Broadwaybelter's WICKED tour review 8/14

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 6:34pm

My signed WICKED playbill; from top left: Jenna Leigh Green, Eden Espinosa, Derrick Williams, Maria Eberline, Logan Lipton, James Tabeek, Angela Brydon.

First of all, I had no idea where the Orpheum Theatre was, nor did my parents. So that was a bit of an adventure finding it. We were running a tad bit late, but i made it with time to go to the bathroom before the show started. When i finally located the entrance I saw nothing but swarms of WICKED audience members flocking into the theatre. I made my way in past the hundreds of people while i eyed some merchandise i wanted on the way in, but that was what i was going to do for intermission. I located my seat as i heard the many broadway obsessed fans talking about other shows and other cast members. Suddenly the lights began to dim and the magic begin to happen....

ACT 1

No one Mourns the Wicked: The monkies were funny, very athletic and strong, they bounced about in front of the curtain and were very entertaining throughout the entire show. I had only heard how wonderful the ensemble was and today I confirmed it, they were UNBELIEVABLE! Entire ensemble had such strong voices and were magnificent dancers. The streamers flew out into the audience and WICKED grabbed them and had them for the entire show. Along comes Kendra in a bubble; I had heard so many things about Kendra that i wasnt sure what to expect....but when she came on I wasnt worried at all! She had a beautiful voice, handled the high notes very well, and began her comic business immediately. She was playing with the bubbles in the beginning which was funny as well. The elphaba shadow was very awesome as well, it really added some depth to the scene.

Dear Old Shiz: Eden got an opening applause...which I believe was more for Elphaba rather than Eden, but I applauded because of Eden! Eden had me from her very first line and delivered them all so well! "What? oh-do I have something in my teeth?". I jumped when i saw Jenna enter but was dissappointed her role wasn't bigger. Kendra entered on her suitcase mountain as someone entered late for the show which really irritated me: Kendra stole this scene though, all of her little comic business, she couldn't stay still for one second. If i were to describe Kendra--it would be--she is--well-I would say Kendra is just like a child who has a heavy case of ADHD who was just given too much Candy and Soda before the show started. But I loved it and so did the rest of the audience. Eden's acting was superb and getting ready to break through. And of course the brilliant Carol Kane got an entrance applause and was superb with all of her lines. She was a bit different from what i expected the madame morrible part to be, but she played it nicely. I loved her costumes "behind" and so did the audience, it got a laugh. She came off to me as Miss Hannigan from "Annie" with an english accent in the beginning, now i dont exactly know why she seemed that way..

The Wizard and I: Finally Eden's moment to steal the show! Edens acting was very grounded and nice in her song. I could really feel what she was feeling, her ambition and her thoughts were very tangible. She finished the song with a lovely belt, so different from the other elphabas and I adored it!

What is this Feeling?: Kendra was once again very funny in this scene and Eden's "blonde" line was soo funny, I especially loved the little spasm dance she did during one of her song lines, it was hillarious. The song allowed both Eden and Kendra to show off their voices a little...the ensemble was priceless in this! Perfect!! Where do they get these people?!

Something Bad: Dr. Dillamond (Timmothy Britton Parker) was one of my favorite characters that wasnt given much to do, the audience loved him as well. Eden and Kendra's rivalry was very apparent throughout this scene; they stared at eachother the whole time. I loved the exchange with Galinda, Dr. Dillamond, and Elphaba. "From what i read it started with the great drought" "Very good elphaba!" Kendra looked like she was going to die and was contemplating a plan to seem "wise"..."Can anyone tell me what is meant by the term scapegoat? yes...ms. Glinda"....and when Kendra's line "Its GAlinda with a GA and I dont see why you cant just teach us history instead of always harping on the past" she did a little victory dance thinking she answered the question correctly. It was all very funny. The audience gave a little "aww..." when Dr. Dillamond flipped the board and saw it had upon it "Animals should be seen and not heard"; You could feel his pain when he saw it. Fast forward to the song, you could tell something was going wrong in the land of OZ, the characters made it very apparent especially when Mdm Morrible (carole) arrived and said "I'm sure--DR.DILLAMOND sees my point" she delivered that line and the audience could tell there was something up with this woman...

