Wicked in Chicago 3/24 review **spoiler**

[Jyn326]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 11:27pm

Sorry for yet another Wicked review on the Board. This is the first show I've seen since joining BWW, and my first ever stage door experience, so I wanted to share.

OK, first time seeing Wicked so I have nothing to compare it to.

The Oriental was beautiful and it looked as if every seat had a good view. We were on the balcony and could see everything. As expected, the set and costumes were aesthetically pleasing. There was so much to look at, but not cluttered. Of course, most of you know what all that looks like so I'll move on.

For this performance we had Dee Roscioli playing Elphaba, Sarah Jane Everman as G(a)linda, and Ryan Weiss played Boq. I was surprised to have 3 understudies/standbys but they were all amazing. I really enjoyed Sarah Jane's Glinda. She had the entire audience in the palm of her hand, to tell the truth. She reminded me a lot of Chenoweth in her mannerisms and voice. Dee took some getting used to, simply in that she was so different from what I was used to in the OBC recording. She definately won me over. She balanced Elphaba's vulnerability and strength in a very believable way. "Defying Gravity" gave me chills and the entire audience went wild. Rondi Reed was fabulous as Madame Morrible, she was great every time she was on stage. I LOVED Kristoffer Cusick's Fiyero! Watching him go from this swaggering playboy to a man in love was a real treat. VERY charismatic. Ryan Weiss did a great job as Boq. So cute.

I was really impressed with the audience, also. There were a BUNCH of teenagers there with their school groups. I was afraid that a lot of them would be inconsiderate during the show, but they weren't. It was so much fun hearing the audience gasp and whisper when they realized the Wizard was Elphaba's father. They also leapt to their feet at the end and went crazy for the curtain call. I've seen many shows and this was definately the most involved audience I've been a part of.

At the end of the show Rondi and Kristoffer told the audience about the BC/EFA fundraiser. (They had buckets for donations and were selling autographed posters for $100). Kristoffer was funny because he said something to the effect of "I'll try to make this quick, I know you all have to go pee... let's face it, it's a long show" They said they'd take any donations "nickels, dollars, hundreds, jewelry we can sell on ebay, your brother-in-law..." Kristoffer laughed and said "I'm rambling!"

After the show I couldn't find the stage door. We stood in front of the doors where the orchestra were leaving from for a while. We decided to go ahead and leave and passed an ally. My stepsister just happened to look down it and noticed it. Of course, in plain view there's a sign that says "Stage Door", go figure! haha There was a small group of people already standing there but I didn't notice anyone taking pictures or signing autographs. I just stood there waiting. Ryan Weiss saw me approach and said 'hi' and asked me how I was doing. It didn't dawn on me that it was him at first because I wasn't expecting him to already be out. Plus, I was in the back of the theatre and it was hard to make out their faces during the show. Kristoffer came out and came over to me (he saw me holding my playbill) and signed it and took a picture with me. He was really nice. Dee came out and talked to Ryan for a while (they were complimenting each others' performances). She saw me so she came over to talk to me. My dad's wife, who up until stayed in the back, came up to talk to Dee. We all were saying how much we enjoyed the show and were impressed with her performance. She said that we were a really great audience.

If you made it to the end of this, sorry for the length! I'll try to post the stage door pictures next.

[Jyn326]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:08am

Sorry these pictures are so big!!


me with Kristoffer Cusick


me with Dee Roscioli


me with Ryan Weiss

[Steve2]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:41am

Wow, thanks for sharing your review and pictures!

[JustChillin8908]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:54am

So where is the stage door in Chicago at?

[Radioactiveduck]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:01am

High school aged audiences can make or break a show.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:45am

Usually break though

[JeaniusIsMe]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:47am

Stage Door: Exit the theatre and take a right. Take a right when you hit the street and you'll come to a break in the buildings w/an alley. Take a right into the alley and there's the door.

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 2:15am

Thanks for that! Glad to hear everyone had good performances, esp. for this being first time for some in the roles.

[Jyn326]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 11:22am

You're all welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed my review.

yeah, I was worried with the high school audience but it turned out to be really great. I heard a lot of "I want to see this again!"

FosseBoi, I was wondering if any of them were performing in these roles for the first time, do you know which ones?