#126
Posted: 4/9/06 at 6:30pm
I was at last night's performance and have to say that it was top notch. Aside from the microphones going in and out a couple of times, the production was outstanding. Annaleigh was in as Glinda, and was absolutely wonderful. This was my third time seeing WICKED (twice on Bdway), and the third Glinda. For me, Kristin is the definitive Glinda, but Annaleigh's vocals were excellent, and she received a good amount of laughs. (I also saw Laura Thompson who I thought was distracting because she was too tall for the part and didn't show the perkiness that seems to be a part of Glinda in WICKED.) After reading in the program that Annaleigh only graduated recently and realizing how young and fresh out of school she is, it made me appreciate her performance even more. She and Julia also had very good chemistry acting, and their songs together were sung beautifully. I thought the ensemble was terrific, as was Madame Morrible. Sebastian sang well, but his acting wasn't as up to par as Norbert's. He was more along the lines of Joey McIntyre. He is the third Fiyero I have seen, and until now, I never realized how little the character of Fiyero, though significant, really has to do performance-wise in the show. When Sebastian was interacting with Julia directly though, he was much better.
Now for the reason I trekked to Philly to see WICKED again - Julia. It's impossible to put into words how much I enjoyed her performance. From the moment the silhouette of Elphaba appeared, I was smiling. As soon as Julia herself appeared, some of the audience started clapping (myself included). She was stunning visually, performance wise and vocally. I sat in the Family Circle, first row on the extreme right, so I was able to see her facial expressions very well. She gave Elphaba just the right amount of strength and vulnerability. Just watching the smile on her face after Glinda gives her the "hat" made your heart go out to Elphaba. I saw Idina twice and thought she gave a great performance, but Julia actually showed more of a change between the younger, more vulnerable, and later, more independent, Elphaba. Her posture and voice displayed a more maturing Elphaba that gave her performance more range. Every solo she sang received volumes of applause not afforded any other performer until the curtain. To say that I had tears throughout most of her performance is an understatement, she was extraordinary! Despite other good Elphabas, she made this role her own and it wasn't until afterward that I realized that she totally made me forget Idina's portrayal. Julia was truly magical!!
Note aside: Earlier in the thread, someone remarked about this show being at the Academy as opposed to the more expensive Merriam. I've been to the Merriam, and been to Broadway, and now the Academy of Music; and I can tell you, there is very little between the price of the tickets. Family Circle which is two tiers from the top of at least five levels, cost $77.50 with a partially obstructed view (unless you leaned forward). That is not a cheap seat by any means, and I've been in Broadway houses for less money. The seats are comparably priced, and not cheaper by any means. If you purchased a seat for a lot less, may I ask where you sat and where you got your ticket? I can use the info for the next time around. Thanks.
Now for the reason I trekked to Philly to see WICKED again - Julia. It's impossible to put into words how much I enjoyed her performance. From the moment the silhouette of Elphaba appeared, I was smiling. As soon as Julia herself appeared, some of the audience started clapping (myself included). She was stunning visually, performance wise and vocally. I sat in the Family Circle, first row on the extreme right, so I was able to see her facial expressions very well. She gave Elphaba just the right amount of strength and vulnerability. Just watching the smile on her face after Glinda gives her the "hat" made your heart go out to Elphaba. I saw Idina twice and thought she gave a great performance, but Julia actually showed more of a change between the younger, more vulnerable, and later, more independent, Elphaba. Her posture and voice displayed a more maturing Elphaba that gave her performance more range. Every solo she sang received volumes of applause not afforded any other performer until the curtain. To say that I had tears throughout most of her performance is an understatement, she was extraordinary! Despite other good Elphabas, she made this role her own and it wasn't until afterward that I realized that she totally made me forget Idina's portrayal. Julia was truly magical!!
Note aside: Earlier in the thread, someone remarked about this show being at the Academy as opposed to the more expensive Merriam. I've been to the Merriam, and been to Broadway, and now the Academy of Music; and I can tell you, there is very little between the price of the tickets. Family Circle which is two tiers from the top of at least five levels, cost $77.50 with a partially obstructed view (unless you leaned forward). That is not a cheap seat by any means, and I've been in Broadway houses for less money. The seats are comparably priced, and not cheaper by any means. If you purchased a seat for a lot less, may I ask where you sat and where you got your ticket? I can use the info for the next time around. Thanks.
