Wicked- 5.21.09

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 2:00pm

Now, I know 'Wicked' isn't a favorite on this board, and for that reason I usually don't post about my experiences at it. But, I saw it last night for the first time in about six months and was just so blown away at how much the production has picked up. The past 3 times I saw it the production was really lacking: cast seemed slightly bored, sound was disgusting, it was just overall disappointing which is why I took a little break from it. But, last night I was so amazed with how phenomenal the production was, it was like seeing it for the first time again!

Nicole Parker: She is Elphaba! Stephanie used to be my favorite, but Nicole stole that title, she is now my favorite Elphaba. It was so nice to finally see the role acted out and emotion really put into it- and her voice, it completely shocked me, it was amazing! She has a deeper voice which was so different for me being that I've seen a lot of Elphabas who sing in higher registers and Nicole riffed which also shocked me. For my fellow huge 'Wicked' fans who will get what I'm about to write... Nicole did Eden's "solo" and "how I" as well as a mix of Caissie's and Teal's second "bring me down". She was just great!

Alli Mauzey had been my favorite Glinda since I saw her back in January and I didn't think she could out do her stellar performance from last time- boy, was I wrong! I have never heard so many in show applause during 'Popular', it was so refreshing to hear a live audience at a Broadway production of 'Wicked' at just a regular performance, not a first or a last show.

Kern Kern as Fiyero was really good and played the role really well, I didn't feel he looked so old as people said the last time I saw him, but this time, with short hair, he did look quite old. Especially next to the adorable, cute, and petite Alli Mauzey.

Briana Yacavone was on as Nessarose and was great. She played the role so perfectly with so many different emotions!

P.J. Benjamin, Rondi Reed, Alex Brightman, Timothy Britten Parker, and the whole rest of the cast were phenomenal as well!

I'm still not over how great the show was last night. For those who didn't really like 'Wicked', I recommend seeing it again with this cast, they're really great! Who knows when the show will have such a good cast again?

Also, Alli, Nicole, and P.J. all got entrance applause, which I loved!

The stage door: Rondi and P.J. apparently came out (I guess Timothy too but I didn't ask if he had left), but I missed them (which is odd being I was right in front of the door) but otherwise everyone came out and signed. Nicole was so nice - she took the time to ask each person their name and wrote it on their play bill then signed her name. Such a lovely lady!



6 out of 5 stars!

[massofmen]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 6:22pm

you writing 6 out of 5 stars completely disregards anything you wrote.
You really needed to do 6 out of 5? you couldn't just do 5out of 5..6 was needed? ugh

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 6:29pm

6 out of 5 stars!

This made my Friday.

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 6:42pm

Wishing, how many times have you seen Wicked? I'm not asking to be demeaning or sarcastic, I genuinely want to know.

I've never seen Wicked, and I don't know much about the show, but my theatre class is going on a field trip to New York in October. We're tentatively seeing Billy Elliot and Wicked, and I was going to post a thread asking what's going on with Wicked. I'm not sure whether I want to go on the trip, as it's expensive and I'm not wildly enthusiastic about either show.

Do you think someone who's heard the OBC and felt ambivalent about it would enjoy this production?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 6:49pm

Schmerg: http://talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=1728457

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 9:15pm

Schmerg, I have seen the show six times.

I know you didn't ask but (in case you might be wondering) I've seen...
Lisa Brescia and Annaleigh Ashford
Stephanie J. Block and Kendra Kassebaum
Julie Reiber and Kendra
Kerry Ellis and Kendra
Marcie Dodd and Alli Mauzey
Nicole Parker and Alli

Nicole and Alli were by far the best.


I personally hate the Wicked original cast, so I think anyone who has listened to the recording then sees the show with a different cast will wonder what the hell the producers were thinking when the cast the OBC (minus Carole and Michele.)

Now, the cast recording also leaves out parts of songs, and one whole song. I, personally am not crazy about the recording myself and can't listen to it all the way through but watching it live you really do get into it.


As I wrote the production really is in good shape, I would see it if I were you. The show really is amazing live, I'm sure you have watched Defying Gravity on YouTube but it is extremely different in real life, it really takes you by surprise watching it live.

But, you should know, by October there will be a different cast, I'm not sure what all the changes will be but Nicole will be gone. Dee Roscioli is in the front running to take over... and I know that as a fact, not just as a rumor.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 9:28pm

Nicole's acting is good, but her vocals are absolutely, without a doubt, the weakest of any Elphaba to play this role in NY. It's depressing to hear Elphaba's three big numbers sung so sub-parly.

Alli Mauzey, however, is by far the best Glinda they've had other than Kristin Chenoweth.

