The next Elphaba?

Okay, so, I bought 2 tkts. to "WICKED" for April 7, 2007 as an anniversary gift for my partner and I.

I know that Ana Gasteyer is slated to play "Elphaba" through Jan. 7, 2007. Has anyone heard any inside scoop as to her possibly extending? Or has anybody heard who will be moving into the role and definitely be playing it when we see it in April?

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Gasteyer is most surely leaving January 7th. No chance of an extension. No word yet on the replacement. It probably won't be cast until November.

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I bet its Kristy Cates.

Victoria Matlock.

Let's hope not. We don't need a goat on Broadway.

A goat? Come on, people. Let's try to have some class.

That was an extremely unneccessary comment, DRS. Have we really gotten to the point where we have NO respect for ANY performers?

Julia Murney is an extremely talented performer, no matter whether you have an affinity towards a strong vibrato or not.

It's a matter of preference, not a matter of talent. Get over immature name-calling, please.

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i've said it a billion times. but i really want it to be mandy gonzalez.

I really enjoyed Murney in the role.

She's probably the only recycled cast member I'd approve of promoting at this point (other than Saycon, but since I know her on as personal level, I'm a little biased.) Julia was able to combine very strong vocals with equally strong acting, and was simply electric. Her vibrato is an acquired taste, but I think she applied it well to the score here.

HOWEVER, I am a bit skeptical to believe she'd return. She made it very clear before she left the tour that her future with Wicked was ending then and there, and for her to come back at this point is something I'm weary of believing. I don't think it's completely out of the question, but it would deffinetly be a suprise.

If she is indeed coming to the NY company, I'll be seeing Wicked again this summer.

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Updated On: 10/29/06 at 09:24 PM

I'd love to see Saycon promoted to lead, she's extremely talented and has been standby for quite some time now.

Saycon really does deserve a shot...she's been a standby for way too long.

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Julia Murney was perfect in the role. She is the only person that would make me see that show again (and made me see it for a 2nd and 3rd time). And saying something like that is completely immature, unnecessary, and inaccurate. I know it's an opinion thing, but why would you even consider saying something like that? What is the point?

That said, I would bet a huge amount of money she's not coming back. And I hope she doesn't- I want to see her in bigger and better things.

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I agree! Mandy Gonzalez would be amazing in this role (I saw her sing Defying Gravity at one of Neil's shows as well)! If they do recyle, I really hope they bring Kristy Cates back to Broadway. She has developed the role so well!