New WICKED Cast Replacements this month and next? — Page 36

Makes complete sense. I can absolutely co-sign that she was not particularly memorable in the acting department. And if it was a night with less riffs and opt ups, I could also definitely understand the Wicked Mid label, lol.

I’ve seen Wicked 9 times and Alyssa has always been one of my favorite Elphabas. She used to do fabulous riffs on the national tour, especially during NGD. I would guess maybe that has been toned down as many Elphabas do when they move from tour to Broadway. The current tour Elphaba (Olivia Valli) was on a podcast recently and she said the tour producers are much stricter about riffing now compared to a few years ago.


I haven’t seen Pawk personally but know several who have and complained about her performance.

I did not care for Mckenzie Kurtz in Frozen at all but she instantly became one of my

all time favorite Glindas when I saw her last month. Maybe it was an off night but I found her performance to be nuanced and heartbreaking.

Usually a few weeks ahead of time. I wouldn’t expect either Alyssa or McKenzie to leave soon.

MadisonGuy said: "How far in advance of a change in a lead is an announcement made?"

I remember hearing Alyssa Fox won't leave until the role isn't fun for her anymore. So I doubt she'll be leaving before the end of the year. I'd say maybe another year, but I could be totally wrong

RWPrincess said: "hearthemsing22 said: "MadisonGuy said: "How far in advance of a change in a lead is an announcement made?"

I remember hearing Alyssa Fox won't leave until the role isn't fun for her anymore. So I doubt she'll be leaving before the end of the year. I'd say maybe another year, but I could be totally wrong"

The last few Elphabas have had 9 month contracts.

"

This is true too...but Alyssa could change that.

Personally, I would love to see Emily Kristen Norris come in as an Elphaba standby... she's one of the few content creators I actually enjoy (probably because it's all ENT and singing stuff). She was a standby on tour and was fantastic.

It was leaked information based on the Death Becomes Her instagram account following her. They’re probably waiting to officially announce until she has an end date at wicked, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put two and two together.

Standby Mary Kate Morrissey posted on Instagram that she will be in all the performances this week except the Saturday matinee. Is Alyssa off working on “Death Becomes Her?” Is a cast change announcement imminent? Who is doing the Saturday matinee, the understudy? Why can’t I simply upload a photo to attach to my post, why do I have to provide a url link? So many questions.

Anyone have any insight on why the producers have limited riffing/opting up? I watched the 20th Anniversary red carpet interview where the past Elphabas were asked about their favorite riff and a few of them mentioned how they're not "allowed" to do them anymore. I wonder if it has to do with quality control, making sure each audience has the same experience.

TheQuibbler said: "Anyone have any insight on why the producers have limited riffing/opting up? I watched the 20th Anniversary red carpet interview where the past Elphabas were asked about their favorite riff and a few of them mentioned how they're not "allowed" to do them anymore. I wonder if it has to do with quality control, making sure each audience has the same experience."

Olivia Valli was on Sentimental Men and spoke about how production is cracking down on riffing, even prior approved riffs like the "Things I've never felt" opt-up are no longer allowed. Alyssa always did it on tour (and when I saw her on Bway as standby) but as lead I havent heard it once. Olivia spoke about how the show wants to move toward storytelling through vocals and less riffing.

Personally I'm pro riffing. Given I've seen Wicked so many times I like to hear variations and new vocal choices I've never heard before.

It is interesting that riffs like Eden’s “things I’ve never felt” were once taught as alternatives, but now they are not allowed? Curious what changed. I know the UK production has always been stringent and didn’t allow much leeway, unless it was Dinoia or Verkaik.