Mamie Parris, who was just recently seen as Judy Bernley in the national tour of "9 to 5: the Musical" will join the 1st National tour of "Wicked" as Elphaba beginning October 4, 2011. She has also been on Broadway in "Ragtime," "The Drowsy Chaperone" and Roundabout's "110 In the Shade." Tour of Wicked Will Welcome a New Elphaba in October
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
Good for her. I saw her go on as Mother in Ragtime and thought she did a great job.
I can't help thinking, though, that once you enter the Wicked Mill you never get out of it. They'll just keep recycling you from production to production until you're willing to risk a steady paycheck and hit the audition scene again. And that's show biz, kid.
I'll be seeing her at least once during her first week. Saw it on Sunday, and (with the exception of Dee Roscioli), I think this cast is pretty strong. I particularly enjoyed Alma Cuervo as Morrible... she was wonderful.
I can't help thinking, though, that once you enter the Wicked Mill you never get out of it. They'll just keep recycling you from production to production until you're willing to risk a steady paycheck and hit the audition scene again. And that's show biz, kid.
That's true, but I don't really see this as a downside right now for Parris. In the past two years, she's gone from understudy/ensemble to lead roles in two major tours. I'm sure right now she's probably thrilled to have steady employment in a headlining role as opposed to cutting her teeth standing by. Especially considering that it might lead to her playing the role on Broadway.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
Awesome news. Can't wait to (hopefully) see her in March. With Wicked the chance of having a standby or understudy go on seems to be greater than most shows.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
At last they finally announced it. Heard this way back on May 10th when she was at OCPAC in "9 to 5". Was happy then and even happier now that it's official. Can't wait to see her on December 6th when she comes to the Pantages :)
Does this mean she will be Elphaba in the upcoming Los Angeles stop?
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999
When I saw her in 9 to 5 in Dayton I got drinks with some of the cast members at the local gay bars, and they told me she was next in line to play elphaba! So happy for her!!
I'll be seeing her at least once during her first week. Saw it on Sunday, and (with the exception of Dee Roscioli), I think this cast is pretty strong. I particularly enjoyed Alma Cuervo as Morrible... she was wonderful.
I think this cast is the weakest the show has ever seen. With the exception of Dee Roscioli,Stefanie Brown and Megan Campanile(who I saw as Glinda for the evening show) the rest seemed like amateurs. 3 of the leads were just downright terrible and never should have been cast in the first place IMO.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!
I respectfully disagree. Dee Roscioli is about as exciting as watching grass grow. Her voice is good, but in the times I've always found her acting very lacking. I guess different opinions are what keeps theater interesting :). For instance, I think I am the only person I know who loved Caissie Levy as Elphaba. Oh well.
For instance, I think I am the only person I know who loved Caissie Levy as Elphaba. Oh well.
You're not alone. I loved her portrayal in LA and her last show there was the best show of "Wicked" that I've ever seen. Can't wait to see Caissie come to Broadway in Ghost. Updated On: 9/22/11 at 06:13 PM
Saw Mamie tonight. Her first act was very adequate. She sang the role well, acted it fine. The second act, however, is a totally different story. She was absolutely fantastic. Her voice and posture and mannerisms were completely different and totally made the passage of time between the acts very evident, if that makes sense. She had great chemistry with Colin Hanlon during their love duet, and her No Good Deed was goosebump inducing.
This was my third time seeing the tour on this Atlanta stop, and I think Alma Cuervo needs to go to the Broadway company ASAP. Her Morrible is one of the few I've seen that is not completely scenery-chewing and over the top. She is scary as hell. The rest of the cast was good as well. Overall I would say this tour is in very good shape, although I'm sure others will disagree. I didn't go into excruciating detail about Mamie but if anyone has specific questions feel free to PM me.