WICKED 7/9 Review

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 12:54pm

I saw Wicked yesterday in Los Angeles, the matinee, and while I was just a bit underwhelmed by the show itself, I found the cast to be sufficiently good. Despite a couple of sound difficulties (mike levels being adjusted a few times during songs, static during “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “Dancing Through Life”, ect.), the actors all gave terrific performances. Here’s my review of each principle.

MARIA EBERLINE (U/S Elphaba) I was disappointed to find that she and not Jenna would be performing this role, but she was great. Her voice did crack once during “Defying Gravity”, but she did hit the notes during the end, something I’ve heard that Stephanie Block has trouble with doing. A few of her little mannerisms during “What Is This Feeling” made me crack up, and it was interesting to see an Elphaba shorter than Galinda during that number. “The Wizard and I” was definitely her standout number, though. She hit every note, thankfully, and I enjoyed her performance of that song more than Idina’s on the cast recording. Overall, a wonderful performance, especially for an understudy.

KENDRA KASSEBAUM (Glinda) She made a fantastic Galinda, in terms of comic timing. Maybe just a tiny bit over-the-top, but she was very “blonde”. I was less impressed with her singing during “No One Mourns the Wicked”, she seemed to be struggling to hit some of the higher notes, but during “Popular”... wow. She just owned during that song. Personally, I liked her singing more during the second act, but her acting in the first, but I’m sure many people feel differently.

CAROL KANE (Mme. Morrible) Hmmm. Interesting take on Morrible. Her accent was strange, very different from Carole Shelley’s, and at times, bugged me. But during the second act, her performance began to grow on me. Not sure what more to say here, as she did very well in a badly underwritten role. (And just a side note: if you go to see the show and are trying to find a place to park, and just happen to see a spot behind a maroon PT Cruiser with a dent in its left back fender, DON’T take it. It’s Carol’s car, and she will scream at you and everyone around until you move your vehicle, then proceed to back right into a pole.)

DAVID GARRISON (The Wizard) He was too adorable to be the evil guy. And it’s a pity his two songs are so forgettable, because his voice seemed quite good. His delivery of a few of the lines was great. Another person who did well in an underwritten role.

JENNA LEIGH GREEN (Nessarose) Wonderful voice, great as Nessa. I’d like to see her as Elphaba or have Nessa’s part extended, just to have her onstage more often. “The Wicked Witch of the East” was definitely her best moment, and she didn’t fail to give me chills with the last line. Probably the most definitely RAVE of the performance.

LOGAN LIPTON (Boq) I loved his take on Boq, very devoted and puppy-dog-ish. He didn’t have too much singing to do, but from what I can tell, he’s pretty good at that as well. Plus, he’s adorable. And that’s about all.

TIMOTHY BRITTEN PARKER (Dr. Dillamond) Not bad. Not bad at all. Yet another horribly underwritten role, but he wasn’t bad in his few scenes.

DERRICK WILLIAMS (Fiyero) Wow, he’s hot! Okay, superficiality aside, I liked his performance. He did seem to miss a couple notes during the first part of “Dancing Through Life”, but he did act the “genuinely self-absorbed and deeply shallow” part for most of act one. I liked his performance a lot, and he’s a sweetie at the stage door.

Overall, the show was good, not as terrific as some preteen girls would insist, though. The ensemble wasn’t bad, though they seemed just a bit off in a few places. Likewise, during the first line of “What Is This Feeling”, Kendra was a couple counts ahead of Maria. But it wasn’t a horrible afternoon at all, just not a total work of genius. And as I said, if you’re looking for a place to park, steer clear of Carol’s car. She isn’t much for patience, apparently, when it’s a two-show day.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 12:57pm

There are so many tragically underwritten roles in the show...it's very sad, but I'm glad you had a decent time. Sucks that there were sound difficulties (that's always really annoying to deal with).

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 2:39pm

yeah.. the sound system at the Pantages has never been that good... really bugs me... now the Ahmanson on the other hand... awesome

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 3:08pm

The sound at the Buell in Denver (Where it plays in Sept.) can be a mess also. Luckily I have orchestra seats and should not miss anything. The stone walls were chisled for good sound but it didn't quite work for the theatre overall.

[sassypanz]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 3:26pm

Was Carol nice at the stage door?

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 4:12pm

I'm not sure, she just snuck out wearing a hat and sunglasses, with very few people realizing who she actually was.