Ana as Elphaba and the first showing of Glinda's Chicago Understudy

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 12:36pm

I was fortunate enough to get last minute seats for last Thursday night's show.

Ana as Elphaba - terrific! Give her about a month to get over some nerves that seem apparent and she could quite possibly be the best witch so far. Her first act is a bit tentative (specifically The Wizard and I and I'm Not that Girl) - which didn't bother me because I find some Elphie's to be too self assured in these numbers. But, her Gravity was terrific, her No Good Deed was unbelievable, and her As Long as Your Mine was (in my humble opinion) unrivalled by any of the other Elphaba's.

Sarah as Glinda - hmmm, first number was a bit tough (till I spoke with a friend in the company and realized that it was her very first show in the role - without an official understudy rehearsal! Only three hours of a put-in to prepare - ouch) - but by Popular, she had me. Very dry take on Glinda, but very statuesque and strong. She's got the notes, so that's a perk....and Ana and she had terrific chemistry for their first go together. I suspect she will do very well in this track.

As for Cusick - I'm amazed that anyone has said anything negative about him. He's sexy, well acted, and absolutely kills Norbert and Derrick's vocals on As Long as You're Mine - heck, seing Ana and Kristoffer performing it is WELL WORTH the price of admission.

Rondi Reed made for a fabulous Morrible - very spooky, and unlike Carol Kane, her accent remained consistent

The Wizard - my only complaint. A bit of a typical middle aged Chicago actor. Not bad, but not great. Sort of 'the lunt of Blaine' if you will. :)

Other than that, the production was easily as tight as any of the other companies. In fact, I'd have to say that it's quite a joy to see a fresh group of faces taking on the roles with new enthusiasm.

In short - this one shouldn't be missed.

[JoshuaEads]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 12:43pm

Are there any pics of Ana as Elphie?

~Joshua

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 12:46pm

Glad you liked it Chitown-- I saw it (and reviewed it) on 7/2. I agree on all but Weygandt (Wizard) I thought he really nailed the "Humbuggery" of the part. His "Wonderful" really sold me- in many ways I think he was the best yet in this part.

And Reed is a spectacular Morrible. She really siezes the stage every time she is on. Her denouncement of Elphaba during "Defying Gravity" was wonderful- really brought the element of menace home.

It really is a wonderful production!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 12:50pm

What is it with actors missing Wicked performances all the time? It isn't that demanding of a show.
Updated On: 7/6/05 at 12:50 PM

[ticenewyorkcity]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:01pm

people miss shows for all sorts of reasons...why must there always have to be a definitive reason for people missing a show?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:06pm

Performers in the "golden age" rarely missed a performance. I just find the amount of performances some people miss to be a bit much.

[MissNY]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:17pm

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked it.

There are some curtain call pictures of Ana here http://unexamined-life.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=88 taken by StephanietheStar

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:36pm

Sarah who?

[Derek]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:42pm

I think Wicked is a pretty demanding show, specially the vocals for both elphaba and glinda...its not easy singing the wizard and i, defying gravity and no good deed every day, sometimes twice. :)

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 1:59pm

sorry - I overlooked the fact that both Glinda understudies are named Sarah!

I saw Sarah Jane Everman

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:15pm

Does anyone know if the Chicago production uses the stage wings like they do on B'way. Like when Morrible and Boq come out and talk or does it roll on like in the tour? Thanks.

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:29pm

I believe they just roll on - though you'll be happy to know that we now have the trap door hydraulic so the entrance on 'No Good Deed' is much more powerful.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:34pm

Kate told me she has bronchitis *(spelling). She took medicine before the June 29th show so she could go on. She coughed during one of the scenes too, but you couldn't tell there was anything wrong with her. It must have caught up with her now!

hope she feels better soon!

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:40pm

this is true - the cast had terrific things to say about her though - so I'm looking forward to seeing her when I have the chance

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:40pm

RentBoy they do indeed use the "wings" as they do on Broadway. They are permanant structures built out around the stage opening utilized by the Monkeys at the beginning and then later by Morrible and Boq as well as random entrances, exits and ensemble members.

They look especially great here as the Oriental is a splendid, over the top, beautiful old theatre. The Dragon actually looks as if he's part of the decor, which befitting the name "Oriental," features dragons, buddhas, bamboo and other chinoiserie. It's a stunning visual presentation.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:46pm

This is really good to hear. I had hoped that changes to the physical set was the reason for the hiatus between the tour and the Chicago cast. And now it's confirmed. Is it a different Dragon than the one from the tour, because I was so unimpressed with it...The wings were way too small and it looked odd. When I go back to Chicago I'll have to catch it again.

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 2:50pm

The dragon makes a HUGE difference - as does the new trap door.

I also forgot to mention that Heidi is outstanding as Nessarose. I was also impressed with Jenna - but I found Heidi to be even more solid (her journey from goodness to evil was a bit more clear).

[birdboy782]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 3:31pm

Actually, the other understudy is Sara -- not Sarah -- so we should be able to keep them straight...hopefully...! Has anyone seen (or heard of) Sara Ford go on yet?

[loudasthehelliwant]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 3:35pm

I'm seeing this tonight! Not only am I excited to see Ana and the cast, I can't wait to see the improved dragon. I thought it was amazing when I saw the tour (my first time). I can't wait! *is so excited*

Thanks so much for the review!

Updated On: 7/6/05 at 03:35 PM

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 3:51pm

Correct Birdboy! Too funny :)

And no - Sara Ford has not yet played the role in Chicago. As I said earlier, Sarah Jane Everman did last Thursday evening due to Kate's illness. Other than that, the leads have been on every show.

[MissNY]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 3:54pm

Didn't someone say that they saw Kristy go on for Elphaba already?

[morebroadwayplease]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 4:05pm

great review - glad you enjoyed it

[chitown]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 4:09pm

they probably saw Kristy at the Taste of Chicago event - I don't believe Ana has missed a show yet.

[MTRBOI24]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 5:53pm

I didnt see Kristy go on for Ana, but I did see her go on for Stephanie. She was really good. Very trained singer.

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 7/6/05 at 7:24pm

For some reason the stage looks different then the broadway one, The clock looks amazing!!