Wicked sit-down in Chicago review- 7/6 (lotto)

[alphieboy]

Posted: 7/7/05 at 11:34pm

So yesterday was a great, great day. I am taking some summer classes at Columbia in the city, and I decided after my classes, I would try the lotto whenever it was a convenience. So, Monday after my classes me and two other friends tried the lotto, but lost. I tried again yesterday with a different friend, and he won! So I was very happy. His name was called second and we both were very, very excited.

So we got to the theatre at 7:05 or so, and went to our seats. We had amazing seats! Front row center, right in front of the amazing pit.

Ana- Well, first let me start off by saying, I was unsure of her from the minute I heard that she would be Elphaba. Boy, was I a damn fool! This woman blew my ass out of the water! Let me say this...her voice is quite deserving of this role, and not only that. Her acting, and portrayal of Elphaba was dare I say, dead on!! Ana made me feel for her, and her passion and commitment to this role is very strong, and it shows. If you have not seen Ana in this role, please do! You are in for quite the treat...

Kate- First let me say, she is stunning. What a beautiful young woman! She reminded me strongly of Kristin. The opening was not quite there, but she tried. Popular was really her shining moment. The crowd loved her! She has great comedic timing, and really made me laugh during Popular. Her acting was quite enjoyable. She was very much Glinda and really held her own.

Mrs. Reed- Was ok as Morrible, she did a nice job.

Mr. Weygandt- I very much enjoyed! His vocals were there, as well as his acting.

Mr. Cusick- He was fine, but I had to warm up to him. His As Long As Your Mine sounded beautiful.

I must mention to of my specific favorite numbers:

No Good Deed- GOOSEBUMPS! Ana was incredible during this song. This for me was her best song, she can belt like nobody's buisiness. And the passion...
Thank Goodness- For some reason I loved Kate in this particular number. Although Popular was dead on, this was my favorite from her. Her singing here was amazing, and I really liked this number as a whole.

All in all, this was a great production. The sets and costumes were great, and it was a great experience. Especially from front row!

Oh, and the two friends that I mentioned above that I tried the lotto with Monday night, called me earlier and they won the lotto for tonight! So all is well.

Updated On: 7/9/05 at 11:34 PM

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/7/05 at 11:58pm

was the lottery crowded?

[alphieboy]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 12:02am

About maybe 70 pepole.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 12:10am

awww

[sassypanz]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 12:32am

Is that a lot?

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 12:40am

yes, even though I've had a of luck with the lotto system.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 10:38am

I assume you mean Tuesday, since "Wicked" doesn't have performances on Mondays.

[xxnewgirlxx]

Posted: 7/8/05 at 10:52am

I saw the show last night and loved it.

I agree with the bulk of your review, except I really liked Rondi Reed as Morrible. I thought she was dead-on and terrific.

The actor's name that played the Wizard escapes me right now, but I definitely think he's the best Wizard I've seen. He was a great actor and singer. During "Wonderful"'s dance, his foot got caught in his coat, but he recovered nicely and had a little laugh over it...

I'm sorry for forgetting names right now, but the actors portraying Boq and Nessa were excellent as well. Telly L> (Boq) again, was my favorite Boq I've seen.

Kate and Ana were AMAZING. I agree with you that Kate is very Kristin-esque, not only in style but she looks just like her, especially in "Thank Goodness". I still love Cheno in this role the best, IMO no one can compare. But Kate still did a lovely job...her facial expressions and her comic timing were fantastic. And her voice is beautiful.

Ana was a delight. At first, she just doesn't LOOK the role, and I was a bit hesitant, but as soon as she nailed "The Wizard and I", I knew she had it. Her singing is unbelievable. "Defying Gravity", "No Good Deed" and my personal favorite, "As Long as Your Mine" were perfection. And she does a fun twist on the "It's just...for the first time...I feel....WICKED" line...made it sort of funny/sexy.

Kristoffer Cusick was OK. That's really all I can say.

All in all, a great production; highly recommended.

[alphieboy]

Posted: 7/9/05 at 9:35pm

Yes, I meant Tuesday.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 7/10/05 at 5:21am

wicked doesn't have monday performances?? really..I thought they did....lol

Congrats! yay for you!

EDIT: Duh..that'd be 9 shows a week! ahah

Updated On: 7/10/05 at 05:21 AM