Julia Murney in Wicked.....huge disappointment- Page 2

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/26/07 at 8:22am

The first time I saw Wicked was when Shoshana Bean and Jennifer Laura Thompson were in the cast. I literally dozed off during the first act and couldn't figure out what all the hype was.

I then had an opportunity to see both Stephanie Block and Julia Murney on the tour, and it was a completely different story. They both gave wonderfully nuanced performances. I hope I get to see Julia before she leaves the show, because I really liked her take on the role and her vocals.

Sounds like she may have had an "off" performance. It happens.

[Midoria]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 3:39pm

Let me preface my statements by saying that I've only seen "Wicked" once, and it was with Julia. I'm not even going to attempt to compare her to the other Elphabas because I don't like basing my judgments on a place like YouTube, especially when it comes to singing. And quite frankly, I didn't care enough for the show to debate who makes the best Elphaba.

Having said that, I'm really sorry JM wasn't at her best when you went. I saw her in mid-July of this year she was absolutely phenomenal. I thought I was fairly savvy when it comes to shows, but I had never seen a performance like hers before. I'm still in awe. Wicked was just a cute show in my opinion. It was really Julia's performance that was a stand-out for me. Before her, I was only interested in the shows themselves. Now I'm proud to say I admire a PERFORMER, and not just the show she is in.

After getting home, doing some reading, and listening to some of her interviews, this is what I've come to believe about Murney when it comes to her current show:

1. The score is was modeled more on Idina's instrument. As we know, JM and IM have very different voices.

2. She's joked that it's "irresponsibly written" and more catered to an "American Idol" generation, which I believe to be true. "Wicked" has a lot of screaming and high notes, not to mention Elphaba is belting out at the top of her lungs 10 minutes into the show, and then has 2 more hours of belting and screaming. She has also mentioned that every single Elphaba, including her, has had to stop performing at some point in the show because of the strain. When you factor in issue #1, it make it worse for her.

3. Julia seems to gets sick (like antibiotics sick) more than other people. That REALLY doesn't help when you add in factor #1 and #2.

4. She gets a big guilt trip when she doesn't go on. That's not good considering #1, 2, & 3 are now in effect. She knows she doesn't sound her best, but people DO come and see the show just for her, and she's aware of that.


I am actually glad she's leaving Wicked, because I think think she's above the razzle dazzle and commercialism that surrounds this production. She needs to have a show written for her. Yes, I could see her in something like "Funny Girl" or even "Evita", but she has a talent worthy of having something written around her (Come on Andrew...come ON!!). Yes, her voice, looks, and stage presence are all very different from ladies like Foster, LaChanze, Menzel, Chenoweth, etc. I think, as a result, people often don't know what to do with her. She does have a mature vibe about her, but that could be a good thing if used properly.

But that's just my take on the situation.

Edited for Typos.

Updated On: 7/31/07 at 03:39 PM

[ChecksintheMayo]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:01pm

...she has a talent worthy of having something written around her

She already has- The Wild Party

[Steve2]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:05pm

I saw her on tour in Cincinnati a year and a half ago and she was phenominal. Perhaps the show is taking a toll on her?

[ElFantasma14]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:39pm

I've said this in multiple threads, but she is absolutely amazing. Fantastic voice, I'm sad to see she's getting worn down, but it happens to the best (Christine Ebersole, for example).

[stella985]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:41pm

When I saw her she was AMAZING. I think she's just been sick lately, and also not all performers are for all people. I agree though that it would be great if she originated a role in a new musical or was the lead in one of the big revivals coming up.

[Midoria]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:59pm

Touche, Mayo.

I meant post-Wicked, though.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:17pm

Please don't tell me these awful things about her. I'm already upset because I have to see Kendra and not Megan Hilty.

[ElFantasma14]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:19pm

Kendra is phenom too. Had me rolling in the aisles in Boston.

[BrianIdol]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:27pm

I saw Julia and Kendra last month and thought they were both WONDERFUL. I saw Eden and Kate Reinders last summer and liked them just as much:) Julia seems like she makes the transition to "wickedness" best out of the Elphaba's...however I felt more sympathetic to Eden's Elphie...just different takes on the role.

[alliez92092]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 8:32pm

Kendra's a great actress. She can be a bit over the top, but I really love her performance. Her singing has definitely improved from her tour days.

Don't get me started on Julia. This whole board and their mother know how much I love her. I think she's an extremely talented actress and singer, not to mention one of the nicest, most gracious people on Broadway. I agree with a lot of what Midoria said as well. What I love about Julia is that a)She is playing Elphaba. She is not playing Idina playing Elphaba. She brings out a depth in that character that I didn't see, even with Idina and b)She doesn't belt and riff just for the sake of belting and riffing. I think people don't like her because she doesn't riff. I actually appreciate it. I get to hear the score and not some singer showing off (coughcoughshoshanacoughcough).

I'm happy as well for Julia to leave. It will be bittersweet, but I really want to see her do something new that will showcase her talent.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 9:17pm

I've seen all the Broadway Elphabas and Julia is my favorite. IMHO, her acting is far superior to other actresses who have played the role.

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 12:00am

Alliez, you hit the nail on the head. Julia sings the score in a straightforward manner, without getting all riffy and show-offy. As thrilling as some of Shoshana's riffs were, they weren't "in character" for me, and seemed like her way of distracting you from the fact that she isn't a great actress (at least, not in that role).

Stephanie Block was similar to Julia in that she sang the score as written and didn't rely on a lot of vocal pyrotechnics to impress.

[Parks]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 1:04am

I have never gotten the fascination with Julia...

I haven't seen her live--so I can't really judge...but my god, whoever said that she sounds like a goat--I was about to say the EXACT same thing.

That was the animal I had in mind as well. Her Defying Gravity was the most painful thing I've ever heard. Possibly worse than Idina when she was sick and left after act 1. I just am not a fan at all of her voice...

I'm sure seeing her live is completely different though. The 5 million fans on here can't all be wrong! :)

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 1:37am

Maybe you just have to watch Julia to appreciate her. I could see how only listening to her might grate on your nerves if that vocal style isn't typically your cup of tea, but watching how she completely immerses herself in the character is just so fascinating. Her body language and facial expressions, coupled with that voice (which I personally love because it's so powerful and unique), make for a really thrilling experience.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 1:43am

Haven't seen the show in NYC, but I saw Murney in Philadelphia, and she was sensational. Wonderful performance.

[Midoria]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 2:07am

Maybe you just have to watch Julia to appreciate her. I could see how only listening to her might grate on your nerves if that vocal style isn't typically your cup of tea, but watching how she completely immerses herself in the character is just so fascinating. Her body language and facial expressions, coupled with that voice (which I personally love because it's so powerful and unique), make for a really thrilling experience.

Said better than I ever could. It's like she disappears and truly BECOMES the song. What's cool is that she does it even when she's only singing (as opposed to playing a role). Quite frankly, I consider her to be a performer that has an amazing voice. Not an amazing singer who can really perform. There IS a difference.

And, yes, I'm not going to deny for a moment that her voice is not for every ear. But she puts so much emotion into her songs, I feel like she's putting images in my head. So doesn't sing the song...she IS the song.

[fnyboi88]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 2:17am

When I saw it, her energy was very low, like she was showing the audience she has played this role over and over.

[fnyboi88]

Posted: 8/1/07 at 2:17am

When I saw it, her energy was very low, like she was showing the audience she has played this role over and over.