Should Lea Salonga be the new Elphaba?

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 4:11pm

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think she will be a nice Elphaba in Wicked? Towards the end of this video, she voices on how she would love to play the part.

WORLD MasterCard STAGE MAGIC: The Captivating Lea Salonga on 'SAIGON', 'LES MIZ' and...WICKED (TV Content) Updated On: 12/2/09 at 04:11 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 4:17pm

I think it would be cool. I love her voice. Some people may say that the part is beneath her. I know wicked gets alot of criticism but I love it.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 4:57pm

I'm not sure how the role could be "beneath" a Kim or an Eponine or a Fantine, all of which she's played (along with "Joseph"). These are defining young diva roles of the last era, and Salonga is one of the stars. If anything, she's a likely candidate. I suspect she'd be quite lovely. The more interesting 'stretch' for her, however, would be Glinda.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:08pm

I'd rather she be Glinda... but then I don't know how she'd look with blonde hair

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:12pm

She'd look like all the other Aisan Galindas!

[binau]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:16pm

"She'd look like all the other Aisan Galindas!"

What are you trying to say, huh? That asians all look the same to you? Huh, Huh, Huh?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:31pm

This thread title is very misleading, as it suggests this is some sort of legitimate rumor. Nowhere in the video did Salonga say she was under consideration to take on the role in NY or any other production.

At this point, why would the show pay the hefty salary of a Tony winner with some name recognition like Salonga, when the show is currently selling out with an unknown actress making her Broadway debut, who also comes quite cheaply?

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:37pm

Is every semi-notable Broadway actress going to get suggested for this overrated, one-note role? Jesus.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:42pm

That video is confusing. Is she playing Elphaba? She talks about what she can bring to the role. I'd see Wicked again for her.

[broadway122]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:43pm

What is the name of the song she is singing at the beginning? I can't think of it to save my life.

[Basely Tearful]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:46pm

"Another Hundred People" from Company

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:46pm

What he said. Updated On: 12/2/09 at 05:46 PM

[broadway122]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 5:57pm

That is it! Thank You!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:09pm

As adamgreer noted, the producers of Wicked have no interest in expensive Elphies. They prefer to hire cheap, dime a dozen ingenues who can hit the money note and get on the fork lift on time. Hiring a Tony winner, there would be stipulations and expenses up the wazoo. The producers prefer to ride the cheap actresses until they shred her voice and cast her aside like an orange that has been juiced.

Salonga won't get anywhere near the role. Plus, she'd end up skipping matinees or Sundays to save her voice. She would be great though.

[binau]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:12pm

"The producers prefer to ride the cheap actresses until they shred her voice and cast her aside like an orange that has been juiced. "

Sad but insightful..

Though how does this fare with the MadTV Elphaba?

Updated On: 12/2/09 at 06:12 PM

[Marquise]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:14pm

The producers prefer to ride the cheap actresses until they shred her voice and cast her aside like an orange that has been juiced.

Sounds like rough sex to me.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:27pm

I would love to see Lea as Elphie but only if Deedee Magno-Hall would come here from S.F. and be her Nessa!

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 6:53pm

I've been a fan of her's since she did the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in "Aladdin." I'd watch the movie over and over again with my sister and my old babysitter ad we's all sing along to "A Whole New World." I've also heard the soundtrack of the International tour of "Cinderella," which starred her and she's terrific. I'd to see what she can do with the role.

ETA: I also forgot she was brilliant as the voice of "Mulan."

Updated On: 12/3/09 at 06:53 PM