D.B.'s WICKED in Chicago review — Page 3

I saw Wicked for the second time on Wednesday, August 10th and once again I fell in love with it. I saw the touring version when it was in Chicago and thought nothing could ever top it (except possibly a less spazzy Glinda), but I was wrong. The Chicago version is spectacular. I am already trying to find a way to go see it again, which might be difficult since I am going to Ireland for a few months, but I am determind to find a way. Kate was absolutely amazing, she was perfect for the role. It looked like she was having fun with the role, so it made it even more fun to watch. I think Kristoffer is such a cutie, so I really enjoyed him as well.

Anyway, so on to the big topic of conversation: Ana Gasteyer. At first I was a bit disappointed with how she sang "The Wizard and I". It's my favorite song (ok, one of them at least) from the show and I found her to be very meek and quiet at the start of it. I found myself wanting to jump up and belt it out for her! But as she gained strength through the song, I realized that the way she was singing the song went along with her own unique portrayal of Elphaba. The whole self conscious, won't-stand-up-straight kind of thing was an interesting spin on it and I really liked it. I could actually see the character develop as the show went on and it was a great thing to see. She was amazing in Defying Gravity, but her best song by far was "No Good Deed". It totally blew me away and gave me the chills. I can't even describe how amazing it was.

So anyway, yes, I love the Chicago version of Wicked. Not only is it a phenomenonal show, but I am just so happy that Chicago is finally getting some recognition. New Yorkers have their Broadway and LA has...well, everything. Chicago is a wonderful place and it's time people start realizing it! Haha, ok, sorry I'm finished.

Minor nitpick: it's the Chicago production, not version.

Since I posted my opinion of the Chicago production a couple of weeks ago, I won't bore anyone by repeating myself.

I do want to say that JoeKv99 and everyone else who said that Ana Gasteyer has little-to-no marquee value are right. I mean, I loved her on SNL and was extremely curious about whether she could carry a 3-hour show, but I would not have traveled to Chicago to see "Wicked" if it hadn't been for all the wonderful things I had read about her performance.

However, NO ONE else I have mentioned her name to (except my husband) knows who she is. Even when I explain that she was on SNL, people are clueless. Just to illustrate for you: I have 3 friends who are theatre professionals--2 of them in current Broadway hits--and they had no idea who she was. They don't watch TV! They know "SNL" because it's been around for 30 years, but the name "Ana Gasteyer" means nothing to them. I even tried to name some of the impersonations she was famous for on SNL...nothing registered.

She's different from other Elphabas, but that's a plus in my book. Whoever said they were tired of the "American Idol" belters...AMEN! I say, “Make it your own!” And she does. (Not that I didn't care for the other 3 actresses I've seen as Elphaba. It's just refreshing to see someone approach the role--both acting and singing--in a new way.)

About the music...I think you're pretty much a Stephen Schwartz fan or you're not. I am. I have been since I first saw Pippin in 1972 when I was 14. I'm not saying he's perfect or that I adore every song he's ever written, but I always "pay attention" to his music--even when I wind up not caring for a particular song. (I would be quite content for the rest of my life if I never heard "Day by Day" again.) Jerry Herman recently issued very high praise for Mr. Schwartz and his commitment to “melody.”

Finally, I just want to say how happy Hushpuppy's post made me. Isn't it great when you resist and resist and resist something and then wind up really enjoying it? I tend to avoid anything that's overly popular or hyped. I saw "Wicked" against my will the first time--in previews--and I'm glad I did because I probably would have stayed away, too, the way people gush over it.

I’ve learned a great lesson: I shouldn't hate something just because other people like it! I do have a mind of my own, after all.

Oh, and I don't care for Bernadette Peters at all. But I love Ethel Merman, which makes some of my friends think I'm a profound weirdo.

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OK, OK, I take back what I said about Ana getting the part only for her "marquee value" based on what several of you have pointed out and on what I, since posting my review, have taken into consideration: that her name is not used in any of the ads, nor is it even ON on the marquee at the Oriental. So I was probably wrong...but all of my other comments still stand! And thanks for reading :)

WOW! Everyone on this thread is so agreeable! Am I still at BWW?????

Perhaps there IS hope for the world!

BTW, I have a CD of very early ETHEL MERMAN recordings, and it is fabulous. She doesn't "belt" on any of these songs (not that there's anything wrong with Ethel's belting, God love her!)...the CD shows the range of her incredible talent.

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Updated On: 8/13/05 at 01:24 AM