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BWW Reviews: Broadway Across America's WICKED
by Elizabeth J Musgrave - Nov 20, 2013

The old sayings, 'You've got to see it to believe it,' and 'You either get 'IT'or you don't,' are certainly sayings that could be (and probably are) applied to WICKED. With its 10th anniversary this year, and nine current productions performing around the globe, I must say I was completely surprised during intermission. A gentleman sitting in front of me struck up a conversation and nonchalantly stated he had bought the ticket on a whim while in town for business ~ with no clue what the show was about. He had no idea it was in reference to Wizard of Oz and had no anticipation. He was simply ready to enjoy a live theater production and that was what caught his eye online. Wow. The winner of more than 50 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, was unknown to this gentleman. Naturally, I reflected back to my first time of seeing it in Chicago, and the subsequent reviews of 'Wicked' I have written ~ each one a totally different experience and finding different aspects most notable. At my first experience, I was blown away ~ as almost everyone is. The second, I noticed the nods to the book, film and characters. At my third, I noticed, and wrote about, the symbolism transportation played ~ in this review (REVIEW: WICKED 2010). After seeing any show several times, the viewer naturally compares the actors and have those they feel most closely fit the bill, the ones they believe most talented, etc. This production stars Jennifer DiNoia as Elphaba and Hayley Podschun as Glinda. If you are a fan of Kristin Chenoweth and, frankly, who isn't? ~ then, you will absolutely adore Podschun. She practically radiates on stage during 'Popular,' drawing ecstatic applause from the engaged audience. Naturally, DiNoia's rendition of the power ballad won thunderous applause. It is definitely one of DiNoia's finer moments in the performance. Her other being the duet, 'What is this Feeling?' with Podschun as the two opposing witches realize how much they loathe each other. The main issue with anyone stepping into the sparkly shoes of Glinda or the work boots of Elphaba in the musical loosely based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is they are attempting to fill seriously talented footsteps. Even those who have not (gasp) seen the musical, have more than likely heard of the Broadway originators of the roles ~ Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (read review of her solo performance here). And therein lies the problem. Can anyone ever make the role truly their own, while compared to the greats at every turn? Probably not. At least not for another 10 years. It would be equivalent to performing a role so well the audience forgets Judy Garland (The Wizard of Oz), Michael Crawford (Phantom of the Opera), or Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean). Whether a stage or screen production, some performers become the standard for all others after them. A tough act. With that said, it's like being in the top 10 percent of your graduating class. No, you aren't No. 1 or 2, but you're still in the top percentile. Nothing to be upset over. Bottom Line: Whether this is your first, or 15th time, Wicked is a must-see anytime it is in town. Performance Schedule There is no performance on Thanksgiving Day,Thursday, November 28. November 13-17: Wednesday & Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Thursday matinee at 2:00 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; November 19-24: Tuesday -Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; November 26 - December 1: Monday - Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm. Click here for information on $25 ticket lottery for Wicked in Indianapolis. Images: provided by BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Joan Marcus Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy's Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

First Listen To Idina Menzel's 'Let It Go' From Disney's FROZEN
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 18, 2013

Broadway superstar and GLEE standout Idina Menzel along with Broadway and Hollywood notable Kristen Bell lead the new Disney animated feature film FROZEN and a first listen to the complete central anthem for the character of Elsa, portrayed by Menzel is now available to hear in full.

VIDEO: Watch Clip From Classic Disney Short GET A HORSE, Premiering in Theaters w/ 'Frozen'
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 18, 2013

Below, sneak a look at the Mickey Mouse short 'GET A HORSE', then catch the whole thing playing in theaters before Frozen beginning November 27th!

Photo Flash: NEWSIES Casts Gets FROZEN at NYC Screening
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 15, 2013

Just last night, the cast of Broadway's Newsies gathered for a special ealry screening of Disney's newest animated film- Frozen. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the cast before they headed inside to check out the movie!

Children's Place and Disney Announce FROZEN Sweepstakes Contest
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 15, 2013

Two kid favorites leading children's apparel retailer The Children's Place and Disney are joining forces to promote Walt Disney Animation Studios' upcoming comedy adventure 'Frozen,' in theaters November 27 th

University of Adelaide's Lunchtime Series Hosts 2013 John Davis Award Competitors Today
by BWW News Desk - Nov 15, 2013

The Lunchtime Concert at 1.10pm today 15 November will see the prize winners of this year's John Davis Music Awards. This popular concert will present the rising stars of the music world to the public, and see them rewarded with cash prizes for their proficiency.

