park and bark
v. phr.— «They understand that they just can’t stand there and expect people to be turned on by their great voice. They really have to act the role.…I think there’s a lot more expected than the “park and bark” singers, as they call them. Like (Luciano) Pavarotti is definitely a park and bark singer, but he can get away with it because he’s Pavarotti. But there’s a lot more expected today.» —“If opera singers need challenges, just try a musical” by Rich Copley Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.) Mar. 26, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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