Wicked, Avenue Q, and Assassins (5/15 & 5/16)

[ckeaton]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 9:17am

I just got back from my trip to NYC this weekend to see some shows, and meet some old friends. In the following, I'm going to share some opinions...

Wicked (5/15 2pm):
No Understudies/Standbys. I'm not sure if I was glad about that or not, because of many of the wonderful things that people are saying about Eden's Elphaba. Because the topic has been addressed many times up front here, I'll keep brief... if possible.

I think that Idina will wear herself out by the end of the month. She is quite good, but I can almost feel her injuring herself during the show. I went into the show hoping that she would seal the deal for Idina's best actress vote but instead I was not completely assured. Kristen has a better role for making the audience love her. She has most of the comedy, and making people smile is a great first step towards success. If i had to choose between the two ladies of Wicked I would award it to Idina though, because her role is so challenging and she does thrive in it. Norbert sung flat every time he opened his mouth. He acted well, but couldn't hold his own in the vocal dept.

Wicked is a good show. Yes, I would see it again. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be though. I know this because one of the most exciting moments during the show was at intermission when my wife spotted Adam (from Average Joe 2: Adam Returns) in the lobby with *gasp* a different woman than he picked at the end of the show.

My vote goes for Score, Costume, Scenic Design, and Orchestrations. (I haven't seen Caroline of Change yet, but I'm holding out for it to win my Best Musical vote. If I'm not taken by it, like people say I will be, then Wicked gets my best musical vote too)

Avenue Q (5/15 8pm):
I enjoy this show a great deal. I think it is tightly written, funny, and has an excellent cast. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about it. J. Tags was fabulous, and I especially love Ann H. Those two make the show for me. (And who doesn't love Trekkie Monster)

My vote goes for book (even though I think that the watered down Wicked book will get it).

I think the competition *coughJackman* is too stiff for J. Tags... *wink* Stephanie D. while adorable and talented, just doesn't top what they are doing uptown.

Assassins (5/16 2pm):
This show is fantastic! I could see it dozens of times. It is inventive, the cast is beyond superb... and it is staged perfectly. Standouts are Michael C. and Marc K. Fantastic show. Of the three shows here, 'Assassins' was definitley my favorite.

My vote goes for Best Revival, Lighting, Direction, Michael as Featured Actor.

This was a fabulous trip,

• I saw 3 wonderful shows.
  
• Reconnected with old friends.
  
• Had a great/fast 'tween shows dinner with cast and crew friends from 'Wonderful Town'.
  
• Ran into both 'Apprentice 2' film crews.
  

[MusicPos2]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 5:34pm

On the CD, Idina has some tension, and the first time I saw it she did too. It turns out though that she does know what she's doing, and she didn't strain at all on Wed. night. I've heard Eden's recording from Seth's Chatterbox, and it's horrendous! I'd much rather hear Idina, as would my students. I think from what I've heard of people that have seen Idina a lot, what you experienced (and what I heard the first time) was a fluke.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 10:23pm

Glad you enjoyed yourself! Wicked's design is breath-taking; another amazing job at the Gershwin by Eugene Lee! Ann Harada is hilarious, and John is fantastic as well. I'll be seeing Assassins on the day of the Tony's, and at least I'll probably see Marc K., even if I don't see Denis or Michael.

[iruvyou]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 10:30pm

Oh i ruv all those shows great choices to watch i'm happy you liked assassins i'm looking forward to seeing that soon

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 10:33pm

Glad you had such a great trip! I have a feeling that between those three shows, they're gonna be raking up most of the Tonys for Musicals!
I ruv Trekkie too even though he a pervert!

Posted: 5/17/04 at 10:40pm

how can i hear that?

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 5/17/04 at 11:00pm

hear what?