NOTHING LIKE A DAME, Featuring Stories by Sutton Foster, Kristin Chenoweth & More, Gets 2/7 Release
by Molly Tracy - Nov 14, 2013

In Nothing Like a Dame, theater journalist Eddie Shapiro opens a box full of knowledge, through in-depth conversations with twenty leading women of Broadway. The new book will be released on Febuary 7th, 2014.

BroadwayWorld Chicago Award Nominations for 2013 Announced: BoHo, CST, MENAGERIE, HANK WILLIAMS And More Lead the Way!
by Paul W. Thompson - Nov 13, 2013

BroadwayWorld.com is proud once again to announce the nominations for the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, Chicago's only comprehensive, fan-voted theater award now in its 4th fabulous year. And the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble leads the way, with a whopping 15 nominations overall, including 10 for its summer production of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' Chicago Shakespeare Theater is next overall, with 12 nods, spread out over an impressive 7 different productions, including 'Othello: The Remix,' 'Henry VII,' 'The School for Lies' and its Shakespeare in the Parks production of 'The Comedy of Errors,' nominated as Best Theatrical Event.

Idina Menzel Featured In New THE MOMMY SHOW Episode
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 12, 2013

Broadway superstar and recognizable GLEE presence Idina Menzel appears in the new episode of the maternally-aligned web comedy series THE MOMMY SHOW.

Behind The Scenes Of IF/THEN Sitzprobe With Idina Menzel & Company
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 12, 2013

The accomplished cast of the highly anticipated new musical IF/THEN, starring Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, is currently performing the show out-of-town at Washington, D.C.'s hallowed National Theater and a revealing new behind-the-scenes video highlighting the recent sitzprobe is now available to view.

VIDEO: Idina Menzel Chats Disney's FROZEN on 'Live'
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 12, 2013

This morning on 'LIVE' with Kelly and Michael,' hosts Ripa and Strahan chatted with Broadway vet and Tony winner IDINA MENZEL about the new Disney animated feature 'Frozen.' Check out the appearance below!

VIDEO: First Look - Josh Gad Featured in New Clip from Disney's FROZEN
by Caryn Robbins - Nov 11, 2013

Walt Disney Pictures has released a 2-minute clip from FROZEN, featuring Olaf the snowman, voiced by Josh Gad (Book of Mormon).

FLASH SPECIAL: The Cool Cast Of Disney's FROZEN
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 11, 2013

Disney's newest animated feature FROZEN boasts perhaps the most Broadway-centric cast of any Disney film to date, so today we are shining a special solo spotlight on each of the five major players comprising the super-cool cast of the hottest film of the winter - Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana.

BWW TV Exclusive: Get FROZEN! Behind the Scenes of Disney's Animated Movie Musical with Jonathan Groff
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 17, 2013

BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge got to chat with Jonathan Groff, who voices Kristoff, about fulfilling his dream of being in a Disney movie, being a part of a new collaboration, and more. Check out what he had to say about the process below!

BWW TV Exclusive: Get FROZEN! Behind the Scenes of Disney's Animated Movie Musical with Composers Bobby & Kristen Lopez
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 11, 2013

BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge got to chat with the film's composers, Bobby Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez, about creating music for some of Broadway's biggest voices, drawing inspiration from their daughters, and more. Check out what they had to say about the process below!

BWW TV Exclusive: Get FROZEN! Behind the Scenes of Disney's Animated Movie Musical with Directors Jennifer Lee & Chris Buck
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 10, 2013

BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge got to chat with the film's directors, Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, about bringing the musical to the big screen, recruiting Bobby and Kristen Lopez to create the music, how they went about casting the movie and more. Check out what they had to say about the process below!

Photo Coverage: 10th Anniversary Special - Linda Lenzi's Favorite Photos
by Linda Lenzi - Nov 15, 2013

As BroadwayWorld.com continues to celebrate the site's landmark 10th anniversary, with a variety of special features, today we're turning our spotlight on the wonderful photography of Linda Lenzi.

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