Shoshana leaves half way through 1st act — Page 4

I think I saw that review. Thanks for posting it. . .

I thought poor Shoshana was sick....I was thinking that as I saw the show last night, (Friday 1/6/06).

Here's a summary of what I thought:

She did an incredible job despite her being ill though...and apparantly the conductor knew that she wasn't feeling well too, as some of the tempos of songs were sped up slightly (The Wizard and I) for example. And she gave him a funny acknowledgement at the curtain call....I guess for helping her get through the show, and going along with her on the tempos.

She still sounded great, but I knew that she could give more when she really wants to and is in better shape, and I wasn't dissapointed at all. She still is the best Elphaba vocally. I know some people are not fans of her riffs in this show, but when she does it, they really reflect the character's emotion(s) at the time, and they are beautiful. Her rendition of "I'm Not That Girl" is so sweetly sung, heartfelt, and well acted, it was the first time I've ever been touched by that song. Her "Wizard and I" is fantastic as well...I loved her little riff on the lyric "when I meet the Wizard, my whole life will change" (perfect example of her riffs reflecting Elphaba's emotion).

I also think that she is an excellent and smart singer. Her usage of vocal dynamics are smart and character driven. And the reason why I say this, is that because instead of blowing out her voice just for the sake of being LOUD, like some previous Elphabas (who shall remain nameless, lest I start a war on the boards) she knows when to give a powerful belt, knows what notes to mix, and knows when to sing something in a beautiful head voice tone, and incorporate it into the acting. But an example of this is when she did "The Wizard and I" last night. She sang some of the sections of it softer than she usually does, I'm guessing because she wasn't feeling well, but she picked strategic points in the song, and incorporated the acting with it, that still made it very enjoyable, and perhaps more interesting that previous incarnations and performances of the song. One example was on the lyric "for half of Oz's favorite team...." but then she full blast belted out the remainder of the song..."the WIZARD.....and IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!"

(I'm a DORK.)

I guess she really buckled down, and felt that she needed to give the audience what they came to see when it came to "Defying Gravity" because there were no holds barred, and she tore it up. It was simply thrilling. With the riffs towards the end of the song like she usually does.

"No Good Deed" was great. She didn't do her big riff she usually does at the end on "Again", but it was still good, and thrilling to watch.

The best thing that I liked about her peformance though, is that she allowed for Elphaba to be funny...Shoshana is REALLY funny. Who knew that Elphaba had a sense of humor? I never thought that Elphaba was funny when I saw it with Idina. Shoshana didn't sacrifice the serious moments for comedy, nor was she a ham, but she really picked up on the comedic moments of Elphaba's and excelled.

I am going to miss her.

This was my first time seeing Megan Hilty, and I thought that she did a good job. I REALLY missed Kristin at times, but I enjoyed Megan more than JLT. Out of the previous Glindas before, she was the most serious in the beginning of the show, and it was VERY different, and interesting to watch. But when it came to Popular, Megan REALLY had people rolling. She was excellent. And did I mention that she was gorgeous? And vocally, she's terrific. She was a treat.

Rue McClanahan was very funny as well. I thought that she was terrific. This was my first time seeing her too. I couldn't believe I was watching Blanche Deboreaux playing Madam Morrible. I was thrilled. She really cracked me up on some of her vocal inflictions too.

Ben Vereen. Wow. Seeing one of my heroes on stage, in one of my favorite shows......wow! He really made the most out of the Wizard, and when it came to Wonderful, he really shined. It was great seeing someone so talented as him on the stage. I was thrilled.

Overall, the show was very good. The ensemble seemed not to be as energetic as they were when the whole OBC was doing this show, but they still did a wonderful job, and the dancing was still fun to watch.

Just my 2 cents. Wish I could see Shoshana one last time.

Cheers,

The Balladeer

---

In the unlikely event that shoshana can't go on AND Saycon can't go on AND Brandi can't go on, i'm sure the producers will put Eden in. She has been rehearsed and she has played the role before. But again... unlikely.

And i think saying you're sure SHoshana will be on tomorrow is very wishful thinking. If she really is sick and can't sing it, the producers won't put her on, last show or not. the reality is that people pay a lot of $$ to see the show, and those who have not a clue in the world who shoshana bean is, are expecting to see an excellent show... one worth their $110 or more dollars. Someone singing flat, strainging their voice and singing an octave lower than it was written is not what ppl will want to see.

---

haha
whens shoshana's last perf.
cant wait for eden, but ill miss shoshana- she was amazing as elphaba, very funny, very dramatic, and her "no good deed"- there are no words to describe how good that was, i mean, i just looked at my sister at the end of that song with a wide open mouth, it was unbelievable!
feel better, sho!

Are you sure? How do you know?

---

And she better freaking be there tomorrow or I'll demand a refund (no I won't. But still).

How does who know what?

How does she know that tomorrow is definately going to be the last performance for Shoshanna? Also I am pretty sure Wicked will not gladly refund your ticket. Even though the leads are billed above the title on the obcr they are not in front of the theater.

and popcultureboy, Shoshanna fell off the stage during a performance that's what BSoBW2 was saying that Idina has never fell of the stage. But like falling through the stage is going out with a bang??

---

Updated On: 1/7/06 at 09:41 PM

Ummmm i know, but someone made it sound like it's official and I want to know if it is indeed official because I am going and I care.

---

Yes, the 8th is Shoshana's official last day.

yes, tomorrow is definately Sho's last. I don't know what you mean by "official", but if all these sources are wrong, then...

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=6084
https://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=521963
https://www.playbill.com/news/article/96489.html

---

oh my i love all this hoopla