VERY full lotto, even though they'd announced that Idina wouldn't be going o n tonight. I didn't see that many people returning tickets, and feel genuinely sorry for those who did! :O
No One Mourns the Wicked - from the beginning, the audienc was NUTS. Stacked with people who have seen the show multiple times. The ensemble was very high energy. From her entrance, Jennifer Laura Thompson was really on the mark. What JLT does best is the fine line between comedy and drama, and in a song that allows her to run the full gamut, she really shines. In perfect voice today, she sang and acted the first song beautifully. Her "It's good to see me, isn't it?" was met with a grand reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary, besides the real buzz coming from the mezzanine and orchestra.
Dear Old Shiz - To what I'm sure was Shoshana's great relief, Elphaba's entrance was met with as loud an applause as I'd ever heard (up until that point, more later). The cast had to prolong the last "shizzzzzzz" for applause, which was nice. From the start, it's obvious that Shoshana has a very different take on Elphaba than her fabulous predecessor. Shoshana is sweet and vulnerable from the get go, a complete idealist, an optimist who is not bitter, but rather hopeful that something is going to change for her. Completely delightful. JLT's work with Carole Shelley as Morrible continues to be a highlight.
The Wizard and I - I had to remember to breathe, I think. Shoshana has a HUGE voice, and really knocked this out to every seat. While Idina has an AMAZING voice, her singing and acting are quite separate. Shoshana acts with every syllable that comes out of her, in song or not. She thinks about each line as she sings it, reacts, and moves on to the next phrase. An interpretation like this must have been what Schwartz intended when he wrote this song, because Shoshana is so absolutely loving and tender as Elphie early on that you genuinely care about what happens to her. Again, another huge and delayed applause.
What Is This Feeling? - Perfectly hilarious. JLT and Shoshana work very well together, comedically. And for those of you who remember what Eden did in this song, Shoshana does it just as well. (Won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it). Shoshana's performance here is different in Idina's in that she seems to get the exhilerated pleasure in annoying the hell out of Glinda; Elphaba as a mischevious brat? Who knew? :)
Something Bad - Nothing too different. Bill Youmans is still fine as Dillamond.
Dancing Through Life - Unforgettable: Joey McIntyre making his entrance butt-faced up. Very cute. Again, more Shoshana/JLT chemistry. The scene at the Ozdust Ballroom works extremely well between the two. JLT's "may I cut in" continues to impress in it's absurdity, especially with her lankiness compared to Shoshana's compact style. Robb Sapp as Boq was servicable, if way too tall for the part.
Popular - As if it couldn't get any funnier, JLT couldn't for the life of her get the flower in Shoshana's hair. After about a minute, she straddled the poor girl, forcing her almost missionary on the bed, and STILL failed :) At this point, both of them are almost sobbing with laughter, and JLT sticks it into the "frock", which it quickly falls out of. At the "look at you, you're beautiful" line, Shoshana thought quickly enough to put the flower next to her face, to even more raucous laughter. LONG, extended ovation for JLT. The girl has great comedic skills and timing, and a quick mind.
I'm Not That Girl - Beautifully sung and acted. I loved in particular Shoshana's "And heaven knows, I'm not that girl", simple as easy, but not resigned, logic. If she can pull this off eight times a week, there are going to be a lot of delighted audiences.
One Short Day - Nothing too different. Joy and fun.
Sentimental Man - George Hearn: still not a fan. I've seen him three times now, and I've yet to be convinced he understands the part.
Defying Gravity - DAMN. Shoshana pulled notes out I've never even heard. She is easily believable as the terrified victim of Morrible's lies, and her heartbreak at having to choose between her friend and her freedom is tangible. The final moments of the song were completely magical, with people on their feet well before the lights went out.
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Thank Goodness - Beautifully done by Joey and JLT. What they, and Shoshana all successfully do is to make the transition in "aging" the few weeks or months between scenes, clearly inclduing the emotional toll and maturity on the characters. Nicely sung.
Wicked Witch of the East - Nothing too different, other than Michelle having similar gasping problems to Idina's a few weeks back.
Wonderful - Less than wonderful. I know the old "If you don't have anything nice to say..." rule, so I'll just obey that.
I'm Not That Girl - Reprise - In a few short bars, you understand everything JLT is trying to portray. It speaks VOLUMES about her ability as an actress.
As Long As You're Mine - Good to great. Shoshana and Joey are a mix-matched pair, if because she's a lot louder than he. Chemistry galore, though.
No Good Deed - Probably the most powerful and amazing song of the night. Must be seen to be believed.
For Good - Not half as emotional as I'd imagined, and it was clear that JLT wasn't looking at Shoshana. She was looking offstage. :)
"It worked!" I think everyone knew about five seconds before Idina walked on, as Joey didn't even pretend to go near the trap door. On to the stage she walks, looking BEAUTFIUL, to about a six minute full standing ovation. Every time it would lessen, it would start up again. Major tears form EVERYONE.
They ATTEMPTED to act out the last scene, but kept getting interrupted by their own giddiness.
JTL: Fellow Ozians, I LOVE IDINA MENZEL.
Idina: I just wish Glinda could know that we're alive.
Joey: Oh, I think she knows.
I'll leave it to others to post the curtain speeches, but there were fine ones made by JLT and Joe Montello. It was obvious how much Joey and Idina, especially, are much loved by the cast.
Well worth every second, every penny. INCREDIBLE.
JOHN LITHGOW
I just realized, your last name is Butz! Both "Norbert" AND "Butz" are in your name! You must have gotten picked on a lot as a child!
