"Wicked" and "The Color Purple" in Chicago 6/16 and 6/17

Just got back from Chicago and thought I'd post my reviews:

"Wicked" Saturday night 6/16--Erin Mackey was out and understudy Kate Fahrner performed the role of Glinda.

Let me start by saying that I always welcome a return visit to "Wicked." It has been over a year since I've seen the show and let me say I was very happy with my return visit.

The last time I saw the show in Chicago was March of 2006 and though I enjoyed it, I found it somewhat lacking. Thankfully the current Chicago cast delivered an energetic and enjoyable performance.

I was very excited to see Dee Roscioli as Elphaba and she did not disappoint. Though Roscioli has not gotten the attention that some of the other Elphabas have, she is wonderful in the role. Though Roscioli can belt the big numbers with no problem, she also sounds wonderful when singing in her lower register. Much like Ana Gasteyer, I felt like Roscioli really developed an arc for the character which builds to an explosive "No Good Deed."

I was somewhat disappointed to find that Erin Mackey would be out, but I thoroughly enjoyed Kate Fahrner as Glinda. It seems as though many of the Glindas I've seen tend to play the part as if they were on speed. Fahrner goes for a much more realistic approach. She's perky, but not too much so. Like Roscioli, I felt she found the arc of the character.

I have to say that Roscioli and Fahrner may have delivered the best "For Good" that I've yet to hear. They begin the song in a very delicate way--it flows conversationally from the dialogue that proceeds it to a very moving climax.

I have seen Derrick Williams in the role of Fiyero several times and have always enjoyed his performance--until now. Maybe he was having an off night, but I felt he was average at best. I now he has played the role for quite some time now, so maybe its time for him to move on to something else.

I loved Barbara Robertson as Madame Morrible. I've never seen a Morrible that looked so glam in the costumes. Her portrayal was less comic and more reminiscent of the wicked queen in "Snow White." I thought she was wonderful.

Peter Kevoian was a jovial Wizard and handled what little he had to do with aplomb.

One of the highlights of the show was the ensemble. They were really working it at the performance I saw and offered able support for the leads.

As for the changes--some I liked and some I didn't. I missed the dance between Elphaba and the Wizard during "Wonderful," but enjoyed the brief exchange they added between Elphaba and Fiyero when he arrives at Shiz.

As far as I'm concerned, the Chicago company of "Wicked" is in great shape.

"The Color Purple" Sunday afternoon 6/17--I have to start this review on a negative note with audience behavior. Patrons continued to arrive for up to thirty minutes after curtain! This was very disruptive to my enjoyment of the first act. I complained to an usher and was told that this has been a problem with this show. He said they have upwards of 150 patrons arriving late at every performance! Needless to say, I was not the first patron to complain about this.

Anyway, for the positive--the touring production of "The Color Purple" is every bit as entertaining as the production I saw on Broadway last summer!

Jeanette Bayardelle is a revelation as Celie! I saw LaChanze, but have to say I enjoyed Bayardelle every bit as much if not more. Her vocal prowess is amazing, but she also has the acting chops for the role too. Her "I'm Here" brought me to tears!

I enjoyed Michelle Williams as Shug, though I liked Elisabeth Withers-Mendes much more in the role. Though Williams seems too young for the role, I found her more convincing as the older Shug. Her delivery of the title number was very moving.

As for Felicia P. Fields, she owns the role of Sophia. Her acting was spot-on and her vocals were awesome! Her "Hell No!" stole the show, as it should, and she parterned well with Stu James as Harpo on "Any Little Thing."

Rufus Bonds Jr. was outstanding as Mister and his "Celie's Curse" was a highlight of the second act.

Though I know there was talk of "The Color Purple" sitting down in Chicgao like "Wicked," based on the attendance at the Sunday afternoon matinee I can't believe that will happen--at least half the balcony was empty. I hope the tour has a long life on the road!

Updated On: 6/18/07 at 08:06 PM

ActOr721--
When I saw "The Color Purple" in NYC last summer I don't remember late arrivals being such a problem.

Its a BIG problem at "TCP", and its a shame... when I saw the show Sat afternoon, one of the women seated in front of me, decided to go outside during intermission for snacks.

She came back with bottles of Snapple and bags of chips and
M & M's- Needless to say, the entire second act, all I heard were the bags crackling and bottles being opened.

I had to try so hard to tune it out !!!

"Though I know there was talk of "The Color Purple" sitting down in Chicgao like "Wicked," based on the attendance at the Sunday afternoon matinee I can't believe that will happen--at least half the balcony was empty. I hope the tour has a long life on the road!"

It was confirmed before the show's official Chicago opening that it would not extend...Hence Phantom being booked into the theatre. And to answer another question, yes, late seating is a huge problem in New York as well.

excuse me but what does the mention of adult women have to do with anything? if these patrons were "men" would you have written adult men? no. you would have written 40 period and you know it. check yourself.

People get so offended by the stupidest things. I think it's common knowledge that there is a running joke about people of the "African-American" race being late to everything. People at my college joke about it. I was in gospel choir here, and the class was scheduled to start at 7:00Pm but we never even had everyone there until 7:45pm. It worked out for me though, cause I'm always late.

True dat. But when you're trying to please a large group of people, it's usually better just to go with the majority.

Where is the statement?

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If they were all gay, just like me, I would have said that. Does that make me a homophobe?

I don't think you can yell at me for a fact. I maybe would not say white women (although, I still may) because if I don't, I assume you already knew.

"what does the relevance of 'black women' have to do with this point. these were patrons that were late. period."

Is it completely irrelevant? Or would most people agree that the only time you see large groups of people coming late to "The Color Purple," it tends to be a black crowd? I don't think there's anything racist about stating that. I am not saying "all the beautiful Aryan's were seated by the time the orchestra started to play, but then those nasty ass coloreds came in with their god damn FRIED CHICKEN when Act I was already half over!!"

You're being too sensitive and I don't play the whole politcally correct game to that extent.

My original comment or the other one I just added? I would say the first to anyone and I would use the second as an argument in front of anyone, except for at work.

Why else would you be yelling at me for stating that they were black if not to accuse me of racism? Your point just completely does not make sense to me. Would you be yelling at me if I said they were all red heads?

"WHAT DOES THE COLOR OF THEIR HAIR HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!?!" Maybe nothing, but it's a fact and a distinguishing characteristic, so I said it.

Geez Ozone,

I've never seen someone spend so much time accusing someone else of racism but yet, refuse to say the word.

Seems to me, someone has a big stick in their butt, and it doesn't look 'white'.

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The phrase "Adult Black Women" is redundant. When you're a WOMAN that usually means you are also an adult. I don't know too many "adult black girls".

Personally, I'm not offended by it but because of the redundancy of the entire sentence it looks like it was written to offend a group of people or make them look as bad as possible.

"Black Women" or simply "woman" would have been enough. We don't need to drive it in the ground be by redundant as well.

I mean that's as silly as saying "I saw a group of Adult White Men headed to their trailer park after their drunken bar fight ended".

I just hate stereotypes, don't you.

Updated On: 6/20/07 at 11:53 AM

and yet ljay you're still at my a$$. I think it is YOU who are obsess with "you know who" otherwise you wouldn't let it bother you one bit. You'd just skip the postings and move on instead of getting your blood pressure up for no reason at all.

I've made several postings here without mentioning "you know who", you just don't see them because many times they aren't in topics that you'd stalk. Trust me, if I were in a topic that discussed "you know who" I would be talking about "you know who".