Wickedly Awesome Ladies- Shoshana and Megan

[RustyJusty830]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 1:12am

I know I posted this in another topic but I really wanted to share with all of you guys! I saw the show twice during this past week and think that the it is in some of the best shape yet...For a while, it seemed as if Wicked was losing its sparkle, passion and excitement. However, I believe that the current cast (with a few exceptions) and still dazzling techincal aspects are keeping the show in fine form.
Shoshana Bean, in my most honest opinion, is a magnificent talent. I was worried and apprehensive before seeing her in the role, but she completely took me by surprise. Her aggressive take on Elphaba was refreshing to watch and her choices in her acting were dead on. She perfectly conveyed an awakward, passionate, and unique young girl who has ambitions to make a mark on the world. In each and every scene, I saw the fire in her eyes and the drive within her heart. And MAN- Can this girl sing- a voice that evokes chills and soars to the last row of the mezzanine- Her vocal riffs are thrilling and her pipes have power that I have not heard for quite a while. Her "Defying Gravity" brings down the house and blows the roof off of the Gershwin and had me melting in my seat. It seemed that she was tortured by her anguish to go against society and desperately needed to release her feelings in a spine tingling instant that made a commanding Act I finale. Her "No Good Deed" was beyond words and to me, was the strongest of every Elphaba I've seen. She is sensastional as Elphaba, a role that is in excellent and deserving hands.
Megan Hilty is a fantastic Glinda. Her comic timing is impecable which caused uproarious laughter from the enthusiastic audience both times seeing her in the role. She begins as a spoiled young blonde teen who means well, but is not aware of her stupidity or cruelty. Through her friendship with Elphaba, she matures into a changed character who still possesses a giddy and perky side, but now shows signs of a compassionate and loving woman. She steals the show with "Popular" and left me with a stomach ache from laughing so hard. Her chemisty with Shoshana is incomprable as they constantly play off past moments in the show (Ex. Hair toss in Popular). Her "Thank Goodness/Couldn't Be Happier" is moving and helped along by a beautiful soprano and a fantastic belt. I was amazed at how connected she was towards the end of the show in moments such as "For Good". She seemed to be emotionally crushed that she was forced to say good bye to her most cherished friend. Bottom line, she is a talent that is not to be missed.
It was a pleasure to see these two ladies perform and I hope that they continue to wow audiences and captivate them as they did with me.

[Parks]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 1:24am

Good to know the show's in good shape. I can't wait to see it again!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 1:26am

I love me some Wicked and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the way the current cast is shaping up to be purty good. Great review!

[apdarcey]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 1:31am

i love rustyjusty. he can be the jack in my beanstalk anyday.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 3:35am

Justin, I love you! Let's hang out more often!! And your Shoshana soundbytes give me chills every time!
Updated On: 7/17/05 at 03:35 AM

[stage_door76]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 5:48am

i totally agree, both shoshana and megan do bring a unique freshness to their respective roles


i personally think shoshana is an absolutely astounding elphaba. her performance is thrilling to a tee and is a definite spectacle

[superstarjpp]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 9:09am

gross apdarcey

[Glindafan]

Posted: 7/17/05 at 2:05pm

So how long will Shoshana and Megan remain the leading ladies - anybody know? Do their contracts expire simultaneously? I hope they extend for as long as they wish. They're fantastic together!

Posted: 7/17/05 at 3:18pm

i believe shoshana's contract expires on jan. 9th or around there. megan's doesn't expire until next summer i would assume since they are usual one year contracts and she just recently took over.
who knows if they'll extend. too early to tell, but i do know shoshana wants to pursue her recording too.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 7/18/05 at 2:17am

Are there any pictures of the current cast anywhere??

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 7/18/05 at 2:22am

I saw Sho a while back, it wasnt live, she was REALLY "eh." as far as I'm concerned. Her "No Good Deed" was awsome though! Glad yall enjoy her!

[apdarcey]

Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:17am

ok, they've started putting people on 6 month contracts instead of the usual year long so that megan and shoshana can leave at the same time and then they will be able to cast people together, and let them run the show together.

[PJ]

Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:30am

Well that just plain sucks for Megan. If I were her, I'd hold on to that role for a longgg time.