I've only seen it once, 2 years ago, but I keep up with the some of the show's stars.
And Play Esq. I mean no disrespect, but why you do you give a f*ck how many times someone has seen the show? Does that add or take away anything from what this thread subject is about?
Truth be told, I was curious. Relax hon, no one is out to get 'cha! I simply respect a lot of the opinions of many of the posters who have commented on this string and wanted further insight. But don't worry dear, you aren't one of those posters
Teal was never able to return to the full 8 shows/week in San Francisco. If she's actually got a six month contract, maybe they're planning to have Jennifer do a couple of shows a week on a regular basis as kind of an unofficial partial alternate -- something I wish they would do with all productions, but especially with this one.
She had a big fan base in San Francisco. I mean no criticism of her and wish her only the best. I just find it surprising, given her history with vocal problems.
Oh, and where did the idea come from that she's a "cheap" hire? That's insulting and there's no evidence for it. And Wicked's got no need to cut financial corners at this point.
Precisely. There is no evidence of her being a "cheap" hire, however arguing with someone about this would just waste my time. If I may have already have typing about that comment. ANYWAYS.
I think it is becoming evidentially clear that an alternate needs to be used in all Wicked productions, despite how great the actress' vocals are. However, don't they use the standbys in the show as alternates basically?
2011: In The Heights Tour 1/16/11, The Color Purple Tour 2/11/11, West Side Story Tour 3/18/11
Come on. Teal Wicks is probably not going to make the same salary as Mandy Gonzalez. Gonzalez originated three Broadway roles, and one in a Tony winning smash. Mandy's agent probably negotiated more based on her credits. It's how the business works.
If you don't understand how an actress who has never worked in NY before (much less Broadway) would not be making anywhere near the salary as an actress who has originated 3 major roles and works consistently on Broadway, then you don't have a clue and this whole discussion is pointless.
And play esq...I'm actually kind of offended by your statement, are you actually saying that if someone likes WICKED then they have no taste in musical theater? I love WICKED, not ashamed to say that...does it have flaws...yes, but I, and millions of others connected with it, and I doubt that many people have "no taste"
Ugh...I'll miss Mandy
"Life in theater is give and take...but you need to be ready to give more then you take..."
Unless they're just recently changed, or unless maybe specific actresses need it, Wicked has historically not used their standbys on any kind of regular planned basis. They just go on whenever the principal calls out. If this doesn't happen, they may not go on at all for weeks. Alternatively, when Vicki was standby for Teal in San Francisco, she was on every night for weeks (months?) while Teal was out on vocal rest, followed by continuing to do the part very, very often even when she ame back. I believe she even had to finish Teal's last show because she didn't make it to the 2nd act.
I've often thought they should let the standbys do at least 2 shows a week on a regular basis...maybe all the matinees for instance. That would reduce vocal pressure and fatigue on the principal, which is significant in this role, and it would also give the standbys a chance to perform. And there may be people who would specifically like to see a particular standby but they can't plan for it because there's no predictability.
SO far, though, I don't think Wicked has moved in this direction. But I wish they would.
Most of the Elphies and Glindas are on a pay per play basis with the show. They don't get weekly salaries but instead get a per performance rate. This is because of the amount of callouts associated with the production.
Star performers probably aren't subjected to this contract. But Eden and Megan were the ones who told me about it when they opened the LA cast. I'm good friends with one of the associate conductors who did it out here and hung out with the cast on multiple occasions.
As far as Teal is concerned, I saw her during her run in LA and thought she was phenomenal. She has a gorgeous voice and I thought her acting choices were wonderful, as well.
It sounds like Teal had vocal nodules and either had surgery or hoped they went away. Whatever the case, I hope she visited a good ENT who had her study voice with a vocal teacher who knows what they're doing. I hope her third stab at this is successful.
Most of the Elphies and Glindas are on a pay per play basis with the show. They don't get weekly salaries but instead get a per performance rate. This is because of the amount of callouts associated with the production.
Star performers probably aren't subjected to this contract. But Eden and Megan were the ones who told me about it when they opened the LA cast. I'm good friends with one of the associate conductors who did it out here and hung out with the cast on multiple occasions.
Um... that's how all roles are, not just Elphaba & Glinda. They're given sick days & aren't paid for them.
Alternates should do both matinees, and that's it. At LEAST.
Why? There are plenty of performers who have had no trouble performing the role 8 times a week. Just because Teal Wicks isn't one of them doesn't mean they all need an alternate.
There should be NO alternates! If you can't belt it out at least eight times a week, find another job.
I think I will go see Teal Wicks. She sounded great at the start of her LA run. I'll just be crossing my fingers she doesn't take a breath mid-note at the end of defying gravity.
Eeeh I don't know...I kinda disagree with you adamgreer... Pretty much all the girls that have played her have said it's one of the hardest roles they have played, and if you go back and look at most of the girls who have played her and heard what their voices sounded like from the start of their run to the end of their run and you will hear a noticeable change in their voice. Of course there's exceptions (Donna, SJB for the most part) but a majority of the girls do take of a lot of time or miss shows on a regular basis so personally, I think they do need an alternate. Esp. since that damn dress they wear for the entire act 2 is like what...40 pounds? Thats gotta be a bitch to wear after running up and down stairs backstage
"Life in theater is give and take...but you need to be ready to give more then you take..."
fingerlakessinger, I think the role is manageable without an alternate with a 6-9 month contract. It's the Elphaba's who do an entire year, or transfer between multiple productions, that have screwed over their voices.
I hate to say it like this, but after Aaron leaves CMIFY (I'm convinced it will be a big hit), Kyle would be a great Frank Abagnale Jr. Kyle and Aaron just seem so similar, I like them both equally, but in completely different ways!
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