Ben Vereen will be The Wizard in WICKED and Megan Hilty may be Glinda

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 2:45pm

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=507038
Dont know if this was posted but Im so excited!

Also at the bottom of the article:
"Thompson's standby Megan Hilty, who has gone on numerous times in the role of Glinda, is expected to take over the role sometime this spring; however, it is not yet known whether Thompson will first extend her contract, which expires in mid-April." Updated On: 2/14/05 at 02:45 PM

[little_sally]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 3:49pm

That's great!

[Tom1071]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:12pm

I don't know how I feel about that. I think Ben Vereen is really talented but I find him to be a bit of an "Applause Whore." He's really a bad one about stepping out of character and pandering to the audience.

I saw him several times in Fosse and thought some of his behavior on stage was a little disgraceful. I remember one time after "Dancin' Dan" he wouldn't leave the stage because he felt the audience wasn't cheering loud enough for him and the women offstage couldn't make their entrance to do "Mein Heir." He just stood there motioning with his hands for the audience to give him more. From what I understand that was a regular occurance. I say if you have to ask for more applause you probably don't really deserve it.

It will be interesting to see what kind of antics he pulls in Wicked.

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:20pm

Joel Grey
George Hearn
Ben Vereen

This role seems to be turning into 'where older theatre legends go to die'.

[TGIF]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:26pm

My first memory of Ben Vereen is him on Zoobalee Zoo - a childrens show. Man, I loved that show. When I got older I of course learned what other amazing things he did. But he will always be Mayor Ben (almost positive) on that show!

Updated On: 2/16/05 at 04:26 PM

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:39pm

well it seems that the young wizard track in the opening will no longer be played by david ayers as of ben's taking over. And i'm guessing wonderful will be again re-written to allow more of a dance break

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:42pm

Hey! This is Oz! I bet you it'll still be Fiyero.

[WhiteRabbit]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:45pm

Is it just me or did Joel Grey dance more during Wonderful than George Hearn?

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:46pm

well when derrick was on as fiyero someone else did the young wizard track so i'd imagine they'd change it in reverse too

ETA: white Rabbit- its not just you, there used to be a dance break in place of the verse added for hearn

Updated On: 2/14/05 at 04:46 PM

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:47pm

Oh? I guess you're right...

[MissNY]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:51pm

Isn't George leaving on April 17?

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:52pm

Let's hope JLT extends her contract!

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 4:55pm

Isaw Joel Grey in the show and he did dance. I heard that Hearn doesn't as much. I hope they let Vereen show a bit of his stuff during "Wonderful". From what I have heard, the number is not as good with Hearn doing it.

[broadway betty]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:36pm

This could be fun. I love Ben Vereen on the Pippin dvd. He can SING, he can DANCE, what's not to love!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:58pm

Im very excited for Ben Vereen. He's a true theatrical legend and I think this role fits him very well. Anxious to see how he does!

[ILoveWicked330]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:26pm

I can't imagine JLT extending her contract. Probably only because she has a baby and to extend means less time with her baby and she barely has anytime now. If I was in her position, I'd leave on April 17 because it's fun to see your child grow up.

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:27pm

First, I truly hope JLT extends, she's wonderful. I'm SO not thrilled about Ben Vereen. I've read several times about his playing to the audience, and I can't stand that. If you really have to force people to applaud for you, get the hint...get off the stage.

-Vincent

[WhiteRabbit]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:40pm

I wasn't too impressed with George Hearns performance as the Wizard during Wonderful. I'm hoping Ben Vereen can make it more entertaining. I hope he doesn't bring the "applause whore" attitude into Wicked.

[442namffug]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 7:17pm

Hey! I just got tickets to see Wicked the last week of April..missing JLT's exit! Is it true that George Hearn and Carole Shelly will be leaving the 17th also??? I'm so sad...If it's true that the three of them will be leaving, who will take over for George since Ben doesn't come in until late May. Would they make the understudy do it for that long? Also, since I'm going Passover weekend..does anyone think that Shoshana will be out? I'm so happy to go, but so sad I'm missing everyone!!!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 7:19pm

haha DGrant - it's like Florida for Broadway Legends....

[442namffug]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 7:35pm

anyone?? When is george leaving? Will i see him when i go the 22nd?

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 7:40pm

i have a feeling once carol leaves morrible will be a role for legends of certain age too, replacements i can forsee (some not that legendary but known)could include;
Wizard:
Sean McCourt (you know its coming)
James Naughton
John Lithgow
John Vickery

Morrible:
Angela Lansbury
Bea Arthur

[442namffug]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 7:43pm

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone? I know you probably don't all know the answer, but I am just looking for some insight as to who will take over for George since I am going after he leaves, but before ben comes. I'd appreciate anything. Thanks for your time!

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 8:23pm

understudy sean mccourt will play the gap performances, he's very good in the role and played it for about 6 weeks before george hearn took over

[kim1061]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 8:52pm

TGIF omg i loved that show! zobalee zoo! I remember checking back a few years ago hoping it was still on..it wasn't.
I knew i recognized his face!1
wasnt he like cat or tyger or lion?something like that.