Dancing Through Life: I was worried when Derrick entered, I had heard he was the "weak link" in the cast, but quite the contrary! His acting was very nice and delivered his lines very nicely, he brought justice to this fiyero. His singing was something else---it was okay--I could tell there was a nice voice inside there somewhere-but i just wasn't hearing it--he was too vibratoy :) It worked though! His acting as a soulful fiyero was very funny. Logan Lipton was such a good boq, i remember reading someone's review about him as Boq and thought of Charlie Brown, exactly how i felt. He was very adorable, he was soft spoken and amazing throughout the show! The ensemble were brilliant dancers again in this scene. I was looking for the guy who had to wear the man skirt, then i found him. He was really working that skirt....hehe. Jenna was TOO GOOD for this scene....her lines were delivered beautifully and her gorgeous voice was only in the scene for a few minutes...."Whats in the punch?" "Melons and lemons and pears" "oh my!" that was very funny! Kendra was once again very bouncy and bubbly through this scene. I felt so sorry for Elphaba in this scene, everyone was so mean towards her...just because she looked different...the audience was very touched when Kendra and Elphaba began to dance and the soft music while they began set the mood just right!

Popular: I loved the shoe shrine, it got a laugh. Kendra was now at her peak of being bouncy! She slurred the line "okay--lets tell eachother something we've never told anyone before..i'll go first" it sounded like "okay--lesteeachothanever before, *something, somehting, something* first". "Fiyero and I are going to be married...ahhhhh!!" This was so funny!! She bounced from bed to bed as if she was having an orgasm....too funny!! I almost wet myself! Eden's acting touched everyone again, just beautiful. The song was of course brilliant, she played it just right, as if her IQ was about 10. I cant remember where but she flashed us with her frilly panties, which was hillarious! "Okay i'm going to teach you to toss your hair...toss toss, toss toss, toss toss..." Eden made me laugh so hard at this point because she did a hillarious rendition of her tossing lesson. "We'll practice!!" Kendra replied dissappointedly,"now to turn your simple frock into a magnificent ballgown!-BALLGOWN! BALLGOWN! Is this thing on?" "Do you want me to do it?" "No its fine!! (pouting) Just wear the frock its pretty" she reminded me of a two year old after they were just told they couldnt have an ice cream. Kendra ended the song with a nice belt but i couldnt see for some of the end--because yet another late patron!!! FABULOUS! This wasnt the last one either!

I'm not that girl: They took Dr. Dillamond away, and where Mdm. Morrible walks in and tells elphaba "there is nothing we can do" you could tell she was somehow responsible. Eden's pain was apparent as when everytime she lost someone but it builds everytime it happens. Derrick played this scene nicely and Eden's song was beautiful.

One Short Day: The scene before everyone departs to the train station, Jenna's line was nicely delivered "No! its me that isn't right!" its almost like she thought it was her fault she was the way she is. I felt so sorry for her....Finally Elphaba is going to meet the wizard and Mdm Morrible's line "didn't i tell you? weather is my specaility!" Carol pronounced it "Speciaiality" it was very funny and bubbly, and this line plays an important part later in the show. The set design was gorgeous and the audience gasped when all the little green lights came on, the choreography was brilliant and the dancers were too good for words.

Sentimental Man: The Wizard (David Garrison) got an entrance applause, but it was kind of delayed as if David was just waiting for it...and the audience realized 1 minute late that he had entered. David has a very nice voice! Eden was so hurt when she found out the wizard isnt wonderful after all, she gasped when Chistery grew wings and almost died when she knew it couldnt be reversed. Carole started to become a b****.

