back after the virus, so many people are more deserving of this than her. I’m sorry, this is just how I feel about this. My opinion may piss you off, but however you respond could never change my opinion.
💯% agree with you
On Broadway, Chicago has always had rotating stars in the top three positions and most of them aren't known for their singing or dancing abilities. That's pretty well known when people tryout for the show since those particular positions aren't open for regular casting. I personally think she sings it the way it's intended since Roxie was a wanna be but to each their own.
@@t.l.malmin1021 She is bad. Somebody with talent should have landed this role. It isn't fair to those trying out for the role or to the audience.
Savannah Tucker Your right it’s your opinion. Try to remember I think they put different people in that position not just talent. For the thrilling Experience!
You're called Savannah...you don't have an opinion.
God now I know why she uses auto-tune hahahahaaha
Love her but.... yikes
She sounds terrible. Another rich lady who wants to be famous for any reason possible, even if it's for things she's not good at.
Exactly !!!
they asked her as i know it so why be so hateful
@@ctcatlady because she can't sing.
@@ctcatlady Because she didn't deserve to play that role. Many other BROADWAY stars would have done a better job and the audience should get what they pay for--a seasoned Broadway star.
@@JaneSmith-sd1qq Interesting point. So share with us what contribution you've made to change this outrageous systemic injustice for the industry?
Ok, so she can’t sing. She’s got charisma! And this amazing orchestra is doing a great job if staying with her! Cause she sure as shit ain’t trying to stay with them...
So what you are saying is she is singing her own song,,,hence maybe she doesn't belong.
😂
Yikes. Cringeworthy vocals.
Erika Jayne sounds like she has a cold.
I do not care for her voice at all.
I don't care for your stupid hair colour!
She's nearly 50, too old to play Roxy
She looks damn good so let’s not go there darling 😘
That is absurd. She looks amazing.
@@marlennahhas549 Yes she does look good but she's still nearly 50 which IMO is a bit too old to play a sexy/sassy character.
charlotte is well over 50 and still continues to play Roxie incredibly
@@kimrici8542 well, erika is sexy on real life and is still 50.
No, no.
Yikes she is terrible 🤢
I love Erika Jayne but this ain’t it 😬