The Search for Elle Woods, Episode 4

I never fail to be entertained by the challenges producers continue to throw at the contestants on this show. This week, the girls were tested on their ability to bond with their chihuahua costars. While I understand the importance of having an Elle that works well with the dog playing Bruiser, I'm not sure that a girl's ability to channel the "Dog Whisperer" should factor that heavily into casting directors' evaluation of her potential at this point in the audition process...but maybe that's just me. However, the challenge this week did allow for lots of girly screaming and plenty of shots of cute dogs. Cassie S frightened the dogs, Bailey called her dog stupid (major no no), and Autumn won the challenge and had the opportunity to meet Richard H. Blake, giving her (in theory) a leg up on the audition scene for this week, "Serious."
Now on to the performances...
I will agree with the judges that Autumn's performance was not her best, but I will argue that it certainly did not warrant a place on the chopping block. Though it does seem unfair, I suspect that they wanted to scare her a little or make an example of her. Beyond that, I can't understand why they would criticize her so much, when, even at her worst, she still performed better than many of the girls there.
Though she has outstanding vocals, I'm still not a Bailey fan, and especially after this week, I'm exhausted by her Laura Bell Bundy impersonation. There's nothing new about this portrayal; I've seen it before, and while Broadway replacements have the difficult task of honoring the performer(s) that came before them, they should also bring something different to to the role--Bailey does not. Her Elle is too cookie cutter, too precise. However, given that casting director Bernie kisses the ground she walks on, she has a very good chance of winning.
Ding Dong, Cassie S is gone, and my did she go out with a bang. Her "Serious" was pretty painful to listen to and to watch--the girl really needs to take some acting and singing lessons. She came off very young, very whiny, and not very sympathetic. You're almost glad when Warner dumps her. Cassie was shocked when she was called into the casting office, and seemed genuinely confident that she had done a great job. However, her cluelessness was not what made me cringe the most. The judges explained that she could be a great swing etc., and she completely rejected the idea, explaining that she wanted to be a STAR. Bad call, Cassie. The majority of people working on Broadway are ensemble members or swings, and one of the judges in front of you (Paul Canaan) is one in Legally Blonde. When Cassie finally got the boot, she proceeded to rant that she didn't deserve to be cut. Face it, Cassie--you are neither awesome blossom nor fabulous fantastic. Good riddance!
Celina was the other girl to get the boot. While it was clear that she did not have an "Elle presence," this week I did somewhat understand why the casting directors kept around. She's actually a good actress and singer; she just wasn't right for this part...and really, I can't say anything bad about a girl who told off Cassie S.
Though she was suffering from bronchitis, Emma showed marked improvement this week (ie: no more mean Elle) in her scene with Richard. Her acting was better, and so was her singing, but the girl still has trouble belting, and there's just no way that a girl that struggles with belting is going to be Elle.
I may have to jump on the Lauren bandwagon here; she was by far my favorite this week (though I would have appreciated seeing a little less of her cleavage, ahem). She's got a really strong belt, and while she made a few choices and a few inflections I didn't agree with, she was interesting to watch; she was warm and Elle seemed more three dimensional and more relatable compared to how other girls have portrayed her. Plus, she had really good chemistry with Richard (just like she did with Nikki...good sign. Side note: Lauren fans can breathe this coming week; judging from the promo run at the beginning of the series, she'll definitely be around for the "What You Want" audition scene, which isn't next week.)
I like Natalie, but as I thought about the episode, I actually forgot about her and wouldn't have remembered her if I hadn't looked back at the full audition scenes online. I think she really just needs to take it to the next level (as Tyra Banks would say). If she gets eliminated, I think it will be because she's not charismatic enough, not because she doesn't have the talent.
And finally...Rhiannon. I don't know why, but I really like her (as my best friend Kate explained, "She just looks like she'd be so cool to be friends with"). Of all the girls this week, she had, by far, the best comedic timing. However, she's not the strongest singer, which could cause her problems.


Next week's episode is making me a little nervous. It's centered on dancing, and something tells me Emma, Autumn, and Rhiannon could struggle...and if Autumn goes, this will be one unhappy musical theatre junkie. Additionally, the challenge next week looks horrendous. Who's the worst dancer? singer? actor? Who needs to lose weight? How very un Elle Woods of them! Isn't the Broadway show supposed to be praising girl power, confidence, and friendship? No snaps for you.