Defying Gravity: the song i was waiting for! Eden's acting gave me chills in this scene! When Mdm. Morrible came forward to deliver her speech, I wanted to slap her silly. Eden stole this scene, the broom flying from the wings was funny because it got caught on a set piece and Eden was kind of gesturing for it to come to her as it made its way over. She flew forward and up it was so magical! Her voice was sooo powerful and the audience burst into wild applause after the show

ACT 2

Thank Goodness/Couldn't be happier: Kendra gave a nice belt in this scene. the acting was wonderful. Derrick's acting started to become grounded, his passion for Elphaba began to sink through. Kendra played Glinda two faced of course..."I miss her too! But we cant let anyone know.." or something like that. She really didnt mean it and you could tell she didnt want anything to do with Elphaba. I didnt like how the ensemble member got away with singing Glinda's high note at the end.

Wicked Witch of the East: Finally Jenna's chance to shine!! This scene was perfect, Jenna's acting and singing was superb! I didnt know before that this song was in the show until a few months ago. Jenna's voice was so gorgeous and crystal clear I was so happy for her. The set was really nice is this scene, except i dont know what the hell one thing was that was hanging from rope....but i guess it fit. Jenna's dialouge was very well delivered. I loved the part where Eden was hiding in the closet (you know what i mean), "What are you doing here?" "Well...there's no place like home". Nessarose's character developed so much in this scene, and Jenna's facial expressions were wonderful! I especially loved Boq (logan lipton) in this scene, "Glinda stole my heart when i first met her! you know that!" and Nessarose's response was so unexpected "I'll steal his heart" or something like that, "You are just as wicked as your sister". Jenna's character became so meniacle and twisted, i thoroughly enjoyed it! This scene was very shocking, and everyone let out a big "ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!" when Eden said "He doesnt need a heart".

Wonderful: David Garrison brang justice to this part. His dancing was very nice, his lines and jokes came out well. Eden was very good in this scene as well. The monkies flying around was very cool, I loved the lighting with the little green monkies.

I'm not that girl (reprise): Painful, you could feel Kendra's pain. She sang in beautifully.

As long as you're mine: Deep! Intense! Gorgeous! Eden and Derrick were so into eachother. Derricks singing altered a bit and was so much more likeable and good! The played the scene wonderfully.

No good deed: The scene prior to the song was hillarious especially Kendra's lines. I loved the slapping part, the audience gasped when they slapped one another. Eden's Witch laugh was so good. Her portrayal of Elphaba changed here, it resembled that of the Wicked Witch of the West that we see in the Wizard of Oz. "Feel better now?" "yes i do" the reply was so funny, she said it like a 2 year old who just got a gold star. "So do I!" The fight was very funny! The audience let out another "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" when the guards were talking about putting fiyero up on the pole. Eden's no good deed was like none other! I saw brief press reel clips of it and it looked so tacky! But when i saw it live it was so breathtaking! The lighting couldnt be more perfect for elphaba's anguish! Eden let herself explode after such significant disasters have occured in her life, and it was right on! She gave me such chills and finished the song with a nice belt!

March of the Witch Hunters: The ensemble was once again brilliant and I wanted to slap Mdm. Morrible again. She was truly evil!

For Good: Eden's lines were hillarious "She must've been raised in a barn!" The audience was crying, people next to me busted out the tissues! It was soo touching.

Finale: The finale was touching, you could finally place the characters in your heart and their lives were set for their next venture. Elphaba's melting was so sad, I looked at the people around me, they were about to cry. When Fiyero opened the trap door and Elphaba stepped out everone gasped and applauded! The show ended with massive applause!



STAGE DOOR:

I stood right next to Eugene who looked at me briefly and turned back around. Then a few minutes later Maria Eberline came out who i wasn't completey sure it was her and i said "Arent you Maria?" "Yes! How did you know?" "Oh i saw your pic on the website and i heard maria went on as Elphaba and that she was wonderful!" "oh thank you!" "Can you sign my playbill?" "oh sure! what's your name?" "Ric" "oh hey ric! thanks so much!" "Can i get a picture with you?" "Sure! well it was nice to meet you!"

Then i told eugene i was ric and he was pleasantly surprised and asked me several questions about the show and was extremely nice. He replied about every guy that he thought was cute *hehe*

Then angela Brydon (new addition to the ensemble) came out and signed my playbill.

