Kendrick, possibly miscast? Or maybe perfectly cast?
I watched this movie on DVD at home, my wife was busy in the other room. I have a nicely furnished home theater with premium speakers. About 15 minutes in as Kendrick was singing one of her numbers my wife said, unprompted, "She may be on pitch but she sure has an annoying voice."
And I thought for a second and she was spot on, she really does have a very annoying singing voice, particularly in her primary range. Plus she has the same annoying speaking voice.
Now I don't have a Pb ear, I am a life-long musician and singer, I have played in the pit for musicals, I have been in the cast of one musical, I have paid attention to singing, both good and marginal, for a number of years. There is no question in my mind, while Kendrick may be suitable for ensemble roles where singing is a part of that (i.e. 'Pitch Perfect') she is not suitable for a featured singing role like she has in this musical.
(Some spoilers follow.)
But the primary focus of the story here is two people meet and fall in love, but they are going in opposite directions. His career is on the upswing while she believes she has talent and can never get past the auditions. So maybe it was inspired casting, Kendrick does not sing well enough to carry a featured singing role, and that is exactly the character she plays here. "Pretty good" but not good enough when compared to the really talented.
Anyway that is my take, reinforced by my wife's sage observation.
..*.. TxMike ..*..
Make a choice, to take a chance, to make a difference.