Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: 7:30pm Show.
Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: 7:30pm Show.
Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: 7:30pm Show.#1
Posted: 8/15/07 at 11:45pm
Let me just say: For awhile WICKED is honestly and truly one of my favorite shows. I know, I know: FAN BOY, you chant. But no, I read the book, and yes it's different, but I really feel for Elphaba and connect with her beyond the silly fan boy-fan girl way: Be it due to a parent's complete and total lack of caring for her or her disrespecting sibling, I can go on. But the point is, I am not a complete fan boy. However.
Wicked has some fantastic music and wonderful moments which touch you and make you laugh, that make a great night at the theater. I have seen Wicked several times before: Seen three different Elphabas: Idina, Shoshana and Eden. Victoria Matlock was wonderful. She wasn't a strong belter [a la Shoshana] but I really enjoyed her take of Elphaba. Her acting was fantastic and her voice was lovely. She had a pitch problem or two but beyond that, a wonderful job. She brooded and was mysterious, it was certainly lovely. She looked very much like Idina in green. Her voice was great on "Wizard and I", her "Defying Gravity" was good, not chilling, but good. "No Good Deed" was her moment, she was great.
Christina DeCicco was a hysterical Glinda. She was perky, a tad spastic, I must add. But, wonderfully hysterical. She has a lovely voice and sounds similar to Cheno in the way she did her voice of Galinda. Her Popular was perky, engertic and hysterical. Groundbreaking? No. Cute, perky and great entertainment, indeed. As she progressed into Glinda The Good, she became less spastic and more serious. She seemed to really get to the heart who of Glinda was. You see it best during "Thank Goodness" when she is trying so hard to think of Elphaba, but can't help but think of what others think. She was really wonderful. During "For Good" she was really crying, it was a tad distracting, but understandable for the character.
Cliffton Hall was the best Fiyero I have seen since Joey Mcyntire back in 2005. He was charming, handsome and his voice was very good. I've seen some lousy Fiyeros [Derrick Williams, David Ayers] but he really was fantastic. The scene they added between him and Elphaba really sets the stage for later for them to fall for one another and make it even more wonderful. The new blocking during "As Long As Your Mine" was sexy, not awakard as the original blocking.
P.J. Benjamin was a very good Wizard, he was miles better than George Hearn, but nowhere near as fantastic as Ben Veeren. He sang and danced very well. He was charming and yet evil, in all the right places. His "Wonderful" was great, and very charming. He has a very nice voice. Great job with a role that can be considered lackluster.
Barbara Tirrell was a deliciously evil Madame Morrible, she lacked the venom of Carole Shelley, but was miles better than drunken Rue Mcalahan. Her voice was pretty good, her evil was wonderful. It always gets me when Madame Morrible speaks about doing things for the Wizard, he does things for you, I always picture Madame Morrible and The Wizard like in a relationship sexually, if you catch my drift.
DeeDee Magno Hall was wonderful, the best Nessarose. She was so innocent and shy during the beginning and "Dancing Through Life". She then transitioned so well into what I called: "Nessa-bitch" during the second act. She made Michelle Ferder and Jenna Leigh Green look like little kittens, she took off. She was wonderful.
I wish I could say her "Sweet Boq" was as wonderful, but he wasn't. Brad Weinstock tried to hard to be nerdy and didn't even try to be heart-warming as the role can be and was done by Logan Lipton and Christopher Fitzgerald. He had a nasily voice and tried just a bit too hard to be funny. I missed Christopher and Logan alot during those moments.
I completely bawled during For Good, this was the first time I'd seen the show since graduating high school and the words hit me hard as several of my friends have left or are leaving for college shortly. I was a complete mess, but it was cathartic and wonderful.
Overall, a wonderful production. A quick side note, during the finale when Elphaba is alive, a guy gasped near me: "Oh my god, she's alive!" and it was very amusing. I purchased a new program which now features several Elphabas, Glindas etc. from different productions and I got the OZ sunglasses. [Very OZmopolitian!]. Also, at the end of the show, they asked for people to fill out a survey and you get a free pin. I got the green one with Elphaba's hat and my aunt got the pink "Good to see me isn't it", which she gave to me.
WICKED is one of my favorite shows, is it the end all-be all of theater to me, No. Do I love the story and the characters, Yes. Am I completely enthralled by it, Yes. Call me fanboy, I don't care: I'll just keep "defying gravity."