I personally hate the Wicked original cast, so I think anyone who has listened to the recording then sees the show with a different cast will wonder what the hell the producers were thinking when the cast the OBC (minus Carole and Michele.)
Wishing, you're clearly very young, and never got to experience the excitement of the original cast, or even the first replacements. The excitement around the Gershwin on a nightly basis was incredible. It was very much a special event. The original Broadway cast, despite some of their flaws, is untouchable. Nothing has come close to the chemistry they had.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:06pm

I can't stand Kristin's voice, I have trouble listening to it, just the though of having to hear it for 2.5 hours gives me a headache. Idina as Elphaba from the clips I've seen really irked me, loved her as Amneris, not as Elphaba. So please, don't try to tell me I'm missing out. As far as I'm concerned... I'm lucky I didn't see them.

As far as Nicole... she did not have a weak voice last night. She has one of the best Wizard and I's I have ever heard and her Defying Gravity blew me away... not weak at all and not shouty like I was expecting, she also had no problem in No Good Deed.

I don't know when you saw her last but last night she gave a power house performance. I've seen some pretty strong actresses as Elphaba and she matched up and really out did the other ones, in my opinion.

Updated On: 5/22/09 at 10:06 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:10pm

^ Kristin is a coloratura soprano. No other Glinda can match her vocals. I just think it's funny you are judging them without seeing them. You're really showing your age here.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:14pm

Oh, child...

I can't stand Kirstin's voice, I have trouble listening to it, just the though of having to hear it for 2.5 hours gives me a headache.
Kristin (not Kirstin) is a trained coloratura soprano with a ridiculous range. Go listen to her sing Glitter and Be Gay. There has not been a Glinda that has had the pure sound like she has.

So please, don't try to tell me I'm missing out. As far as I'm concerned... I'm lucky I didn't see them.
You missed out. You do not know of what you speak.

I don't know when you saw her last but last night she gave a power house performance. I've seen some pretty strong actresses as Elphaba and she matched up and really out did the other ones, in my opinion.
If you think Nicole's vocals are "power house" than you really don't know what you are talking about. She can hit the notes, but has ZERO power.

And I've seen her multiple times, including recently.

Isn't it past your bedtime now?

Updated On: 5/22/09 at 10:14 PM

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:16pm

"I think anyone who has listened to the recording then sees the show with a different cast will wonder what the hell the producers were thinking when the cast the OBC (minus Carole and Michelle)."

I've seen several different Wicked casts, including the current Broaday cast and the OBC. I really enjoyed the current cast. I thought they were all quite strong. However, I think the OBC is still the best cast by a landslide and will always be the definitive cast to me. There was a certain magic in the OBC that I have yet to see in another cast.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:23pm

Sorry about he spelling of her name.

I never said singing voice, that I find to be nice. I said voice... as in speaking. I find it extremely shrill and aggravating.

True, I haven't seen them, I listened to the recording, and wasn't crazy about. So, I didn't go.

Then, once I heard Kristin talk I thanked my lucky stars I didn't have to sit through that.

I don't see how me finding a voice irksome makes me immature. I actually find it funny how someone saying they aren't crazy about a performer you like makes you so defensive that you resort to pathetic responses such as the matter of age. It's an opinion, get over it.

Updated On: 5/22/09 at 10:23 PM

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 10:27pm

For what it's worth, I don't like the cast recording even though it has what I consider to be by far the best cast. The music was slowed down a lot and it hardly even sounds like them. Idina sounded very different live, in a good way.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:34pm

This post may be a bit long...

Kristin was THE character: IMO, no other actress has pulled off the whole package quite like Cheno. Some have good vocals, but their timing is sloppy. Some have comedy running in their blood, but the singing isn't consistent. Cheno had it all and she could easily do it 8x a week (and if you read her book, you'll see why). Her training was intense and left her a fantastic vocalist on many levels.

As for Idina, I never enjoyed her. Not on Broadway and not in London. There were notes in Wicked that she had to really stretch to reach and it always showed. Her sound was anything but effortless. The acting was just alright.

I never liked Sho Bean either: Weak acting and could never sing a straight note to save her life. It always felt like American Idol-meets-Wicked when I watched her perform.

Eden could hit a solid note, hold it and finish it out beautifully, that is when she wasn't having vocal issues. I enjoyed her performances when I saw her, but ultimately felt she had the acting ability of what she was: A former Disney performer.

Yep, I'm building up to my favorite Elphie: Kerry Ellis. While she didn't knock it out of the park when on Broadway, her performances in London (before and after Idina) were simply jaw-dropping. It's not just about listening to her audio on YouTube, but seeing her perform it live. Ellis was able to hit every note (and more) without any facial contortion, neck tension or other party tricks. What she had was a pure, clear belt that transitioned beautifully into a rock growl when needed.