Then Logan Lipton, he is so soft spoken and really nice. He seemed really spacey, probably really tired. "Can i get a pic with you?" "uh......sure" he was talking about members of the ensemble were talking about some guy who was asking for their autograph (eugene) next to me.

Then James Tabeek came out and i immediately said "dance captain!" "Yea....uh...you're good! How did you know it was me?" "I saw a pic of you someone sent me" "What?! someone sent you a pic of me?" "Oh--i have a jenna leigh green fansite and it was a pic of you and jenna at a party or something" "oh really? does jenna know you?" "yea i think..." "Oh cool--i'm Jenna's roomate" "oh really?" "yea thats why we do stuff together" "oh can you sign my playbill?" "sure!"

Everyone screamed when Derrick came out, he finally got to me and Eugene said "hey derrick! whats up?" "not much, how are ya?" "good" "i'm sure he wants something from you" (points to me) "If you have time..." "Yes! sure!" (signs my playbill)

Jenna had come out a while ago but was sure to sign everyone's stuff. Finally she came to me Ric:"Hello Jenna, these are for you" (hands her flowers) Jenna: "oh my god!" Ric: "I made your fansite" Jenna:"oh!!!!!!!!!!!! thats you! I mean- i could-i could never find it, i keep asking people to give the address..but i'm just stupid--i just spit!" Ric:"oh wait! I have something else for you!" (hands her the book) "I picked it up for you and thought you might like it" Jenna: "oh my god! you are so sweet! wow! this is-wow!" Ric: "Can i have a piece of paper where i can write the site down?" Jenna: "Sure...uh..." (rummages through purse and pulls out a receipt). Meanwhile i'm looking for a hard surface to write on, the bumpy wall. Ric: "here i dont know if you can read this" Jenna: "um..lets see..http://broadway-?" Ric: "-belter" Jenna: "broadwaybelter! haha thats funny. broadwaybelter, tripod, jennagreen, ok awesome!" Ric: "oh can you sign my playbill and take a pic with me?" Jenna: "Of course!" (after that) "i hope there arent any crappy pics with me on there...i mean everyone always asks to take pics with me and they put the camera right in front of my face and it turns out crappy!" Eugene replied how jenna always looked good in pics and even in the one she took now, that she is always improving. Jenna to derrick: "hey he said i'm getting better at stage door pictures!" Derrick: "You are!" Jenna was so sweet and kind!. Jenna: "ric you are amazing" (hugs) Ric: "So are you!" she blends with the crowd

Eden finally came out and someone said "who's that?" "oh she played elphaba!" "oh really? she looks taller onstage" "The green nail polish kinda gives it away". Eden finally came around to me in all her glory. Ric: "Here Eden these are for you!" Eden: "wow thank you!" Ric: "No problem. I have been a fan since brooklyn! the brooklyn fans miss you--Jenny and Dan. oh! Dan wanted me to give you this!" (reads it) Eden: "Thank you! Oh! haha tiny toon!" Ric: "Can i get a pic with you? and can you sign my playbill?" Eden: "oh sure!". "Thank you so much for the flowers!" There were probably many more things she said i was just so overwhelmed i couldn't remember.

I hope you enjoyed this review! I kind of paraphrased what the actors said, because i couldn't remember exactly! thanks! Will post pics as soon as they are developed!







Updated On: 8/15/05 at 06:34 PM

[mad4music]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 6:50pm

wow! how cool! loved it.

..... THREE DAYS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ......

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:16pm

Loved your review.

I also get very emotional about the Elphaba / Galinda dance.

[MLE]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:21pm

Awesome review, Ric! I'm glad the show went well with Eden & Kendra! It's funny that it's the same cast I've seen twice, but never either of those leads!
Anyway, I'm so happy that you finally got to meet Jenna! Isn't she a sweetheart? :)

[Radioactiveduck]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:25pm

Great review, but you failed to actually talk about No Good Deed in your No Good Deed section. How was she? Cuz it's mighty hard to beat out Steph on NGD, she scares the be-jesus out of me a few times during the song.