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: 7:30pm Show.#2
Posted: 8/15/07 at 11:53pmGlad you enjoyed the show tonight! I felt that the tour cast was spectular when I saw them. DeCicco has a great transition through the show. You really see her truthfully grow up.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #2
Posted: 8/15/07 at 11:58pmI like what you titled this thread. It's always nice to revive something inside of you, isn't it? There is absolutely no shame in liking a show. Becoming giddy or energetic. I remember how much of an incredible fan-boy I was when the WICKED tour had its first engagement in San Francisco the summer of 2005. It's incredible really how much that show was my "gateway drug" to everything else Broadway. So the tour tickled your funny-bone again? Good!
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #3
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:07am
"I like what you titled this thread. It's always nice to revive something inside of you, isn't it? There is absolutely no shame in liking a show. Becoming giddy or energetic. I remember how much of an incredible fan-boy I was when the WICKED tour had its first engagement in San Francisco the summer of 2005. It's incredible really how much that show was my "gateway drug" to everything else Broadway. So the tour tickled your funny-bone again? Good! "
Thank you.
I am a huge WICKED fan, but it's hard being a WICKED fan because if your a WICKED fan suddenly every one calls you a fan-boy or girl. It's tough.
I adore Wicked, it's beautiful and wonderful.
But on here, Wicked is a taboo word.
Swing Joined: 8/14/07
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #4
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:26am
I TOTALLY agree with the way you feel about Wicked. People will make fun of you or whatever, and they think you like it just because it's popular or trendy... But I feel a whole lot more for the show than that. I am so glad there is someone else out there that feels the same way.
"So what show got you into musical theatre in the first place?"
"Honestly? Wicked."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
But really it's just the first show I found personally that I could connect with as much as I do. I'm not embarrassed of it. I just go on loving it.
Alyssa
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #5
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:32am
"I TOTALLY agree with the way you feel about Wicked. People will make fun of you or whatever, and they think you like it just because it's popular or trendy... But I feel a whole lot more for the show than that. I am so glad there is someone else out there that feels the same way.
"So what show got you into musical theatre in the first place?"
"Honestly? Wicked."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
But really it's just the first show I found personally that I could connect with as much as I do. I'm not embarrassed of it. I just go on loving it. "
Yay for more than just fan boy-fan girls!
We can take those silly, fan boys and girls, Alyssa Fox!
Whose with us!? :)
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #6
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:55am
Clumsy,
I was there at the same performance in Philly, and I totally agree with your review. Very well thought out and very accurate in my opinion. There is no place like...Broadway. But this came pretty close. I was with a friend who never saw wicked before, and it was cool to see the reactions of a Wicked first timer. Oh yeah, my personal comment, "No Good Deed" was incredible tonight.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #7
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:02am
"Clumsy,
I was there at the same performance in Philly, and I totally agree with your review. Very well thought out and very accurate in my opinion. There is no place like...Broadway. But this came pretty close. I was with a friend who never saw wicked before, and it was cool to see the reactions of a Wicked first timer. Oh yeah, my personal comment, "No Good Deed" was incredible tonight. "
Oh thank you, for the compliment.
I thought about it on the way home.
NO GOOD DEED was indeed, incredible.
Where were you sitting?
I was Parq. Circle.
Sec H. Row 37.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #8
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:40ampharmer2000: Did you get the buttons?
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #9
Posted: 8/16/07 at 3:02amI'll join the "I enjoy Wicked, but I'm not a mindless babbling fan-boy or -girl" club. Just because I enjoy Wicked doesn't mean I am some ditsy little girl. My favorite all time show happens to be Les Mis, but occasionally, I am in the mood for something lighter.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #10
Posted: 8/16/07 at 9:11am
I'll join that club, too 
Glad you enjoyed to show, Clumsy!
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #11
Posted: 8/16/07 at 9:52am
my "inner-Wicked fan boy" is always awake!
Thanks so much for your review, Clumsy. I love this show so much and don't think I will ever get sick of it. Seeing it for my 15th time on October 7th and 16th time on October 9th.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/15/05
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #12
Posted: 8/16/07 at 10:30amI thought Victoria's singing was just really odd. I liked her voice, but the way she added awkward riffs to the songs and other things just weren't great.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #13
Posted: 8/16/07 at 10:47amWicked was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and for that, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm not a crazy fangirl, but I still appreciate it. I know it's not a masterpiece, but it was still a great experience. I just hope I can get the chance to play Glinda one day anywhere, as cliche as it is, it is one of my biggest dream roles.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #14
Posted: 8/16/07 at 11:02am
"my "inner-Wicked fan boy" is always awake!"
