The cast of Ugly Betty are now testing their vocal chords as a musical episode of the highly watched series is in the making. Surely, Emmy-nominated actress and singer Vanessa Williams will have no problem taking on this exciting episode, but as for other cast members who do not normally use their vocal chords for musical purposes, it may well be quite a challenge. This is the case for Ashley Jensen, who plays designer Christina McKinney on the show.
The 38-year-old actress already warned the viewers of the show that she will definitely not be as good as Williams, who has garnered musical success throughout the 1980s. Despite that, Jensen hopes that the fans of Ugly Betty would appreciate her efforts.
"Most people have got a wee voice inside them. It might not be Vanessa Williams' standard," Jensen said. "But I think what will be part of the charm is that it will be the characters singing."
Apart from the various characters breaking into a song every now and then, fans will also have the opportunity to hear music from multi-award winning composer Marc Shaiman, the man responsible for the Broadway production of Hairspray.
Despite all the buzz, fans will have to hold on to their excitement as it will take some time before the muscial episode of Ugly Betty actually gets taped and aired. In fact, it was just on the idea stage when the writers' strike took place in early November. Currently, there are four new episodes of Ugly Betty left, and hopefully the writers' strike would be resolved as to further the production of Ugly Betty episodes.
The strike also caused Gabrielle Union's appearance on Ugly Betty to diminish as the Bring It On actress is to play Wilhemina Slater's (Williams) younger sister. Her former status as a recurring character was shortened to a one-episode appearance.
The Hollywood Reporter recently announced that executive producers Marco Pennette and James Hyman were let go from the Emmy Award-winning series on Monday, the same day the show was renewed for a third season. Moreover, this is not the first time that the show has gone through some tweaks in the management department. In fact, right between seasons one and two, five writers were let go. Nonetheless, creator Silvio Horta, Salma Hayek and Jose Tamez will continue to work as Ugly Betty's executive producers.
The production company of Ugly Betty, ABC Studios, has not yet confirmed the departures of Pennette and Hayman, who have not just worked on the show as producers. In fact, Pennette wrote a number of episodes, including "East Side Story," the first season's finale. Hayman, on the other hand, directed the episodes "How Betty Got Her Grieve Back" and "A Nice Day for a Posh Wedding."
On the brighter side, TV Guide's Mike Ausiello reported that there will be four to seven additional Ugly Betty episodes this season. However, the network hasn't announced when the new episodes will air. Initial reports, though, have revealed that the episodes may hit the airwaves as soon as April comes around.
Rock legend Gene Simmons guest starred on the last pre-strike episode of Ugly Betty, which aired on Thursday, January 24. Meanwhile, Ugly Betty star America Ferrera is still busy with election activities, as she has proclaimed her support for presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. Moreover, Ferrera will write the introduction for Declare Yourself: Speak. Connect. Vote. 50 Celebrated Americans Tell You Why, as well as make appearances for the book.