Katie Rose Clarke & Kyle Dean Massey returning to WICKED in 1st national tour Nov. 15.- Page 2

[Starcarolina]

Posted: 11/8/11 at 6:18pm

Kyle Dean Massey...hummmmm....I think he has the ability, talent,charisma to spike anything he's around.

[MeggilyWeggily08]

Posted: 11/8/11 at 7:40pm

Are they all contracted for 8 shows a week? If so, I would hardly call 6 or 7 shows a week "solid".

[MichaelDendy]

Posted: 11/9/11 at 12:08pm

I got to see Donna in New Orleans on tour and unfortunately the power cut out mid way through the second act so I didn't get to see the end. But she blew me away on "Defying Gravity". I would love to see her full development as Elphaba. I also saw her at the "Our Wicked Ways Cabaret" and she was yet again amazing.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 11/9/11 at 10:19pm

Just went to grab some tickets to see this in LA and nearly passed out from the price..$320.00 odd for A reserve.

[flyinghighwithwicked]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 2:23pm

whether people like it or not, Glinda and Elphaba are extremely difficult roles to sing, and if you need to call out once or twice a week, because you're trying to protect your voice, I think that is fine. I have no idea how they sing that score twice a day.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 3:13pm

whether people like it or not, Glinda and Elphaba are extremely difficult roles to sing, and if you need to call out once or twice a week, because you're trying to protect your voice, I think that is fine. I have no idea how they sing that score twice a day.

Except, that, you know, there are plenty of women who've played both roles without any attendance issues. Idina Menzel didn't miss a show for over 4 months. Mandy Gonzalez didn't miss any shows other than pre-planned absences. On the Glinda side, Alli Mauzey missed 1.5 shows- and the one show she missed was on a 9 show week.

Wicked's recent problem is that they've been casting performers in these roles with little experience because they're cheap. The performers don't have any experience and aren't up for the challenge. Yes, the roles are demanding, but let's not equate them to Madame Rose or anything.
Updated On: 11/13/11 at 03:13 PM

[flyinghighwithwicked]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 4:11pm

I think that the "problem" is that Idina, Mandy, and Alli are just unnaturally sturdy. They are a minority in Wicked for the witches. Nicole Parker and Shoshana Bean also hardly missed shows. MOST of the witches can't handle singing the score 8x a week for 6+ months. There are those that can, but many can't.

[AC126748]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 4:16pm

I believe Eden Espinosa and Julia Murney also had excellent attendance on Broadway, as did Ana Gasteyer--although she only played the role for four months. So really, it seems like those who've had serious vocal issues (Ellis and Wicks) are actually in the minority. Honestly, the role is a hard sing, but after eight years, there's never been talk of bringing in an alternate--so the producers obviously think it's manageable to sing it eight times a week.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 6:13pm

"Mandy Gonzalez didn't miss any shows other than pre-planned absences."

Mandy missed at least 3-4 shows her last week due to being sick. She also missed 3 shows that weren't pre-planned when Lindsay Northen was on as Glinda.

"Wicked's recent problem is that they've been casting performers in these roles with little experience because they're cheap. The performers don't have any experience and aren't up for the challenge."

How do you know what these ladies make? Do you ask them or are you just guessing that they come cheap? For your information Mamie Parris missed once so far as Elphaba, Tiffany Haas and Chandra Lee Schwartz(both started on Sept 27th) have yet to miss as Glinda.

[someone.else's.story2]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 7:45pm

I've seen Wicked both in NYC numerous time and also in LA and although I am also a huge Megan Hilty fan, I think Katie is my favorite! I think we're really lucky to get her! And, Kyle Dean Massey too...this is really great.

[ECahill84]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 11:08am

Instead of bashing actors for missing shows, how about we praise them for being able to entertain us 110% while on stage? Isn't that what we pay for? Two and a half hours a night of musical entertainment and an escape from the hum drum of every day life? I'm sick of reading these posts from certain people who don't know the actors personally, who don't know their individual reasons for calling out, yet they continue to judge and belittle them. Just appreciate what they give. And don't forget, being able to perform the lead roles once in a while is a GREAT joy for standbys and understudies. Sorry, just had to give my two cents.

