Eden is Sensational! 1-10-06 Review

[PJ]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:06pm

I ventured back over to the Gershwin Theatre this evening to check out Miss Espinosa’s opening night performance. I couldn’t hear or see any BKLYN-ites, so that was a plus.

The Wizard and I - All I’m going to say is “wow.” I’m sure many of you are aware that I’m a fan of Shoshana, but it sure was great to hear this song sung with some serious gusto. Eden’s huge voice and rendition of this song left me breathless. She started off soft and pretty, then really let it rip after “a celebration through out Oz, that’s all to do...with ME!” I haven’t been that excited after this particular number since seeing the Original Broadway Cast back in April of ‘04.

I’m Not that Girl - Gorgeous. And that last low note was beautiful and deep.

Defying Gravity - Just as I said for TWAI, it was incredible to hear a voice really blow the roof off the place with this number again. Defying Gravity clearly sits in Eden’s voice easily and you can tell. There was no sense of having to reach for those high notes, and everything was as smooth as a baby’s ass. My mouth was agape as soon as she “flew.” A phenomenal rendition.

No Good Deed - Just plain awesome. Eden is one scary witch with a voice that can shake the rafters.

For Good - I’m sure her and Megan will only get better together as time goes on. Not that this song was poorly done, it was actually, like many of the other songs tonight, fresh and new.

---

Megan Hilty is still delivering a delicious performance as Glinda. She’s adorable and the audience and fans love her.

Carol Kane is a wonderful Madame Morrible. I can actually say that I loved her. She’s no Carole Shelley, but she’s damn close.

Derrick Williams - It’s now safe to say that David Ayers was the worst actor to tackle the role of Fiyero in New York. After a year of Mr. Ayers, I wasn’t expecting anything better than mediocre. Luckily, Derrick has put a bit of life into this thankless role. He’s not good, he’s very good, in my opinion. I believe him to be the best since Norbert. He got the laughs and won the audience over. Something David was never quite able to do. And I loved his voice. I enjoyed not hearing “Dancing Through Life” sung by a squeaky, off-key tenor.

---

Bottom line: I highly recommend you make a return trip to the Gershwin. This new cast has breathed an unbelievable breath of fresh air into the piece. The whole show seemed new again. Even if you’re not a fan, go just to see Eden. She’s truly phenomenal. I will go out on a limb and say she’s my absolute favorite Elphaba thus far. And that’s out of Idina, Shoshana, Saycon, and Brandi.

Updated On: 1/11/06 at 11:06 PM

[MrBundles]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:11pm

thanks for the review. I'll be seeing it in March. I loved Carol and Derrick on the tour though! Wonderful! Can't wait to see Eden.

[Wicked_fan]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:13pm

Thank you so much for the review!

I'm so excited to hear that Eden did amazingly on her first night!!!!

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:13pm

Glad to hear it. I am hitting the Gershwin next week.

[defying_gravity2]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:14pm

I'm so happy that you had such a great time. I wish I could have been there. I was lucky enough to see Eden(and Derrick) in San Francisco. She's just amazing. It's nice to hear that the show feels fresh and new. She really makes those songs exciting. Her performance is riveting and truly awe-inspiring.

[liotte]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:15pm

Oh man, now I have to go do the lotto again!

I've seen them all before though.

[PJ]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:19pm

Yes, liotte. Get your butt to the lotto.

[elphie30]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:20pm

Thanks so much for sharing i love eden and can't wait to see her. i will miss shoshana but its always good to see a fresh face.

[PJ]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:21pm

I thought I would miss Shoshana. But as soon as Eden runs out, you'll forget about Bean. And we all know how I love Shoshana's voice, but Eden is the best all around in the role that I've seen.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:22pm

I'm dying to see her again. I saw her back when she was Menzel's standby. She was great.

[SuddenlyTrey]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:35pm

yay! Thanks PJ

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:40pm

I saw Eden in the role on March 21, 2004 and i LOVED her...i'm sure she has only gotten better since then. she definitely has the best voice out of all the Elphaba's I've seen. I will surely post my review after i see her on january 31st.

[Popular]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:47pm

PJ - it is nice to see a supporter of one Elphaba rise above and be able to support another. You all know how much I love me some Steph, but when I saw Eden she was pretty darn amazing in her own right! Now we just need Katie to step in as standby one night and it'll be like a tour reunion on Bway! :)

[SirLiir]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:49pm

Winning the lotto...thats easier said than done. Anyway, thanks PJ for the review! I am looking forward to seeing the new cast next week even more so.

[JackiesBroJoe]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:54pm

I've lost the Wicked lotto 28 times in 2005. I have yet to win. Good luck

[PJ]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:56pm

That's sounds just like my track record for the lotto as well. That's why I don't even bother anymore. I just get the $55 seats.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 11:58pm

All I know is since december 04, my lotto loses are anywhere between 20-30 attempts without a win. Its the one lotto I cant conquer, even the first few times when there were like only 60 people and we could all stand in the lobby!

[Popular]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:01am

Oops, how did that make it's way to this thread?? :)

[ihearttheatre]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:03am

Yay for $55 partial view! I have never tried the Wicked lotto and have no desire to, considering those numbers.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:04am

Winning the lotto is probably a bigger achievement that seeing the show. And PJ, right on! $55 tickets are the way to go!

[halyiaganitefiz]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:07am

*beams* Wonderful! I am sooo glad to hear such good things coming from the Gersh. I am especially glad to hear you enjoyed Derrick's performance. Always a pleasant thing to hear. :)

[greenifyed]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:08am

The only time I've ever sat lotto in the Gershwin was the night of January 8th, 2005, after I had already sat through the matinee. Talk about crazy, right?

Um, I am clearly extremely excited for Wicked now. Thank you for the review!!

[PJ]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:13am

Oh, and I forgot to mention:

Eden plays Elphaba as a loveable nerd in Act I. And she is utterly adorable during "Popular." And her transition into the Wicked Witch of the West is very apparent in the scene leading up to "Defying Gravity."

Okay, I think I'm done. But I seriously cannot say enough good things about Eden's performance.

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:17am

yay Eden! i think she is amazing..

[EugLoven]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 12:18am

THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR YOUR WICKED 01-10-06 REVIEW

You took all of the words I've ever wanted to use to describe Eden, Derrick, and Carol right out of my mouth. You're absolutely right. This new cast "has breathed an unbelievable breath of fresh air into the piece." Aren't they remarkable? Having seen this trio for the Wicked SF Tour I know exactly where you're coming from. It's as if these characters are being recreated!

You know, Eden loves this role. Back in September her mother told me, beaming, how Eden absolutely loves this role. She fits into Elphaba's shoes... er... boots so perfectly. Her age, vitality, and delivery match like no other. She ties in first place with Idina for her characterization. Impecible.

And on a side note, you have a very nice writing style. You're so good with concise words. You say what you need to say perfectly without sounding trite or long-winded!

I'm so glad you got to experience the 4th Generation opening night! What an excellent treat! I'm quite jealous but also very very proud. Thank you.

<3 Eugene, San Francisco