First Look At The New Non-Replica Production of WICKED in Hamburg

[jlindsey865]

Posted: 7/9/21 at 10:49am

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Get-A-First-Look-At-The-New-Non-Replica-Production-of-WICKED-in-Hamburg-20210709

While there are certainly design aspects of this production that seem a bit odd, I love seeing the originality.  

I have to say that I REALLY like what appears to be the "Defying Gravity" sequence.  It's cool to see Elphaba actually "flying" as opposed to being attached a cherry picker covered by a giant black cape.

Thoughts?

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 7/9/21 at 11:08am

Looks incredible.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/9/21 at 11:35am

jlindsey865 said: "https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Get-A-First-Look-At-The-New-Non-Replica-Production-of-WICKED-in-Hamburg-20210709

While there are certainly design aspects of this production that seem a bit odd, I love seeing the originality.

I have to say that I REALLY like what appears to be the "Defying Gravity" sequence. It's cool to see Elphaba actually "flying" as opposed to being attached a cherry picker covered by a giant black cape.

Thoughts?"

Lots of digital sweetening is in this promo so I’d love to see IF that “Defying Gravity” flying sequence actually looks like that on stage.  It does look spectacular in this video but until I see actual footage, I’m assuming what we see on this promo is CGI sweetening.  

[Tag]

Posted: 7/9/21 at 11:47am

The Emerald City sequences look VERY similar to the Westend/Toronto Wizard of Oz from a few years back (Webber version).

Very curious as to why there is a non-replica production??

[Quasi]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 2:56am

Because it's much cheaper. Smaller cast, just a band in the pit. The original production wasn't such a huge success in Germany and it never played in Hamburg. I guess they want to try it in Hamburg - the German musical city - but not pay that much.

Greetings from Germany.

[Tag]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 11:09am

Ya just more surprised that the producers have licensed a non-replica production in the first place.

[greensgreens]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 11:10am

Oh, this promo used a ton of CGI. There is no way a dress would hang so low and that lower part would move like that in Gravity. Even with a wind machine, you'd see movement in other parts, not just that that lower skirt.

The "stardust" they're using all over the place is CGI for sure. Although with some light precision projection mapping you may be able to achieve a more theatrical version that could be successful with the distance to the live audience.

I also think there's a LOT of amped up color saturation in the video. Not that it's a bad thing, but it does add an over-the-top and cartoony effect.

They definitely hired a great team to make that video. It really is quite lovely (although perhaps enhanced) and I don't remember the last time I saw an awesome spot for a musical!

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 11:29am

Tag said: "Ya just more surprised that the producers have licensed a non-replica production in the first place."

There have been multiple non-replica productions already. I believe the first was in Finland way back in 2010. Plus, the show is already available for licensing in some countries like Australia, I believe.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 1:21pm

Tag said: “Very curious as to why there is a non-replica production??"

I’d imagine it’s the same reason that the show is now available for amateur groups in Australia, after so many productions of the original there wasn’t need for anyone one. 
 

I love the look of this, it seems like the entire tone has changed and there will be more of an emphasis on the scary, totalitarian society that the Wizard creates in the book  

 

[kp]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 2:06pm

I liked the look of it. I’m surprised about the comments about the flying, which does look great but also doesn’t look particularly different from the flying I’ve seen on stage in other shows.

[A.J.]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 2:28pm

I just noticed there’s a quick shot just after the 30 second mark (One Short Day?) where it looks as though Elphaba is not in green makeup. 

[seaweedjstubbs]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 3:26pm

Yeah, something’s definitely up with her “makeup.” Almost looks like they just put a filter on her face. It doesn’t quite look real. Maybe they haven’t finalized her makeup design yet but wanted to get the promo out?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 3:48pm

seaweedjstubbs said: "Yeah, something’s definitely up with her “makeup.” Almost looks like they just put a filter on her face. It doesn’t quite look real. Maybe they haven’t finalized her makeup design yet but wanted to get the promo out?"

Just watched the trailer on a 70” inch HD TV.  Elphaba has been CGI tinted and seems that split-second clip of “One Fine Day” was missed.  You can even see the CGI tinting is a bit off around the ears on some clips.  And yes, this is indeed the flying they are doing as it’s just the standard actress-harness set-up which is interesting why it wasn’t used for its original Broadway staging. It’s not revolutionary in any way as this “flying” has been done for decades.  

 

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 4:07pm

I think Glinda’s bubble is a clever and effective effect. Cheaper than building a giant pendulum and flying it in and out, I’m sure. The Shiz moments definitely gave me Everybody’s Talking About Jamie vibes. It also looks like Elphaba’s going to fly into the Governor’s Mansion scene, unless that was staged for the promo.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 5:37pm

Elphaba is also wearing a wig with red in it which is the opposite/complement of green which is what is making her look a little strange compared to the makeup we are used to.

[Tag]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 5:48pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "And yes, this is indeed the flying they are doing as it’s just the standard actress-harness set-up which is interesting why it wasn’t used for its original Broadway staging."

They were going to put this into the 1st National in 2005ish.  Elphaba was going to fly into No Good Deed, as a replacement for her coming up from a trap on Broadway.  But Stephanie J. Block was injured during tech when rehearsing the effect, so it was cut.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 8:50pm

Anyone else think the Glinda looks very similar to Sierra Boggess?

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 7/10/21 at 8:50pm

Anyone else think the Glinda looks very similar to Sierra Boggess?

[Globefan]

Posted: 7/11/21 at 9:33pm

It makes the Broadway production look so dated 

[greensgreens]

Posted: 7/12/21 at 5:53pm

Globefan said: "It makes the Broadway production look so dated"

Maybe Cameron Mackintosh can come in and "improve" WICKED!?!