#1
Posted: 10/10/06 at 11:40pm
When I learned that Ana Gasteyer was going to essay her Jefferson-nominated portrayal of Elphaba on Broadway, I made sure I was going to be there to witness it on her opening night. I went there eagerly anticipating it, but also very skeptical that she can really essay the role that Idina, Shoshana, and Eden marvelously did before her here in New York. I prayed that she would, at least, sustain the level those divas have set. Was I wrong! She did not only sustain it, she made her own mark and brought the house to a much-deserved standing ovation!
It is my opinion that Eden is superior of them all in terms of vocal quality. Eden makes the simplest, softest note sound magical. Idina originated the role and has gotten, and continues to get praises, and deservingly so. Hurray to Ana for doing what was tough to do - to make the role her own, draw upon her strength as a fantastic actress, and sing her heart out!!! Her rendition of "The Wizard And I" was very good. It did not have the level of naive, eager anticipation that Eden and Idina demonstrated, but it was very good and convincing, nonetheless. Her "Defying Gravity" was stunning! Her delivery of the spoken lines imparted Elphaba's conviction and realization of her purpose. To those that doubt it, Ana not only can belt, but make it sound musical - not just scream. Her absolute best moment came when she sang "No Good Deed." Can she emote or what!!! She does not have the big, piercing Idina eyes, but Ana was much more frightening in that number. She was not able to sustain the last note, though. She had to take a breath and then embellished the ending a bit, but that did not take away anything from her amazing rendition. Her movements were also much more intense compared to the others.
Oh, she had the most wicked laughter after Glinda slapped her! It made the audience laugh so loudly!
What a night!
Thanks to my boyfriend Tommy for getting me center-orchestra, producer seats. Fabulous!!!!
It is my opinion that Eden is superior of them all in terms of vocal quality. Eden makes the simplest, softest note sound magical. Idina originated the role and has gotten, and continues to get praises, and deservingly so. Hurray to Ana for doing what was tough to do - to make the role her own, draw upon her strength as a fantastic actress, and sing her heart out!!! Her rendition of "The Wizard And I" was very good. It did not have the level of naive, eager anticipation that Eden and Idina demonstrated, but it was very good and convincing, nonetheless. Her "Defying Gravity" was stunning! Her delivery of the spoken lines imparted Elphaba's conviction and realization of her purpose. To those that doubt it, Ana not only can belt, but make it sound musical - not just scream. Her absolute best moment came when she sang "No Good Deed." Can she emote or what!!! She does not have the big, piercing Idina eyes, but Ana was much more frightening in that number. She was not able to sustain the last note, though. She had to take a breath and then embellished the ending a bit, but that did not take away anything from her amazing rendition. Her movements were also much more intense compared to the others.
Oh, she had the most wicked laughter after Glinda slapped her! It made the audience laugh so loudly!
What a night!
Thanks to my boyfriend Tommy for getting me center-orchestra, producer seats. Fabulous!!!!
i cant wait i need to go soon!