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:37pm

That was an awesome review! The only thing is that some of your stuff was in one big.....CHUNK.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:40pm

I saw this performance as well!

And while I didn't like Eden or Kendra that much, I definitely have a newfound love for Jenna Leigh Green -she's fab!

[emo_geek]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 7:47pm

yes steph staring monment was no good deed. Tho eden with her amazing belts must own it!

[Parks]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 8:01pm

...I think I could have finished my summer reading in the time it took me to read that...

Good...LONG...review.

[Marlene]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 8:09pm

Awesome review. Not I want to see it in San Francisco. Maybe I should pay my cousin a visit...eeeeeeee...I want to see Eden in something that's totally over miked.

[Orsomething]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 8:10pm

aww i love james haha

[Swiftynifty15]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 8:12pm

Great Review!

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 9:36pm

Ric...you are the man. I loved every word of your detailed review. Keep your passion for the theater, never lose it. I love the soulful Fiyero line!!

I am glad that you and Jenna had a moment, I felt bad that I did not give her your web address down in Los Angeles, but all things work for good.

Thank you so much for the words.

p.s. I am glad your parents took you to the theater...you know what I mean!!

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 10:10pm

Impressive review...that you typed out the words you had with Eden is a little...well...good for you...hehe. I'm really dying to see Eden in this, but I can't afford to go cross country to see it. I'll just have to take your word that she's that amazing. I saw her in "Brookyln" and was impressed with her voice. I'd love to watch her do these songs. And I have to disagree about Steph having a great "NO Good Deed." It's scary, alright, but from all the over acting and yelling...yes, people, she yells.

-Vincent

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 10:43pm

Vincent---don't take this the wrong way, I don't mean it to be mean, but I never agree with ANYTHING you say! lol I don't think I've ever read one of your posts that I was like "yeah"...it's no biggy, differences in opinions!

RIC!!! Once again (Sent you a message on Myspace!)I'm sooo happy for you! and jealous!!! ahh...I want to be a stalker and follow the tour, even if I am near Chicago (I miss Jenna! and Derrick )

[cindy013]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 10:49pm

IMO Stephanie definitely DOES NOT scream in NGD. As I recall, I remember thinking that it was amazing she was as loud and powerful as she was without having to scream like so many other Elphaba's do. Her belt is amazing and so loud and powerful. It is perfectly clear and there is no screaming IMO.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 11:56pm

Cindy, on the other hand, I agree with :)

well, there is NO WAY Stephanie screams anything, she is a CLASSIC MT Belter..not a rock belter like Idina, and **gasp!** Eden as well. Idina, Eden and Sho are more like to be the screamers than say Steph, Jenna, and Kristy Cates, who are all pretty legit mt belters.

There is a huuuuge difference..Stephanie NEVER yells..and that's not my opinion--it's fact.

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 8/15/05 at 11:56pm

well said steph! bravo!

[IveGottaBeME]

Posted: 8/16/05 at 1:34am

if Eden, Idina and Shoshana scream, then they scream a hell of a lot better than these MT belters.... Wicked is a freakin pop/rock type musical, not meant for proper MT belters... and being an MT belter doesnt make u better than the rock belts Eden and them have going on for them...

[lite2shine]

Posted: 8/16/05 at 2:53am

Ric, were you at the Sunday matinee? I was too, 3rd row center! I was totally impressed by Eden.

BTW I met at least two ensemble members before the show at the Starbuck across from the theatre

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 8/16/05 at 9:24am

Stephanie, it's all good because I don't really agree with anything you say either...however, I'm okay with that, as are you, I'm sure!! I didn't mean that she screams while singing, I mean that in random parts of the song, she'll just scream these lines, which to me, is just over done acting. However, that's just my opinion on her. Like, during "Defying Gravity," I can't stand this strange accent she seems to put on during the, "And NOOObuudy in AAAlll of Oz, no Weeezard that there is OOOOORRRRRR WWWAAAAASSSS," that's the kind of stuff I mean. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone, just my point of view on it.

-Vincent