Wicked in LA
Wicked in LA
#0Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 6:18amI saw Wicked in LA not too long ago, and I have been researching the many different actors have been in this show, and I really had no idea what to expect. I have always been in love with Idina Menzel, so I was worried that nobody would live up to her ability. Before I left, I made sure to download as many different versions of "Defying Gravity" as I could. So I compared the vocals of Idina, Saycon, Shoshana, Eden, Ana, and Stephanie, and I liked them all for different reasons, but boy was I surprised how AMAZING Stephanie J. Block was in the role. I'm so glad there were no technical glitches, too. I've been reading about that a lot lately. But anyways, she blew my mind. I know a lot of people don't like her, but man, she gave me chills. I wish I could go to San Fran to see Eden. Oh well. Also, I'm in love with Kendra Kassebaum...yes, yes I am. She was fantastic. My stepfather (who is not into shows) was hysterically laughing at her throughout the entire show. I was also very impressed by Karol Kane. Overall, I thought the entire show was wonderfully cast....I don't think I have ever heard an ensemble sound that good. You could definitely tell that they love what they do. This production was DEFINITELY better than any of the shows that I have seen on Broadway (which, sadly, aren't many). By the way, if you havent heard "Never Never Land" from Piece the musical, you should! It's my new favorite song. Stephanie Block sings it. Hear it at Piecethemusical.com. I really enjoy the song "Home" (sung by Shoshana Bean), too (also from Piece). Okay, I'm done blabbing.
Your fupa is showing.
mad4music
Stand-by Joined: 7/2/05
#1re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 7:08pmwow! I have been in the exact same boat as you... IN LOVE with Idina and scared to death that no one could live up to her!!! And unfortunately, I too have not seen many shows!!! However, I am going to the SF show on Aug 18 and, after hearing clips of Eden and all the reviews she has been getting, i am way excited. I am a HUGE Steph fan and was heartbroken when I heard she wasn't doing the SF show and yes I have heard Never Never Land and I LOVE IT TO DEATH!!! Newayz... you're review was very comforting about the tour and, even though I won't get to hear the amazing Stephanie J., I still can't wait to go see it myself! Your opinion on Kendra is also comforting.... I hope I will like her. How does she compare with the recording of Chenowith vocally? Hopefully just as good! Anyway... thanks for your thread! (even though nobody else seems to be noticing it) (lol)
#2re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 7:10pmIdina was great, no doubt. But I have to say, Kristy Cates and Stephanie J. Block both take the cake in acting.
Deet: Shira, I Love You!
#3re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 8:28pmHaha thanks for noticing my comment..hehe. Well, I have seen a billion shows (community, broadway tours), and been in many shows, but because I live so far from NY, I've only bee there once. Anyways, Kendra Kassebaum's vocals are wonderful, and I really didn't expect anyone to live up to chenoweth, but she reaaally impressed me. She really really really seems to absolutely LOVE what she does. I wish I could go see Eden in SF, but maybe in a year from now, I will go see the show again in San Diego or Costa Mesa.
Your fupa is showing.
#4re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 8:29pmI havent seen or heard Kristy before.
Your fupa is showing.
#5re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 9:00pmI saw Stephanie and Kendra in Toronto and LOVED them. Stephanie's performance was the most amazing thing I've ever seen, and she was just so much in character, I just loved it. When I first heard Kendra sing I was worried, but she nails Popular and TG is okay, and for good is as well. Her acting makes up for it too because she's hilarious. :)
"It breaks my heart to see a grown man dressed as a Taco." -David Sedaris
I love Les Miserables.
My new pic is me(on the left)at my last dance recital:(
I love Les Miserables.
My new pic is me(on the left)at my last dance recital:(
#6re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 9:49pm
Hey there!
I am glad to hear you had such a good 'Wicked' experience. I am very excited to see the touring company when it comes to Dallas, so your post got me even more excited! I don't know if you knew this or not, but when Wicked first began from step 1, Stephanie was suppose to play Elphie, so I am sure a lot of the music was written to fit her voice. Just a fun fact for you!
Brandon
#7re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:00pmI loved Eden when I saw her last week. I thought Kendra was really funny, but it seemed like her voice faded a couple of times. It just sounded a little tired, but it was still great. I wish I could see Steph cuz I've heard great things.
Be the change you want in the world....
#8re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:06pmthanks for the comment! I see that you love Avenue Q......I think I'm going to the first preview here in Vegas, hopefully.
Your fupa is showing.
#9re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:06pmWell, in a year Steph will be in San Diego and Costa Mesa....not too far....
Your fupa is showing.
#10re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:07pm
I'm really excited for it. A classmate from UNLV is in it. Steve Booth. Did you see him in Floyd Collins at UNLV. SOrry to threadjack!
Be the change you want in the world....
#11re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:10pmDidn't see him, but I'm excited for the show....even though I'm aggravated about the Vegas 90 minute no intermission broadway thing....grrr
Your fupa is showing.
#12re: Wicked in LA
Posted: 7/31/05 at 10:16pmYeah much agreed. I don't understand why Mamma Mia can be full length and nothing else! Grrrr...
Be the change you want in the world....
Videos