[AC126748]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 11:55am

Instead of bashing actors for missing shows, how about we praise them for being able to entertain us 110% while on stage?

When they show up.

[ECahill84]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 12:02pm

It's not a matter of "showing up." If an actor calls out, it is for a legitimate reason.

[AC126748]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 12:04pm

Yes. Always.

[timesboylive]

Posted: 11/20/11 at 12:21pm

Well I'm glad to report Katie made it a whole 3 shows with out missing. Megan Campanile was on last night, and Alli McGinnis is on for both shows today.. Slainte, Katie.... -__-

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/20/11 at 1:29pm

Shocking.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/20/11 at 1:39pm

Wait... You mean Katie actually showed up for three whole shows in a row?...

[timesboylive]

Posted: 11/21/11 at 12:31am

Yupp. A new personal best.

[ECahill84]

Posted: 11/21/11 at 12:37am

You guys are really hilarious. If you took your dedication and energy towards bashing Katie, and used it more effectively, I bet you could come up a brand new amazing musical and YOU could cast it, yourselves!

[timesboylive]

Posted: 11/21/11 at 2:06pm

As a performer, it really makes me mad when people stick up for these actors who do take extensive time off. Working for 3 shows and then taking 3 shows off is really just disgraceful to me. Katie had called out for "personal reasons" but she was not sick nor was there anything wrong with her shows at the beginning of the week. If that were any other job where you had a temp come in for 3 days a week to do your job, you wouldn't have one much longer. But it's her own fault. She just won't get paid. No doubt the Glinda understudies will be getting some major bonuses while Katie is lead.

[BroadwayFan12]

Posted: 11/21/11 at 2:46pm

It could be in this instance that a relative of hers died or something. You never know. However, I do agree with your point. Considering KRC's bad attendance on Broadway, I'm surprised she was hired for the tour. She is talented, but I'm sure there are other talented young women who have the stamina to do 8 shows a week.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 11/22/11 at 11:43am

"Katie had called out for "personal reasons" but she was not sick nor was there anything wrong with her shows at the beginning of the week."

Oh really...she called out for personal reasons??? You know this how??? For your information I was at the show on Sunday which is one that she missed and she had prescheduled personal days that she arranged with them. More than one cast member told me this.

"As a performer, it really makes me mad when people stick up for these actors who do take extensive time off."

As a performer yourself you should know that they get personal days off for whatever reasons they need them.

So before all of you people start assuming why Katie missed please get your facts straight before saying stuff.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 11/22/11 at 2:18pm

Just wanted to put in some sense on Kerry Ellis and her dismal Broadway attendance record: They brought her over sick, kept her working sick and she never had the chance to get better throughout her Broadway run. It was a damned shame, considering that when she's well, she can sing that score like no one else.

Added, it didn't help that they cut her from doing what she's known for in the role: Her riffs and growl. She kept to singing the score by the book. I saw her a couple of times and it was a fine, if not boring, performance. Nothing like the times I was able to see her in London. Her West End performance were just on fire.



BN

[timesboylive]

Posted: 11/22/11 at 3:15pm

That means nothing what other cast members would say to the public. They are really not supposed to talk about reasons cast members are out, so pre-scheduled days are often used if the person isn't ill. As a performer I ALSO know that your company does not allow you to just have days off. They frown upon it and much prefer that full cast in there so they don't have to add money to anyone elses check.

If you cannot perform a role, like Glinda, 8 times a week Then you should stay an understudy and save your voice and let someone else do it. There are plenty of other actresses that have no problem doing this role 8 times a week. If Katie hardly missed a show or did have a constant illness/voice problem it wouldn't be a big deal. But frankly, this seems to be an on going factor. Katie's performance is brilliant, and one of my favored Glinda... That is, when you can catch her doing it.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 11/22/11 at 6:16pm

^I've had no problem catching Katie as Glinda on the tour or on Broadway. They OBVIOUSLY wanted her back for this Cincy/LA run since it's her that's there and no one else.

For your information Kyle Dean took off his 3rd show back also but NO ONE is talking about that...

People need to get a life and stop bashing on performers. It's very pathetic IMO. If you don't like the DON'T see them...simple as that.