WICKED IN CHICAGO

[Depaultheatrekid]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 1:24am

First I will say that I am a training actor and I understand takes on a character. I have seen the NYC production 4 times and tonight was my first time seeing it here in Chicago!
Stephanie J. Block is bar none infinitely better than Idina Menzel as an actress.(runs for cover.........slowly craws from under table to explain self)Now, no one loves Idina more than I do but Stephanie's embodiment of the character is amazing. Every line she sings she has purpose and clearly has intent for everything she says. She isnt just singing the words to songs she has a reason and she uses the songs to further the plot. BRILLIANCE! Her finest moments of course were defying gravity and No Good Deed! The build up to turning into the Wicked Witch and her thought process was amazing. Stephanie made me love Elphie and made me as an audience member be on her side not because of what the script says but because of how she had no where else to turn and she made a definate statement. Not to bash Idina her tony was well deserved stephanie just gave something else tonight! Also Kendra was away(MIA) and her understudy Katie Adams was on tonight! She was awesome! She didnt miss a beat and had a wonderful Kristin style take on the character it was wonderful and I cried profusely during for good because both actresses were crying hard as well.

I love how the broom actually flies across the stage now and I couldnt see the string at all, the lighting is so much better for this tour, and the ensemble shine through!
Also randomn note I saw Derrick in the opening as the same role he played on broadway before switching into his Fiyero costume. Updated On: 5/7/05 at 01:24 AM

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 10:06am

Thank you! I agree about Stephanie being better than Idina *runs for cover too!*. I never saw Idina live but countless recordings, tv clips, the Tony's performance don't lie. She strains her voice ever time she sings Defying Gravity. I keep an eye out for straining and improper singing *since my voice teacher always gets on me for it!* and I didn't see Stephanie do it ONCE..and from the second row I'd see it!

I loved the broom too...I thought I just didn't notice that on Bway :)

When Elphaba first rolls out Boq after he has changed but NOT before she puts the spell on him I already saw his tin man legs.. :)

GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW!!!

Updated On: 5/7/05 at 10:06 AM

[Depaultheatrekid]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 11:33am

(SPOILER)

Yeah its a completely different guy when she rolls him out thats why the armour is so big because another guy who is already dressed as the tin man is in it he switches with boq who says his lines inside the armour.

[Shoshana BeanieBaby]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 11:52am

I think Stephanie is Better too. She is so dramatic!!! I love it.

[cool_nerd]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 1:06pm

Nice review! You've captured how I feel perfectly :) I could not get my eyes off of Stephanie from the moment she walked on that stage til the end of the show. She OWNS this role!

[Derek]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 4:05pm

I saw Idina twice (the first being opening night....all i can say is WOW) and Im going next week to see Shoshana (from the clips I heard she is AWESOME!) I hope Steph comes to do the role on broadway next!

[Ajax]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 6:39pm

The show is terrible. the reviews in chicago echo the terrible reviews it received in NYC. Iam of the opinion you must be a 6 year old girl to enjoy this garbage.

[Galilee]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 6:59pm

Ajax, When did you see the show? Did you see both NY and touring casts? Are you referring to the cast or the show itself?
Inquiring minds want to know.....
To my knowledge Hedy was the only wierd review...although, Stephanie has gotten raves all across the board.
Updated On: 5/7/05 at 06:59 PM

[Depaultheatrekid]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 7:01pm

I dont know who you are or what training you have or if you have any frankly i dont care. Theatre is completely open to interpetation and for that matter is almost always a matter of opinion and/or preception! For you to have such closed minded ideas about other peoples views is lackluster and childish in your own regard. I enjoy Wicked not because every plot line connects perfectly becomes it gives a wonderful view of another side of a CLASSIC story. If you think about it is inside the land of OZ! Its suppose to be somewhat fantasy and you dont have to be a 6 year old to enjoy fantasy. If thats what you think I'm sorry you grew up with such a shuttered mind.


P.S. Stephanie has gotten amazing reviews that say she should have never had the role taken away from her in San Francisco! Where are ya facts buddy???? Updated On: 5/7/05 at 07:01 PM

[Thenardier]

Posted: 5/7/05 at 7:10pm

Well, Idina will always be the hottest Elphaba...

[SahDu]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 1:22am

Hahahaha. Truth. Super hot.


Updated On: 2/15/14 at 01:22 AM

[Depaultheatrekid]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 2:29pm

YEAH LOL that I do agree with! She will always be the hottest!

