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.
"I'm-Not-That-Boring-Low-Ass-Girl?! You better go up at the end!" - Seth Rudetsky to Julia Murney about her Solo CD choice
Updated On: 7/31/07 at 03:39 PM
