Could Kristen play Elphaba?

Well,hmmm, an interesting question. Idina obviously couldnt sing Glinda because of the lack of her operatic voice and her mezzo as opposed to soprano range, but Kristen does have a decent belt voice and obviously the range for elphaba, so do we think she could sing it well enough to perform in the role?

I think it would be really interesting to hear her singing defying gravity or the wizard and i.


Hmm...what do we think?



JG

its not her, i dont think it would work.

If it's a matter of Kristin being able to do vocally, I'd say yes. I definitely think it would be very interesting to hear her belt out something like "Defying Gravity" or "No Good Deed." But on the other hand, I'm not sure it would fit right for the character. I'm not talking about her appearance, though that might be a bit strange, I'm saying that even though she does have an impressive belt, it's not that deep, throaty belt that Idina has... and the way she does it strikes me as the way that best fits the character.

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i doubt it

kritsten's vocal type is all wrong.

and i have to disagree with saying glinda's is vocally harder than elphaba's. glinda's role is more musical theatre and opera, thereby actresses who play carrie in carousel, and ado annie and such can play glinda. they've been trained to do so.

elphaba on the other hand is a power belter, mostly heard on radio these days, like christina aguilara and such. most broadway women DON'T sound like Idina. Maybe Shoshana Bean, Alice Ripley, Julia Murney have the gutsy, harsh, raspy all about Craziness that can match what's required for Elphaba.

actually list actresses that can play glinda, then list the pnes that can play elphaba. you'll see what i mean.

Updated On: 4/11/04 at 03:03 PM

agreed, she wouldnt fit the role.

im pretty sure kerry lacks the operatic soprano need for the part.

I'd be more concerned about making her speaking voice work for Elphaba. I think she'd be able to do it vocally and god knows she has the acting chops.

NO way. Idina is amazing. And Kristen is amazing. Both in their respective roles.

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Well,

When I saw Wicked, although I was impressed with both women, because they are without a doubt incredibly talented....I have to say that I was impressed the most with Kristin overall. Say what you want about her....she's a diva, she's this, she's that....the lady has IT. And not to mention she's incredibly talented....She has the acting chops, comic timing....(BOY does she have the comic timing) So much so, that she made me laugh out incredibly loud numerous times with her facial expressions that say it all, and her side quips and ad-libs, which I enjoyed. And for me, her incredible range and vocal power is what impressed me the most. I do agree that her belt is not as rich sounding as Idina's but she definitely has a belt to go with her glorious coloratura soprano voice. That's what makes her voice so unique. I don't care what anyone says...not many soprano's of this type have as strong a belt as her, along with a great top. As for her being able to sing Elphaba, I would say a definite yes. And she would be able to play the part well. Elphaba is not as challenging as say, Glinda...and Kristin seems to play the role with ease. So Elphaba should be easy for Kristin to handle. Would I want to see the ladies switch roles? NO WAY! Idina is perfect as Elphaba, and really brings the house down....and Kristin is perfect as Glinda. I hope they continue to do the show for a LONG, LONG time....

Cheers,
The Balladeer

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could kristen play it? sure
should kristen play it? hell no
and i'd have to disagree about which part is more complicated. it's pretty 'solidified' what Glinda has to do, and the changes she goes through...and, she has better material to work with (book-wise). Elphaba, however, isn't really given much direction through the book, and has a more introverted charater, which can be hard to express to the audience. moreso, elphaba has to go through a jumble of emotions, all the while conjvincing the audience that, though she may say she is later, she indeed is not truly wicked....to me, anyways, her character seems much more complex.
always,
~m~

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There is a genetic component to nodules, which could explain it. God knows, if there wasn't I would have them now b/c before college, I was incredibly tight (and I couldn't compensate like Idina can).

I don't think she could play it. She could belt it, sure, but with her speaking voice and her overall personality and the way she comes through on stage- she's all wrong for Elphaba.

And I forgot about Butler's operatic part in "Inside Your Heart" in Batboy. On second thought, I'd LOVE to see her as Glinda. She'd be perfect!

I think both Kristin's and Idina's real life personalities play a big part in their roles. Kristin is incredibly bubbly, and like a colorful sparkle that just makes you smile; and the comedic timing is just so her.
Idina is mellow, sweet, and shy; yet she does have that "Star Power" inside her that just busts open when she belts out a song.
The casting for both roles was very well done. :)

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