korenglish's review of Wicked: on tour

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 3:26pm

Hey everyone. I got the chance to see Wicked on tour in Philly this past Thursday and I just wanted to get my review out there. Overall, it was a job well done. I had pretty low standards, considering the last time this tour was in Philly it was horrible. I felt I needed to see the show again just to kill that version of it in my mind. Of course, the set was great. The smoke wasn't much appreciated, but hey, what can you do? Our seats were really good, so it was easy to see the actors.

Anyway, I know the show decently well. I've seen it before on other occasions so I knew the material, the music, ect. The orchestra was way too loud, first of all. I think that is location though, because it only seems to happen at the Academy, IMO. The pit was also really out of tune sometimes, not all of the instruments but a large majority.

Victoria Matlock - played Elphaba. Better than Julia Murney, who I hated as Elphaba. Her shallow breathing was really bothersome, but her singing wasn't that bad. She was a little shrill at the higher belting notes, but Defying Gravity was definitely her best song. Sometimes she sounded rather strained and quiet, but again, that may be due to the orchestra. Her acting was good and facial expressions, but her and Glinda did not blend well together.

Christina Decicco - played Glinda/Galinda. Wow She was great. Borderline better than Cheno, IMO. Her version of Glinda was very different, but in a refreshing way. I really liked her, and you could tell she was operatically trained. She was hilarious, every single line of hers was comedic perfection. She would have easily gotten recognition for this show on Broadway and I know she will be there soon enough. She was hands-down the best part of the show. It was really worth it to see her as Glinda.

Cliffton Hall - played Fiyero. He had a lot of charisma and dancing skills from what I can tell, but his singing. Not so great. Very shrill and not at all like the other Fiyeros I've seen and heard. Last tour Fiyero was much better.

Deedee Magno Hall - played Nessarose. I really liked her as Nessarose. It seemed to fit her well, and I liked her vocally too. She was great at the walking too. I was really glad to see her walk unnaturally even as she was getting offstage. She stayed in character.

Last time I saw this show in Philly, I hated the lead roles but everyone else was fantastic. The man who played Elphaba's father was even good. This time, I think it was overall better because just about every role was played better. I'm not a big fan of Morrible or Wizard's roles, but they were pretty well done. Doc was, IMO, better last time I saw it. Boq sounded like a Munchkin, but again... no pretty boy voices in this show at all.
Anyway, I would really recommend seeing this version in Philly esp. if you saw the last tour. This Elphaba and Glinda pair is much better. Glinda alone makes the show worth it to see it again. I kept wishing though, even as I was watching the show, that I had had the chance to see Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba before she left the show.

[goofy108]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 4:15pm

didnt really care for matlock or deccico when i saw it. but the supporting cast was GREAT!
thanks for the review.
Updated On: 7/28/07 at 04:15 PM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 4:21pm

i want to see the fiyero understudy

[goofy108]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 5:02pm

i saw him.
kevin mcdaniel? i think.
very very good. im not impressed with many fiyeros because they usually dont compare to leo butz. but i liked this guy.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 5:03pm

No. There are two new Fiyero covers on tour. Kyle dean massey, who was recently in Altar Boyz, and the man I want to see, Bryan West, who was recently in Hairspray.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 6:10pm

I still haven't seen this show.
Updated On: 7/28/07 at 06:10 PM

[Elphabuff2]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 6:17pm

Good to know you liked DeCicco. I agree about the occasionaly shrillness of Victoria on some high notes, but she's consistent nonetheless, IMO. Thanks for the review.

[InHistory]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 8:22pm

I saw it twice and once with Matlock and I didn't really think she was that great. Decicco was really great though.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 9:35pm

Personally, I think the overall touring production still packs a punch and is fresh as ever. However, I preferred Julia's take on Elphaba as well as Sebastian Arcleus passionate Fiyero. It's still a brilliantly clever show that is clearly a solid hit. But that's just my take.

Current Philly tour Review:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=20321

Past Philly tour Review:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=8503