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 3:46pm

I am looking forward to seein Ms. Block here in Denver. I saw Idina on B'way last April and was impressed with her live. She did, however, strain a bit during Defying Gravity and she played around with the notes a bit near the end. You could tell she was really reacing for that final note but she hit it. It was a bit rough, but she hit it. Can't wait to hear someone else sing it live.

[BreakingTheCircle07]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 4:05pm

What I'm looking forward to most in Chicago is Ana Gastyer's take on Elphba. Her rendidtion of "Dead End" on the Hair benefit CD is amazing and sultry. I feel being a great comedic actress with a mix of classical singing training will prove to be beneficial in her run.

[taperina]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 5:04pm

I saw the tour 4 times in Toronto...once with Kristy Cates and 3 times with Stephanie. I thought Stephanie was outstanding as well. I have only seen/heard Idina through various recordings/tv performances, but I think Stephanie is much stronger. She does not sound like she is yelling when she hits those high notes the way Idina does. I love how she mocks G(a)linda in "what is this feeling" on the "every little trait however small" part. I was in tears during her "no good deed" becuase it was so powerful. Every line she speaks has so much feeling, you just can't help but love her as the show progresses. I have some decent recordings of her...PM me if interested. I thought Kristy Cates was great too, but Stephanie was far superior. I am seeing Shoshana at the end of May and can't wait!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 6:26pm

Do you think the sit down production will replicate the B'way version. Ya know how Boq and Madame Moribble (sp?) come from like the alcoves of the proscenium - i dunno if that makes sense. Or do you think they'll have the big Hat in the begining? Will the replicat the same stage too, cause i know the entire facade of the gershwin stage look like it had been changed and painted and what not. Also, how long do you think the show will run in Chicago? Is August waiting too late?

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 6:40pm

Actually...I think Jenna was the hottest Elphaba. And Saycon in close second. Hah...just thought I'd throw that out there.

I can't WAIT for Chicago fans to experience Jenna as Elphaba. It was an amazing day of theatre for me. Gah...i love her.

Akiva

[loudasthehelliwant]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 7:30pm

I saw the production last night.

It was VERY impressive, I thought.

RentBoy- I have not seen the show in NYC, but I'm pretty sure the stage is almost an exact replica. The big dragon on top, the clockish things on the side, the whole thing. They did NOT have the big hat in the beginning, though. Obviously, things might change once the tour leaves and the Chicago cast comes in. The show will run at least until September- August isn't waiting too late.

Stephanie Block is just unbelievably INCREDIBLE. I was planning to see both casts, but now I'm almost scared to, b/c I found these actors (ESPECIALLY Stephanie!) to be just excellent. Link Larkin, your words about Jenna comfort me. :P

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 7:36pm

Hah,

Dont take me as an unbiased opinion. I have quite a crush on the girl and she is the one who got me the tickets to the show, so...yeah

Akiva

[Broadway Babie]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 7:59pm

Thanks for your great review! I saw Steph in Toronto, and thought she was fabulous! It's so obvious that the songs were written on her voice. AND she is as sweet as she seems in the show. Love her!

[bwaybaby891]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 8:23pm

*Throws a bushel of tomatos at each person who said Steph is better that Idina* I love Idina. I can't help it and I saw her perform in December. Although she might have been sick and had a small voice problem, she hit the notes and was amazing in Defying Gravity. The note was clear and was so powerful. No strain. This song is supposed to be very powerful and loud with tons of emotion. Idina had no strain. During For Good, I was so moved. The song had a ton of emotion. Idina is amazing. No one is better than Idina. Idina is Idina.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 10:49pm

bwaybaby891- Have you ever seen Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba? She really does surpass Idina in both vocals and acting. I too like Idina, but Stephanie is a goddess


Ana is contracted until January, so I'm pretty sure it will run to then, if not longer.

Updated On: 5/8/05 at 10:49 PM

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 11:28pm

Great review. Getting me more pumped then ever to see the show in June. I'm really looking foward to see Stephanie J Block as Elphaba (or even Jenna if Stephanie happens to be absent on the day I'm going.) Can't wait!

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 5/8/05 at 11:36pm

We have 20 tickets this weekend. Some are Wicked experts, some are not. Some are not reagular theatre goers, I will take survey after the show.

I love Kendra!

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 5/9/05 at 12:29am

I have tickets to a show in July when Ana will be Elphaba...and as I watched Stephanie I said..crap can I exchange those tickets for another Stephanie show..I think no matter how good Ana will be-she will not come close to Stephanie..I think it is impossible.

I can't wait to see Jenna..if anyone finds out when she's going on post so I can get my butt to the theatre!