Adamgreer, I could not disagree more with yours and other's statements that this is the weakest Wicked duo yet- I saw the show twice during this past week and think that the it is in some of the best shape yet...For a while, it seemed as if Wicked was losing its sparkle, passion and excitement. However, I believe that the current cast (with a few exceptions) and still dazzling techincal aspects are keeping the show in fine form.
Shoshana Bean, in my most honest opinion, is a magnificent talent. I was worried and apprehensive before seeing her in the role, but she completely took me by surprise. Her aggressive take on Elphaba was refreshing to watch and her choices in her acting were dead on. She perfectly conveyed an awakward, passionate, and unique young girl who has ambitions to make a mark on the world. In each and every scene, I saw the fire in her eyes and the drive within her heart. And MAN- Can this girl sing- a voice that evokes chills and soars to the last row of the mezzanine- Her vocal riffs are thrilling and her pipes have power that I have not heard for quite a while. Her "Defying Gravity" brings down the house and blows the roof off of the Gershwin and had me melting in my seat. It seemed that she was tortured by her anguish to go against society and desperately needed to release her feelings in a spine tingling instant that made a commanding Act I finale. Her "No Good Deed" was beyond words and to me, was the strongest of every Elphaba I've seen. She is sensastional as Elphaba, a role that is in excellent and deserving hands.
Megan Hilty is a fantastic Glinda. Her comic timing is impecable which caused uproarious laughter from the enthusiastic audience both times seeing her in the role. She begins as a spoiled young blonde teen who means well, but is not aware of her stupidity or cruelty. Through her friendship with Elphaba, she matures into a changed character who still possesses a giddy and perky side, but now shows signs of a compassionate and loving woman. She steals the show with "Popular" and left me with a stomach ache from laughing so hard. Her chemisty with Shoshana is incomprable as they constantly play off past moments in the show (Ex. Hair toss in Popular). Her "Thank Goodness/Couldn't Be Happier" is moving and helped along by a beautiful soprano and a fantastic belt. I was amazed at how connected she was towards the end of the show in moments such as "For Good". She seemed to be emotionally crushed that she was forced to say good bye to her most cherished friend. Bottom line, she is a talent that is not to be missed.
It was a pleasure to see these two ladies perform and I hope that they continue to wow audiences and captivate them as they did with me.
"I need to know that someone out there cares...Are you there?"
Updated On: 7/17/05 at 01:00 AM