Mine is too, it's just this shoved it back awake a bit!
:)
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #15
Posted: 8/16/07 at 11:54amMe too. I was a huge fanboy, and it came back when I saw Wicekd the other day in L.A.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #16
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:02pm
Great review! Ok...so I'm older than dirt (but not the oldest here. :) and have covered hundreds of Bd'w shows for TB& BWW...I gotta admit that Wicked is a really clever, fun, well excuted Broadway show. It will remain hugely popular and you can't argue with success.( Well you can but it makes you look stupid).
I hope it tours long enough and far reaching enough that many can enjoy what a playful little gem is Wicked.( and I could give a patoodie what people think of my opinion).
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #17
Posted: 8/16/07 at 12:38pm
PB Ent: How many times have you seen the tour?
One thing I found funny, I don't know if pharmer2000 noticed but during Thank Goodness, the banner saying Congrulotions [their spelling, not mine] for Fiyero and Glinda's engagment took a few seconds to come down and the ensemble just kept looking as if it were there the entire time, I know thats what their suppose to do if something like that happens, it was just funny.
Also, the changes made to dialouge and some words added to Wicked Witch of The East [like Boq saying instead of "That ball thats being staged announcing Glinda is engaged, he sang "That ball thats being stage announcing Glinda is engaged to Fiyero" made it the story a bit clearer, but it through for a loop because I knew the old verse.
Also the added dialouge between Elphaba and Nessarose about Elphaba going to find Fiyero was a nice change.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #18
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:05pmI don't know why this show get's such a bad wrap. It's not the best show or perfect by any means, but it's really not horrible either. I've seen it on tour twice, both times were enjoyable.
9/18 - Brian Stokes Mitchell, Cincy Pop's
9/28 - Death Of A Salesman, Wright State
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #19
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:27pm
"I don't know why this show get's such a bad wrap. It's not the best show or perfect by any means, but it's really not horrible either. I've seen it on tour twice, both times were enjoyable. "
I think Boy from Ohio, it's because little girls and some teenagers think it's the end all-be all and think it's the most amazing thing since sliced bread and don't experience anything else.
I love Wicked, I love it because I connect with the character of Elphaba in several ways beyond the simple "fan boy" way, and the music is beautiful and haunting. Is it "Sweeney Todd?" or "Company", No. But it's down right wonderful to me.
EDIT: Fan girls were in full force last night, let me tell you.
At the merchadise counter, they took everything that wasn't nailed down.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #20
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:29pm
I don't know why this show get's such a bad wrap.
Because it was bought at the dollar store.
Remember, always stick with Glad.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #21
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:31pm
I like what you said about actually connecting to the character. That's why I like Wicked so much. I just feel like I get where Elphaba's coming from.
And when I tell people I like Wicked I usually either get an eyeroll or an "OMG I lyke love wicked tooo lyke soo much!!! Fiyero's so HAWT!!" And it's just, ugh. It's actually a good musical but fangirls can't see that. (not that I don't have my own fangirl moments..haha)
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #22
Posted: 8/16/07 at 1:35pm
"I like what you said about actually connecting to the character. That's why I like Wicked so much. I just feel like I get where Elphaba's coming from. "
Exactly, Good Morning Balitmore.
We see "eye to eye" :)
I have deep reasons of connecting to the character of Elphaba.
And it really is annoying when people go "You like WICKED, like OMIGOD, I saw it and it was like amazing, and Fiyero was so hot and he wore tight pants.." That's not what I got out of it and it makes me sad.
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #23
Posted: 8/16/07 at 2:44pmWasn't Victoria Matlock once a U/S or standby in another production of Wicked or was she Julia's U/S on tour last year?
re: Clumsy reawakes his inner-Wicked fan boy: Wicked tour: Philly 8-15-07: #24
Posted: 8/16/07 at 2:48pmAt the beginning of Julia's run on tour as Elphaba, I believe Maria Eberline was still the standby...then Victoria Matlock took over as the standby a few months into Julia's run.
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