"We might have some insight into the casting for the LA sitdown already...
Megan Hilty told fans at the stage door after her last show that the producers had started talking to her about opening the LA company and that, most likely, she will indeed be doing it."
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Last I heard (from a Chicago WICKED cast member) was a rumour that Chicago would close and reopen in LA...
But Ive seen no official announcements, and now there's casting buzz?
Did I miss something? :) Please inform...if so, this is great. Will it play that gorgeous Pantages (sad that the road shows wont be able to play there...love that space!)?
I don't think Chicago's closing, I've heard nothing on this.
That's awesome that Megan is going with the show! Hopefully by then Vanities will open and she'll originate a role!
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird
Chicago's NOT closing. David Stone recently said that the show no where near closing, considering it makes $1 million per week. It's amazing how many people want to see this show close in Chicago.
I dont want to see the show close in Chicago...I'm just saying what I heard.
It seems odd that they would have THREE major sitdowns (LA, Chicago, Broadway) in the country with the tour. They could be stretching themselves too far if they add a third sit down. Sounds weird to me.
I have a friend in the Chicago company. What they were originally told was that Chicago would run for about a year, then move to LA. But, Chicago has been a huge success, so that plan has been rethought. She has heard through the grapevine backstage that in early 2007 there was a possibility of a sit-down at the Pantages. One of those two sit-downs would eventually become a 2nd tour.
That's what I know, but it's all second hand info. So take it for what you will.
As I mentioned earlier, why I have no idea on casting, I know from a friend who often plays in the Pantages that Jan/Feb 2007 should be the date the sit-down starts.
He has no idea who will be cast. All he cares about is hopefully being invited to play for an extended production in LA.
EugLoven, where is the source of your information? David Stone said in a recent interview that the Chicago would company would run for at least another two years.. and the Kendra/Gasteyer information, I am curious to know where you got that also?
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Kendra Kassebaum was hilarious as Glinda, but Megan Hilty was just as funny PLUS she had the vocals. Megan Hilty owns that role, as far as I'm concerned. (Yes, I know Kristin "owns" it, but she always seemed to be "Kristin Chenoweth onstage playing Glinda." Megan actually becomes Glinda.)
Ana Gasteyer... She's good, but there's something about her that just doesn't sit right with me; I can't put my finger on it.
I loved Kate Reinders as Glinda...I'd love to see Ana and Kate together again; their chemistry etc. was amazing. I really hope to see Ana in the role again; she was absolutely brilliant.
I am one of the few who didn't like Gasteyer. Although her acting was great, her vocals (in my opinion) didn't do the score any justice (you need a powerhouse vocalist for that, and her voice just lacks that type of punch.) I felt she looked too old for Act 1 and the scenes at Shiz, and that she lacked the commanding stage presence required for Elphaba.
Regardless, if she is doing it, I am sure it will help draw people in, since she is a name of sorts, and she certainly is an extremely talented performer...
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
wow. we are all hearing different things lol. i heard that kristy cates was going to be hopefully moved to broadway to play elphaba when eden finishes in october also. i also heard that julia murney was going to open the LA sitdown, also with kendra, while victoria matlock took over the tour (following shoshana and edens run). i have absolutely no idea now lol. o well, its all good.
The recent story (late June) , from inside the chicago company, is that Wicked will run in Chicago 'for at least another year' and that any members interested in being considered for an LA part should have their agents contact the production company. The timetable for LA is 1Q, 2007. Business for the 'Wicked' franchise is strong in all three: NY,Chi,Tour. London is over sold and even consideration being given to Tokyo.
Victoria Matlock has told people she is leaving the tour during Toronto in December, so there is no way she is taking over post-Shoshana.
Since we all want to put in the rumors we have heard: As I said before, Megan Hilty told people she was contacted to open LA and was doing it, so I assumed from that that she was going to be Glinda (at least in the begining.) In regards to Elphaba... I heard Gasteyer was interested in reprising the role again and has made that well known, but nowhere did I hear they had taken her up on anything.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
The recent story (late June) , from inside the chicago company, is that Wicked will run in Chicago 'for at least another year' and that any members interested in being considered for an LA part should have their agents contact the production company. The timetable for LA is 1Q, 2007. Business for the 'Wicked' franchise is strong in all three: NY,Chi,Tour. London is over sold and even consideration being given to Tokyo.