Audra going into Private Practice

ABC has announced that will play Kate Walsh's med school friend and colleague Naomi on the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice. She'll be playing the role that we first saw played by Merrin Dungey.

I say good for Audra! I'm a little tired by the idea of her doing the classic musical theater roles, and look forward to seeing her in a contemporary, sexy setting. She's a versatile, fun actress whose career (though obviously incredibly successful) has always felt a little heavy and serious to me.

The pilot of Private Practice was tiresome and irritating, but I still think the show has potential, and could at least be silly and diverting. I see it as having a vibe of Ally McBeal meets Wings or Cheers, if its good. The talking elevator has got to go, though.