BroadwayBettini, and company, I usually don't partake in "discussions" like this about a particular performer, and the criticims of their technique and performance, but I have to say that you have no idea what you are talking about when it comes to Shoshana's vocal technique. You can say whatever you want about her acting, or even her vocal style, but to say that she can't sing and that her technique is terrible is ridiculous, and leads me to believe that either you don't know what you're talking about, or that you have a personal bias against Shoshana.
Listening to how easily she sings this score is incredible. She really does have the technique to sing this show as flawlessly as she does. I am sorry, but I have seen Idina a few times, and it was clear to me that she didn't sing this show as easily as Shoshana does, although she did do a fantastic job. And yes, Idina has had BAD nights vocally, but she's human too as well. Shoshana definitely does NOT screech/scream. As someone else mentioned, she has an incredible mix, and range that allows her to seemingly belt some higher notes than most singers, and her whistle tone is incredible.
Yes, she seems to have an R&B influence on a lot of her singing, but is R&B and Pop that much different? Not really, if you listen to any pop music right now, you will hear a lot of runs and riffing in popular music which too, is also influenced by R&B. Her riffing - which she does not do as much as you claim really, in my opinion brings something to what's singing, and it is most welcome for me. ALL of the Elphaba's have their own vocal stylings that they have brought to the role. Saycon and Idina have done it too, so I don't see why you single out only Shoshana.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers,
The Balladeer
"Someone tell the story...Someone sing the song...."
