Swing Joined: 4/4/06
Producer - great insight, and I totally agree.
I rank them as follows:
1. Stephanie
1.5 Julia
3. Shoshanna
10. Idina (never cared for her gasping)
Shoshana Bean was ADORABLE, and her riffs amaze and astound. It was amazing to see her beginings, and then see how much her voice had improved in Wicked, and other things by the time she finished.
Stephanie Block was elegant, and almost regal, with such a rich voice. The most touching "I'm Not That Girl" I've seen, and the scariest "No Good Deed". Plus, she's such a sweetheart.
Idina had the best transition from awkward/gawky to freaking bad-ass witch of the west. When she was off, it wasn't cute, but when she was on...she was ON!
Saycon Sengbloh is elphaba soul, and has my personal favorite "AHH!"
Ana Gasteyer...not one of my faves, but she really proved herself with her run as Elphaba.
If Eden Espinosa would tone down the angry part of her portrayal, she'd be almost flawless. She can really knock DG out.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/05
Don't know if this has been said - I didn't read through the thread - but my vote is Margaret Hamilton.
um that's nice but were sayin who was the best elphaba on broadway. mines idina menzel. her voice is powerful and gr8!
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/31/06
"um that's nice but were sayin who was the best elphaba on broadway. mines idina menzel. her voice is powerful and gr8!"
No this thread is for favorite Elphaba period.
I guess since i've only seen Julia live I have to say her...but from videos/recordings i've seen/heard i'd say shoshana seems awesome.
the best elphaba in my mind is the original, Idina but i think that if Eden had originated the role then i would be saying she was the best. i mean come on Idina is elphaba but i think that Eden has just as much talent vocally and when it comes to acting, so i guess without rambling on anymore(haha) they are both my favorite
my new vote (used to be ana) is victoria matlock, she's like a combination of kristy kates and idina it works wonderfully
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
Kristy Cates and Julia Murney. Kristy for her vocals, Julia for her vocals and amazing acting.
I've only actually seen Eden, and she was really great, so I'lls ayt hat it's her.
Also adding Julia Murney to that, just because she's amazing.
Bruce Vilanch...
*sigh* I can dream, right!!?
Swing Joined: 2/26/06
Swing Joined: 12/31/69
Shoshana Bean is the only person to make me even remotely like Wicked. I feel the same way about her voice as so many people feel about Julia Murney's voice -- it's absolutely gorgeous and amazing.
its a toss up between steph and idina.
steph vocally.
idina dramaturgically.
Swing Joined: 4/15/06
Idina. I really love them all but she is the favorite.
Idina of course.
Jenna
was so cute
Can't wait to see Eden
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
Shoshana Bean.
Although, I have fallen in love with the vocals of Julia Murney and Kristy Cates. Jenna Leigh Green has great vocals too.
Does anyone have any idea as to why Jenna Leigh Green wasn't kept as an understudy to Elphaba when she moved to Broadway?
I believe that the tracks for the tour Elphaba and the Broadway Elphaba are different. Also, there is a standby on Broadway, as well as an understudy (and a swing).
Idina and Julia, from the clips I've seen/heard. I admit I've never seen any of them live so my opinion is based on them.
Idina because to me she IS Elphaba, I know that s probably not a good enough reason but that IS MY reason.
Julia...because she acts it so well. The emotion she puts across during NGD and W&I blows me away. Yes again on clips but still you get a feel for it.
Must say though I'm not a Sho fan. I like some of her stuff but her acting seems off, though her Defying Gravity is good.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/8/04
No this thread is for favorite Elphaba period.
EEK!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
does the tour now have a standby Elphaba?
i think it used to be a chorus track and Nessa who understudied?
i am not sure how that works on tour now...
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