She didn't overdo the vocal runs, understood who Elphie was and, when left to her own devices, could easily out-sing ANY other actress who's done Elphie (IMO). It's not just about how high or loud someone can sing. It's about quality. Ellis is a quality, well-trained vocalist.

Need more proof? Watch or listen to her Wicked in Rock CD, We Will Rock You performance or the CHESS performance with Idina and Josh Groban.


In any event, I'll be seeing the National Tour of Wicked in June. Any word on how the casts are holding up?



BN

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:40pm

I don't see how me finding a voice irksome makes me immature. I actually find it funny how someone saying they aren't crazy about a performer you like makes you so defensive that you resort to pathetic responses such as the matter of age. It's an opinion, get over it.

Completely agreed.

(FWIW, I saw most of the OBC during the pre-Broadway tryout, and I felt/feel the same way about Kristin's voice.)

[broadwayrob]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:48pm

FWIW I actually prefer the days of Shoshana and Jennifer Laura Thompson. I LOVED both of them in the roles... but Wicked is just such a different animal than so many shows. For better, or worse.

.. well I just realized how quickly I nearly threadjacked here.. off to bed i go.

Updated On: 5/22/09 at 11:48 PM

[Dazeto12]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:48pm

Yeah-- and don't forget, the role of Glinda in Wicked was written for Kristin. They never had anyone else in mind.

And you can't base your opinion on the OBC on the cast recording alone. There was really an electricity about them that just radiated from the stage each of the two times I saw them. Idina had a way of bringing down the house that I haven't seen in an Elphaba since (not even Kerry, sorry D:), no one else has compared.

Nicole's voice is good, she can hit all of the notes, but it really just lacks power. Not saying she's bad, her voice just doesn't really fill the theater like it should.

And Alli was never my favorite, sorry

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:51pm

You know I saw the tour cast back in December in Detroit, with Donna Vivino, Katie Rose Clarke & Richard H. Blake. I forget who Nessa & Boq were. Myra Lucretia Taylor was Morrible and Lenny Wolpe was the Wizard. I've seen the show 4 times prior to that. Once in Detroit, with Victoria Matlock & Julia Murney and Kendra Kassebaum, Chicago with Dee Roscioli and Erin Mackey. The cast I saw back in December was by far my favorite cast. I wish Kendra could have been the Glinda though. Katie Rose Clarke was excellent, but she left me wanting. Donna Vivino nailed every note, added new riffs, and really nailed the character emotionally. Richard Blake added this riff in as long as youre mine that was chilling. It was BEAUTIFUL. He was Fiyero to a T. The "Wicked Witch of the East" segment was by far the best. That was extremely moving. I would recommend this cast to anyone. After 3 or 4 years from when the tour first started, it was really relieving to know the tour is in impeccable shape.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/22/09 at 11:59pm

Nicole's voice fills the Gershwin just fine.

[sgv123]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:01am

Wishing--- I really think that you should stop judging original cast recordings. You have done that several times, and ended up liking the show. Not saying it would have happened with Wicked, but I really don't think you can judge the OBC without having seen them.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:06am

If you're referring to 'next to normal' I still am not a fan of J. Robert Spencer and find certain songs extremely annoying and I never really spoke that badly of her but Alice's voice has grown on me like it has for others.

If you aren't talking about that please enlighten me on what original casts you are talking about?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:35am

While she didn't knock it out of the park when on Broadway
Well, that's an understatement. But, I guess for her, just getting her to show up was good enough.

Nicole's voice fills the Gershwin just fine.
That's because they amplify her. If you really think Nicole Parker is a powerhouse singer, than there is no reason to continue the discussion, because you're just not going to get it. Nicole Parker is not a strong vocalist. End of story.

And you can't base your opinion on the OBC on the cast recording alone. There was really an electricity about them that just radiated from the stage each of the two times I saw them. Idina had a way of bringing down the house that I haven't seen in an Elphaba since (not even Kerry, sorry D:), no one else has compared.
Thank you, Dazeto. That's exactly what I was trying to say.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:41am

No, that's impossible, unless you're saying Kristin talks on the cast recording then that wasn't what you were trying to say.


Also, if you think Idina would have filled the Gershwin with out being amplified you are on something strong as very few actresses have that power behind their voice.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:45am

Also, if you think Idina would have filled the Gershwin with out being amplified you are on something strong as very few actresses have that power behind their voice.

I never said that, either. But Menzel's voice is still a hell of a lot stronger than Nicole's. I'm sure Nicole herself would even tell you the same thing.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 5/23/09 at 12:47am

That's besides the point. I thought she had a strong voice as did the person I was with and I say that has a person who has seen some pretty kick-actresses in the role.

It's an opinion. You can't argue because of that reason. So, are you done yet?