And the new Elphaba is: Willemijn Verkaik

[Skywalker3]

She just confirmed it on Dutch television.
The Dutch production closes on 11-01-13. After that, she's going to Broadway!

More about Willemijn http://www.willemijnverkaik.nl/j15/index.php?lang=en

[wickedlyfantine]

Just saw this news on Facebook. I'm so excited, she's one of my favorite Elphabas! I actually prefer the German cast recording to the American one...and I don't speak German. Willemijn is just that amazing, I can't wait to see her.

[beautywickedlover]

“Since opening in 2003, Wicked has truly become a global phenomenon and no one exemplifies the show’s international appeal more than Willemijn,” said producer David Stone in a statement. “As soon as we saw Willemijn’s astonishing debut as Elphaba in 2007, we knew we wanted to bring her to New York one day. Happily, that day has arrived. Her performance has thrilled audiences in two major international markets, and we cannot wait to introduce her to Broadway."



Willemijn Verkaik Will Make Broadway Debut in Wicked in 2013

[TheatreKid3]

CALLED IT! I am definitely going back to see WICKED!

[PositivelyEmerald]

The most excited I've ever been about a replacement, ever. She will be phenomenal. Definitely gonna get back to the east coast to see her.

[HBP]

Did Willemijn peform 6 shows each week in both the German and Dutch productions? And will she be performing on a similar schedule in New York? It may be a great way to usher in a six-show week for the Broadway and tour Elphabas so as to avoid the permanent vocal damage suffered by many of the previous leading ladies.

In other news, I'm super-excited to see Willemijn perform the role. If you haven't already seen it, check her out workshopping "No Good Deed" in the German production on YouTube. It's mind-blowing.

[fingerlakessinger]

I'm dying from excitement! I HAVE TO SEE THIS.

[Unmasked05]

But will she REALLY though...what if Willemijn gets extended which would be exciting!!! Or what if they bring over Rachel Tucker or Louise Dearman. Wicked has built up such a fan base that people from all over would give a lot to do the show on Broadway...I'm REALLY surprised they haven't tried bringing other international Elphaba's over here for short runs and vice versa. I meaaannn if Lindsey does take over I WILL STILLLLL BE UBBER EXCITED!!!!

[bdn223]

I have a feeling Willemijn Verkaik is being tested of Schwartz' Houdini, although we all know Hugh Jackman will be the show's selling point. I think they may be still looking for his "love interest" and Verkaik voice is clearly perfect for a Schwartz power score. Producers may be looking to see how well American audience's take to her, and if she can handle an American audience.

[lisaatje009]

I'm very proud of Willemijn. I saw her twice in the Dutch production this year and especially her singing is truly phenomenal. I don't think her acting is as good as her singing, but it's still OK.

[Nerwen]

I´m such a fan of Willemijn and so happy that she is able to play on Broadway, even if I will never be able to see her live.

I would die of happiness if she could play in Schwartz´ "Houdini", but I don´t know if this is possible cause she is dutch. Would they give a foreign actress a leading role in a new, original musical?

[goldenboy]

I'm sorry -------but I can't see an Elphaba with a name I can't pronounce.

I don't care if she is the hottest thing to come out of Denmark/ Sweden/ Russia/Poland/ Slovakia.. I just can't pronounce it.

I drew the line at Idina Menzel and that was hard enough to pronounce.

[Mister Matt]

Learn to pronounce her name. Problem solved.

[Nerwen]

"I'm sorry -------but I can't see an Elphaba with a name I can't pronounce.

I don't care if she is the hottest thing to come out of Denmark/ Sweden/ Russia/Poland/ Slovakia.. I just can't pronounce it. "

OMG, that sounds so racist!!! And she is from the Netherlands by the way and she is not only hot, but so talented. She played Elphaba in Germany, then Holland and now on Broadway and is IMHO the best (I know people don´t like it when someone says it) Elphaba, because of her amazing voice.

As for the pronunciation: http://de.forvo.com/word/willemijn_verkaik/

[goldenboy]

I'm sorry but I can't see a black Elphaba. She needs to be green. Not black. The Netherlands is in Africa Right?

[Starship]

@goldenboy - wow...the second comment was so stupid I'm actually crying.

[Nerwen]

OMG, I remain a nice person and just stay that the netherlands are in europe. Just watch her. That is she:

There are plenty of Vids on YouTube. Sher is really good. She sings the songs of Wicked in german, dutch and now in english.

[dramamama611]

Actually, Nerwen, you remain a naive person.


There is a reason why many people lurk on boards before they start posting -- so they get to know the posters and know who is who -- and to be able to spot sarcasm.

[Nerwen]

So you think he is just fooling around. Wow, how funny.

[dramamama611]

I don't think, I know. Most of the chatter on here is.

(You will also find that very few people on these boards care one way or another about anything to do with Wicked.)

[Nerwen]

OK OK, I got it (I feel kinda stupid right now) But it´s really not funny or original, cause there are plenty of racists out there. I read somewhere a post in that the person complains why she got the role and not another, talented american actress, whatever...

Why do most people here on that board not care about "Wicked", which I and obviously million other people think is truly amazing? Not for nothing it is running already for 10 years. (without interruption?)

[LizzieCurry]

You're confusing "caring" with "posting a lot about."

[goldenboy]

So let me get this straight. The Netherlands aren't in Africa?
The Netherlands are in Africa? I can pronounce Netherlands. I can even pronounce
Zimbabwe.. I just can't pronounce Willajean Vecachiack

[Tettekete2]

Yes, she's from Africa. She's from a tribe that worships storks. Her codename is Ooievaar von Frogbarts. She uses pale makeup to hide the fact that she's really green! Well done! Slow clapping for you.


..... Really? REALLY?