wicked tour in philly- Page 6

[My Name in Lights]

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.

[mikem]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 8:01pm

How many people were at the lottery today? I was thinking about going but decided not to.

[wicked1]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 10:52pm

My Name In Lights - I agree with you 100% about last nights performance. It was one of the best times (I've seen the show 6 times now) I have seen it. Julia Murney lived up to everything I have heard about her! I loved how funny she made Elphaba. I have always though Elphaba was a funny character in a jaded sort of way & Julia portrayed that so well! Annaleigh was also wonderful. I also agree about Sebastian. I thought he was a little weak as Fiyero but he did have good chemistry with Julia. I enjoyed the show so much. I hope to get a chance to see Julia again sometime!

[snowie862]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 2:29am

The closing show was AMAZING!

It was such a high energy performance.
Annaleigh was at her BEST! She danced in a lot of songs and was just perfect!

She improved SO much from March 25th to April 9th.

Please leave a comment on the Guestbook!
http://www.annaleighashford.com/

[overthemoon419]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 2:54am

I saw the show in Philly as well. Annaleigh was wonderful; I was skeptical, because I saw JLT twice after seeing Kristen and was disappointed. While Annaleigh was no Kristen, she certainly did NOT disappoint! She is incredibly talented (her voice is beautiful!) and she was energetic and perky, but made sure to allow Glinda to be a character that can stand on her own two feet. She was a pleasant mix of strong will and young & bubbly.

But Julia?

MY GOD.

I saw Idina. I saw Shoshanna.

I DID NOT SEE ELPHABA UNTIL I SAW JULIA MURNEY.

She had incredible character choices, the most notable of which being her distinct vocal change from young, slightly impressionable Elphaba to older, somewhat jaded Elphaba. From her first appearance behind the curtain (before we even get to Shiz), I was crying, because she OWNED that stage. Not to discredit any of the other performers, but this show? Was all Julia. I could not take my eyes off her. I swear, the woman has lungs of steel. As soon as she entered for Act II, Elphaba owned the stage with a single word: she had a deeper tone than Shiz-Elphaba, and carried herself like a woman instead of like a girl.

One of my favorite moments was, "Well, we can't all come and go by bubble." Julia totally *spit* out "bubble," I swear, there was venom in the word. It was so perfect.

Idina and Shoshanna were both good, but Julia *was* Elphaba.

[FeelingElectric]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 3:37am

I am so happy that Wicked had A great run in Philadelphia. I absolutely loved Kendra, Julia and the rest of the amazing cast. I am so proud to hear how well Annaleigh Ashford has been doing as of late. I did not get to see her play Galinda, but from what I've heard, it may not be long before she makes the move to Broadway. Hopefully, casting will make another smart decision and bring her to the Gershwin as ensamble/understudy if Katie Adams takes over for Megan Hilty in May. As for the tour, I already have my tickets for 2007. I will be going in Baltimore(February 8, 2nd row, seat 3) and Philadelphia (July 26, Parquet, row E). I may even get back to Broadway this year to see Wicked if Anneleigh makes her dream of Broadway come true.

[ken8631]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 8:37am

Wife and I saw the last show in Philly yesterday. Originally bought the tickets to see Stephanie J. Block. We live 15 min from NYC. Was originally dissappointed that Steph left, but of course we went anyway. I must say that Julia did not disappoint at all! Perfect for the part, and what a voice (her range is amazing!). I actually liked her better than Idina - the only othet time we saw it was on Broadway with Idina and Kristin. Kristin was better as Glinda( although Annaleigh was good), but Julia was an amazing Ephalba! The whole cast was great actually, including Mr cellophane (those hnad motions he did definitely reminded me of his Broadway "Chicago" character).... We weren't that impressed with Wicked when we first saw it, but we were definitely impressed yesterday!!!!

[snowie862]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 10:46am

I wonder what cast it will be next year

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 11:28am

I DID NOT SEE ELPHABA UNTIL I SAW JULIA MURNEY


I'm glad to hear that!

[rooboy78]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 3:39pm

i have tix to catch the fri 4/21 show of Wicked in Beantown....heard so many great things about Julia and Kendra (as well as seen numerous clips on YOuTube) so I'm psyched...but also kinda worried after reading so many posts about the two leads being out most nights in Philly, and not just during the week or matinees, but on Friday and Saturday night performances which I would guess are considered the biggest nights. Someone tell me, is it normal for so many understudies to go on SO MUCH in such a short period of time in one show? And what do you think my chances are of catching BOTH Kendra and Julia in the show on Friday night?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 3:51pm

When the tour played in DC, I went on a Saturday night and both Kendra and Stephanie were in.

When I went to Philadelphia, Kendra was out on the Saturday evening performance, but Julia was in.

It's basically the luck of the draw.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 3:51pm

That's nto normal. There was a flu going around, and that's why they've all been out so much. I think your chances of catching them both are probably pretty good.

[rooboy78]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 5:56pm

ok good to know. thanks guys! ill keep my fingers crossed

[ACTlete676]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 7:44pm

Does Julia come out of the stagedoors after matinees?

[snowie862]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 1:38pm

Yes she does come out the SD.

Julia was on the whole time in philly except for 1 Weds Mat.

The last week, Annaleigh and Emily were on because Kendra was on vacation.

Sebastian was REALLY sick for a day so he missed a show or two.

Emily and Annaleigh are great!! I saw them both twice here

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 1:45pm

Julia also missed the Friday, March 24th performance in Philly.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 5:14pm

snowie862- way to make me feel like i have dumb luck (even though victoria is the best elphie i've seen)i was at the one show she missed.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 5:16pm

I wish we had seen Emily (as Kendra was out) and I wasn't too keen on Annaleigh's interpretation of Glinda.

[snowie862]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 2:23am

I wasn't totally blown away at first. Her voice was a lot better then Kendra's so I was happy. She was still trying to settle into the role. But she improved SO much from the beginning to the end of the Philly run. After seeing the closing show, I have to say, she's one of my favourite Galindas.

Jon- LoL... that sucks. sorry dude