OMG! I saw this last night (7/6/05), and it was FANTASTIC. I would highly recommend this production to anyone.
I saw the touring cast, and loved them, but I think this one is stronger (save for Ana, who was amazing, but who I didn't think was better than Stephanie... I also didn't think Ana was worse than Stephanie; they're both incredibly talented women, and I'd see either one of them in the role again w/o blinking an eye, and they each have very distinct Elphabas, and personally, I think they're equally as good- I cannot pick between them!). Maybe its just that they're in previews, but they seem to be more into it and having more fun than the other cast.
And the lighting IS better, and I'm pleased that they're using the trapdoors, etc. Everything that has been said about the set and the lighting (and the Oriental!) is very true, methinks.
Kate Reinders is just wonderful as Glinda. (And, if she was at all under the weather, it was impossible to tell!) Her voice was excellent, she was hilarious at being the ditzy blonde, but we definately saw Glinda's journey toward becoming more mature in act two. I would love to see her again, she's excellent. And she seemed to be having a lot of fun and was over the top when it worked (without being TOO over the top). Her Popular was fantastic. She nailed every funny line she was given, and she stole the show when she had the oppurtunity, but she worked extremely well w/Ana and they balanced each other out nicely, w/o one really stealing anything from the other.
The entire supporting cast nailed their roles and gave their characters as much depth and personality as they could (which isn't a lot, but that isn't their fault). They also seemed be to enjoying themselves a lot (except, obviously, in their more serious scenes, they were serious). The man who played Dr. Dillamond was perfect. Telly as Boq was adorable and perfect in his role... the only problem was that he towered over Glinda, even when she was in heels. So whenever he made reference to being a munchkin, people kind of chuckled. Kristoffer as Fiyero... I loved him! He was just, so... into his role, I guess? He was VERY believable, and had a great voice. Heidi as Nessa made her transition from good to wicked more clear than Jenna did (oh, I wish the 3rd witch of oz was given more to do!!!!!!!!). Madame Morrible had a great stage presence. The wizard I enjoyed much more than I thought I would- he was delightful in Wonderful and he seemed to have fun, despite that his song was not of the highest quality.
And Ana... amazing. Played young Elphaba as a more awkward personality (had much less control over her magical power than Stephanie seems to), but still very passionate and naive. Her The Wizard and I was a bit... off, I thought. I didn't think she was too manic or used too many hand gestures. But, there was just something about it that was odd. It wasn't bad, but it was different, and it will take some getting used to. She was VERY effective in I'm Not that Girl, though. The audience clearly felt for her during that song- something I didn't feel when I saw Stephanie. Her rendition was just beautiful. And then her Defying Gravity- perfection, engergizing, amazing. Especially once she gets in the air- there are no words to express it. In the second act- though we do see her pure intentions, she definately channels a bit of Margaret Hamilton. We even get one classic Wicked Witch cackle. Her As Long as You're Mine is BEAUTIFUL, GORGEOUS, and as another reviewer said- worth the ticket price. And, once again, there are no words to describe her No Good Deed. Very dark, very tormented, very angry. TOTALLY AMAZING. Blew the roof off the theatre, I tell you. Ana and Kate's For Good was very sweet, touching, and heartfelt too.
This is a great production. Go see it if you have any chance at all.
Sorry, guys, I'm longwinded... :P
"I mean, how many of us could honestly say that at one time or another he hasn't set fire to some great public building?"