I just saw Annaleigh play Galinda in San Diego on Sunday with Julia. I think for sure she's the best I've seen do it. When you compare Julia and Annaleigh's bios, Julia has done WAY more, but Annaleigh held her own, and my family and I completely forgot she was an understudy. I don't know if she'll move up in this show, but I know we'll be hearing more from her in the future.
I agree...I was there on Sunday too. Her portrayal of Glinda was excellent! I enjoyed Kendra's over-the-top performance, but Annaleigh's singing was spot-on. Her acting in Act 1 was great, but in act 2 she could show a bigger change...I felt as though her character hadn't grown. Loved all the new characters I hadn't previously seen in LA. (Fiyero, Morrible, Nessa, Boq)
Now the tour is heading to my territory...The OC. I'll be back next week in that giant mess of a concert hall. Can't wait to see who's understudying for who...I'm hoping to see Victoria, since I have already seen Maria and Julia. *sigh* **wishing Stephanie was still touring!***
Katie Adams' contract on Broadway ends on January 7, 2007, and she's been telling fans at the Stage Door that her contract ends, not that she's leaving Wicked. Kate Reinders' contract also ends on January 7.
Eden and Derrick are supposedly leaving October 8th, while Jenna, Carol, and David will be "spending Christmas in Oz."
Megan Hilty told me at the stage door a few months ago that she was meeting with casting directors about the LA production, and this was before the sit-down was announced officially. She did say that she wasn't staying for all of Toronto, so it's no surprise to me that she's leaving with Shoshana.
I've heard rumors about Sebastian replacing Derrick, which I'd love because I really enjoy him as Fiyero. I'm just longing to see new faces in these roles. This recycling is getting so boring.
I've also heard that Kristin Chenoweth is interested in returning to Wicked again sometime in the future, but she joked about possibly playing Madame Morrible. I've also heard that Idina Menzel will not be returning to Wicked as Elphaba following London (considering the age cut-off is 35 IIRC)
