#1
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.
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.
