Idina Menzel to Star in London WICKED — Page 10

Don't worry about it...English IS my first language and I still can't spell to save my life!!

Thank God for spell check...

I have a sneaky feeling that Julia McKenzie will play Mme Morrible. I suppose it depends whether or not she will be willing to play second fiddle to the 2 lead girls. I do think she will make a good choice though.

'I wish Idina the best of LUCK. The London theatre is far different than the USA...not as boisterous, but genuinely appreciative just the same. It will be a little difficult to work off the audiences energy, however with Wicked perhaps Idina can give them a jolt.'

Yes I thought that...going to be a bit different for her bless her. When an performer enters there's not normally a huge cheer and she's more likely to get polite clapping when she rises than hollering!

Yes, I'm seeing it twice. Booked again after I knew Idina was coming. I only live 1 hour away so it's not hard to get there.

Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle were both on the OLCR of Lez Miz and then they did the OBCR.

I know Les Miz released an album for each production but remember that was more an ensemble piece, in Wicked Elphaba sings most of the score. Unfortunately, unless they cast major stars in the roles of Glinda, Fiyero, and the Wizard (Morrible is rather irrelevant to a Wicked cast recording), I doubt they'll release a OLCR.

^I really hope it pursuades them. I want one bad, Idina or not...although since I cant see her and the CD would be my only chance to experience her in the west end production I doubt she will. I dont have that kind of luck.

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Another thing about accents -- and sorry if this has been mentioned before, but after reading 8 pages of this thread, I jumped a bit.

Many shows change their character's accents/nationalities depending on where the show is performing. "Mamma Mia" is a great example -- depending on where you see the show, the 3 Dads are from different places. If you listen to the OCR, which is the English recording, they've switched up the nationalities from what have been seen other places (or vice versa).

Also, no producer, anywhere, would announce any member, of any cast, WITHOUT them having signed a contract. I don't know what "message" from "Idina" was about, but it's a huge no-no to announce pubicly that such and such will be starring without a signed contract, or much less a firm yes.

~Sam

I'm happy for Menzel that she's pursuing this. It definitely will allow her to "own" the role. I wonder what the economic motive would be. It's already a hot sell in London and since Menzel is a relative unknown there, her return to the role does not seem like it would boost the box office too much. Perhaps it will give the show more credential. Tourists feel safe that they are already seeing someone experienced in the role.

As for the prospects of an Original London Cast Recording, it's entirely possible. They could record it with Menzel, depending on who is in the other roles or they could wait until she leaves the show. As Michael Bennett has illustrated though, it's very uncommon now for there to be both a Broadway and a London cast recording. Producers can already sell the OBC in the theatre and at music stores. By making only one cast recording available, if people want the score, they will have to buy that one.

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I've heard that we're getting Kendra over here and Kate's doing NY...

I would love to have a OLCR but it seems doubtful, especially now Idina's in the cast. Although with the large fan base Wicked has, it would make quite a profit even with Idina.

I got so lucky. I'm going to be studying abroad next year in England. When I got the news I went ahead and bought a ticket to see it in late September. Anyone else going across the pond to see Idina?

There will surely be a Japanese cast recording and probably a German cast recording - but the producers of the OBC are the ones who actually would fight against an OLC. As someone else says - people will buy what is available. And if the OBC is it - it just means more profit for the producers of that recording.

Idina doesn't really stand to gain anything by being on a second cast recording. Even if the OLC is recorded, it will be the OBC that is sold at the theatre during the early part of the London run. She will probably have finished her contract by the time any OLC would be released.

Updated On: 4/25/06 at 11:50 AM