High School Musicals - A New Kind of "Cast" System

Eric Zorn, one of my favorite bloggers, writes "Change of Subject," a Chicago Tribune blog. His posts are short yet very effective; I often read one in the morning and usually continue to think about it for the rest of the week. A recent post titled "A Nixonian twist to high school musicals?" has been on my mind for the past four days and is what inspired this post.


In his post, Zorn speaks of Marni Nixon, an incredibly talented singer who dubbed in the singing voices of famous actresses in the movie versions of famous Broadway musicals, like West Side Story and My Fair Lady. Nixon didn't look the part that the film directors had in mind for their movies, but she certainly had the voice. Zorn admits that he thinks this practice is acceptable for Hollywood musicals, where "perfection is the standard." But this is not only practiced in Hollywood films, but also in some high school musicals. The recent musical in a large suburban high school featured one student acting as the lead but lip-syncing the songs while another student sang off-stage, apparently because the lead actor couldn't sing very well, and the great singer didn't look the part. In response to this example, Zorn writes:

            "I see two ways to look at this:

                 1. It's a good thing because it allows two actors to share an important role in the play.

                 2. It's a bad thing because it diminishes both of those performers -- you're not a good enough actor or you don't look right to play the part; and you don't have a good enough singing voice to carry the role. "

Zorn poses two very interesting and unique outlooks. I agree with Zorn's second point; I believe that having two kids -- one acting on stage and the other singing behind stage-- promotes the wrong ideas to both performers. I think that this practice is sad and demeaning and will have a negative effect on both students' self esteem levels.  

However, TV shows like "The Voice" spark some hope that maybe this practice is fading in years to come. In NBC's new hit show "The Voice," judges rate singers without seeing their appearances, so their ratings are based solely off of the contestant's voice. Part of the reason this show has been so successful is because the public loves the idea that anyone can win, regardless of how you look. If a TV show popular world-wide can get over the whole "looking the part" thing, then why can't a high school as well? 


Back to Zorn's original dilemma, again I do think that this practice in high school is a bit extreme. However, I'm still left with some questions. Is "The Voice" an accurate depiction of a new avenue to fame or does it just create an unrealistic fantasy for talented people who don't look the part? Are shows like "The Voice" leading to an age where physical appearance will have a lesser effect on one's road to fame and success-- in both high schools and professional musicals?


What do you think?