Wicked review in Toronto- Page 2

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 1:55pm

*the staircases at the sides of the stage are in front of the proscenium and would require substantial rigging to make them safe in the various theatres..

*the black witch's hat is more complicated than it looks and requires a precisely placed trap door... and that can not be relied upon on tour as trap doors vary from stage to stage and some theatres do not allow trapping of any kind.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 2:58pm

OK...now I remember reading that in another thread. It will be weird not seeing the stairs and hat. Kinda drives me crazy when we get a scaled down production. Especially here in Denver at the Buell which can handle just about anything.

[eslgr8]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 3:07pm

Broadway Bound Star's inability to write coherently calls into question his/her ability to seriously critique Wicked.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 3:15pm

Well...I was kind of thinking the same thing. It is not the best show in the world. But I wouldn't classify it as horrible. And I am sure they are not going to tour a bad production of the show.

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 6:35pm

Well at least horrible was spelled right. As a big Wicked fan I find it hard to believe that the tour lacks the punch needed to entertain an audience.

But this board is the ultimate source for freedom of speech, so BBS speak out loud, but sometimes it is wise to stay silent, for you own benefit. A horrible review deserves a proper follow up.

[hyperchet]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 6:53pm

I went to a preview presentation in Dallas on Monday. I got to meet the understudies, I think. One sang "TWAI", and then Galinda and elph sang "For Good". There was a really great presentation video, producer David Stone was there to narrate it. It was really nice to talk to. I was SO siked about seeing Stephanie Block, but I think it was the understudies. I"m excited about the tour...i don't think there will ever be another witch as good as idina menzel or kristen chenoweth.

[Broadway_Bound_Star]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 6:55pm

Sorry for all my typos, but I just thought I would justify what I saw, i'm sorry if anyone disagrees.

[MissElphie]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 9:28pm

I saw both Stephanie and Kristy and liked both. Stephanie was a stronger singer, but it seemed to me that Kristy seemed a little more comfortable in the role during the first act. I also found that Kristy played Elphaba a little more comedically than Steph. But I adored both women...

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 9:42pm

great!! i can't wait for this tour!!
ric

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 4/8/05 at 9:50pm

I wonder/hope that they put the hat back in for the chicago sit-down. I'm pretty sure the Oriental theatre can handle it...seeing that it had a nice renovation.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 2:58pm

How many Toronto (and area) people here have seen the show multiple times?

I saw the first preview. Enjoyed it, but it is not a show I would rush back to see a second time. Great cast, excellent production values. Best orchestra and sound design I have heard in the Canon theatre in a long time. But I think I got all it had to say in that one viewing and from the OCR which is well produced (EXCEPT they did not put a synopsis in the booklet. ALL cast albums should have a synopsis. It ought to be a law!)

But I am curious it Toronto has developed "Wicked-heads" the same as New York?

How many times have you seen the show?

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 3:18pm

Just bumping to say "break a leg" to Jenna today!!!

[Broadway_freak]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 3:25pm

I'm sorry that you had such a "horrible" experience with Wicked. It's really a great show with the proper actors. Maybe you saw an off night? I strongly suggest you go see the NY cast. They're definitely top-notch.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 6:16pm

Well since it is sold out it would be difficult. I have met people who drove 3 x from Parry Sound to try for the lottery but they had not seen the show yet. ( yes she did get in the 3rd time) & folks frm New Market Parry Sound is kinda related to Albany in distance frm New York . So dedication is definately present.

[Broadway_Bound_Star]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 6:47pm

Ok....Broadway_freak..how would you know? you have never been to NY?

[tshell88]

Posted: 4/9/05 at 8:16pm

How many Toronto (and area) people here have seen the show multiple times?

I've seen it twice (as has Akiva - Link Larkin Wanabe). We bought tickets in advance for one show. Tried lottery twice and won once. So we've seen both Kristy and Stephanie. We're going to be trying lottery again this week. Fingers crossed!

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:17pm

I did the lottery with two of my friends at yesterday's evening performance. It was insane -- probably 200 people there vying for 25 seats. Let's hope the TTC strike lops away half that crowd.

EDIT: Sorry, I should have been clearer. I DID NOT win the lottery yesterday. And neither did my friend today.

Updated On: 4/10/05 at 12:17 PM

[MissElphie]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:55pm

Did you win the lottery yesterday?
I was at that lottery and didn't win...there were soooo many people there. I have seen the show in Toronto 3 times myself (with tix I had previously purchased, not through lottery), and heard some people saying it was their fifth or sixth times. I'm going to keep trying for the lottery cause I want to see it at least once more before it leaves in 2 weeks.
Updated On: 4/10/05 at 12:55 PM

[MTRBOI24]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 1:28pm

Whats this TTC strike, and if I can win at Idinas last FULL performance where there had to have been WAY over 500 people, ANYONE can win in Toronto. lol

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 1:35pm

Taye Diggs played Fiyero before...why is it such a big deal what ethnicity someone is?

[MissElphie]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 1:43pm

The TTC is the Toronto Transit (our buses, subways, streetcars), and they are possibly striking on Monday, which means that unless you drive, you can't get ANYWHERE. They are having last minute talks today, but as of right now, it looks like they will strike tomorrow. I'm hoping it doesn't happen because I don't drive and getting to work is going to be next to impossible...but...it may mean the Wicked lottery will be less busy...although from what I've heard, EVERYONE is thinking that way, so it could possibly be busier...
Updated On: 4/10/05 at 01:43 PM

[Jera]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 2:16pm

I live close to Toronto, and I have seen the tour once, and I'm seeing it again (with Stephanie) on the 20th. I saw Wicked my first time when I went to New York Last summer.

jera

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 5:15pm

Frontrow, I agree with you. I asked Stephen Schwartz's assistant why there was no synopsis in the CD booklet and he said they didn't want to ruin the suprises in the show. That's also why they didn't record every song in the show. It will be a year the 30th of this month since I saw the show but I seem to remember thinking that including the 2 songs in act 2 that don't appear on the OBCR would not ruin the suprises. But it has been awhile so I could be wrong. And if I am, I am sure someone here will correct me!

Millie - Based on the description of the character of Fiyero in the book, he is a person of color, black, African American whichever term you choose! For me, it would have been nice if they had cast a Black actor in the part. The book's theme was pretty much about differences and Elphaba not understanding why there was prejudice against those who are different. For me the only representation of difference in the show was Dr. Dillamond. I did enjoy the show but it would have been nice to see a black actor create the role of Fiyero on stage. I am glad that they are doing it for the tour.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 5:23pm

While i do understand the issue w increasing opportunities for non Caucasian performers, I'm really glad Norbert originated the role. Frankly if Derrick Williams were a little better in the role I would have be less complaintive.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 6:54pm

Well I will get to see him here in Denver and make the comparison. Sorry you didn't think he was that good. He actually caught our eye at the Gershwin in one of the costumes he was wearing and we found ourselves watching how much fun he seemed to be having.
Sabre, I am assuming then that you have seen Leo Butz in the role.

Updated On: 4/10/05 at 06:54 PM