From the burst of music that kicked off the overture to the last screaming fan during curtain call- the show was amazing and had such an incredible energy about it today. Kristin actually seemed to be ENJOYING the role again and didn't seem to be merely phoning it in. She had a new toy to play with on stage and the chemistry was amazing. The disappointment about not seeing the "lead" (I noticed many didn't really even know who she was) was quickly vanquished as Eden ran onto stage in a grin ear to ear with the audience cheering her entrance.
Now- having heard Eden sing before- I knew what she was capable of. I'll try to be as honest as I can. First, she has definite stage prescence and her diction is impeccable- every word is so crisp. She also has a deeper voice than Idina so it sounds a little more menancing at times. I will be honest and say I was disappointed when half way through "The Wizard and I" I could tell she was running on nerves- her voice was a little shaky and her runs weren't as smooth as I know she is capable of; however, as the lady sitting next to me said: "Oh- I couldn't tell that at all- I thought she sounded amazing". Once that number was over- the rest was smooth sailing with "Defying Gravity" reinvented into her own style and sung unlike anything you have heard before; it was very refreshing to hear a new take on the powerhouse ending to Act I-- the crowd went wild. I mingled about the lobby listening to people to try and gauge people's thoughts-- everyone was talking about how amazing the show and I didn't hear anyone dissing the performance or even a mention of Idina being out. People were enjoying what they came to see-- the show; not the actresses. Act II was a freight train of Eden power. With Act I under her belt, you could sense a surge of energy and confidence as she came back on stage. "No Good Deed" was simply powerful and Eden let the majesty of her vibes blow the roof off the place. You could also tell that Kristin was enjoying having something new to work with- it was like watching the show for the first time. The chemistry between Eden and Norbet was mesmerizing and their duet was stunning. The audience was truly digging it. During "For Good" and after Elphaba "melts", Kristin sobbed unlike I have seen her do the last 4 times I've seen the show- it just felt so real and I heard many people (yes, even a few men), sniffling. You could feel a rush of happiness go through the theatre when Elphaba returns-- Eden made them fall in love with the character so they were estatic to see that she wasn't truly dead. During the bows, Kristin was extremely gracious, extending Eden the final bow- alone (Kristin only took hers when the two come out together). And as someone mentioned, Norbet gave Eden a high-five as the curtain came down, showing how the cast was rooting for her and congratulating her on pulling off a not so easy feat.
For those that missed it- you'll have another chance in June-- a friend in casting (Hollywood) has informed me she will be taking two weeks off to film a movie with Colin Ferrell (damn you lucky Idina! sigh...Colin).... such the life! :)
Call it a regime change...
Updated On: 3/22/04 at 09:50 AM
