#1
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.
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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.
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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.
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
