My WICKED Experiance

[corfriends]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:20pm

Alright, here's my whole Wicked experiance.

I was extremely excited to see this musical, I had heard several sound clips, and loved them. I'm also a huge fan of Kristin Chenoweth, and although I never saw Idina Menzel I could tell I would be a huge fan. Joel Grey I was never a huge fan, but he's a big theater name, and Norbert Leo Butz, I LOVED from the Last 5 Years.

I knew that the stars wouldn't come out of the stage door after the performace because it was a matinee, and so I waited by the stage door before the show. I waited from about 11:30, all the way until about 1:30. Idina never came, I assume that she needed to be there early to put all of the green make up on and such. Joel Grey came in about 1:15, and I got a quick picture with him and he was very kind. Kristin arrived about 5 mins later, I was surprised at how late she was coming, but I guesss she doesn't have that much make up or anything to put on. I was so nervous I didn't say anything to her, although I could have kicked myslef afterwards for not saying anything. She was so short too, very short. I had also found out that Norbert was out due to back injury which I was upset about, but at least it wasn't Kristin or Idina.

Anyway, to the show. The sets were pretty awesome, so I knew I was in for a treat. NO ONE MOURNS THE WICKED was a little scary, but definately a great opening number. Kristin was hilarious from the second she floated onto stage as Glinda. DEAR OLD SHIZ was cute, not the most memorable song, but cute. THE WIZARD AND I was freakin amazing. Nearly the best number in the show, boy can Idina belt! WHAT IS THIS FEELING and SOMETHING BAD were just alright. DANCING THROUGH LIFE had the potential to be amazing but was decent. The understudy I had was alright, I knew I would have liked Norbert's voice better. POPULAR was the most hilarious scene and the song cracked me up, AWESOME! I'M NOT THAT GIRL was touching, however A SENTIMENTAL MAN was not. Sorry Mr. Grey but the song was awful. DEFYING GRAVITY most amazing scene in the show. It was touching, it was scary, it was beautiful, just amazing. Whem she started flying I believe I felt a tear of enjoyment starting in my eye. GREAT finish to the first act. THANK GOODNESS was cute and funny with the Evita reference. WONDERFUL was a big improvement for Joel, he definately redeemed himself from the first act. I'M NOT THAT GIRL REPRISE was again touching. NO GOOD DEED, just when you think Idina can't impress you again, she does. AS LONG AS YOU'RE MINE was very touching, and well sung. MARCH OF THE WITCHHUNTERS, eh it was alright. FOR GOOD was gorgous, several people were crying.

It was an amazing show and I can't wait to see it again. It was funny, sad, emotional, beautiful, it really has everything. Sorry for this review being so long, but I hope someone out there reads it!

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:24pm

Wow, I never knew the names of the songs. Lol.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:32pm

Care to elaborate a little bit on Kristopher Cussick? That man bores a striking resemblance to Keanu Reeves. It's uncanny, really. I'm seeing him on Wednesday. I'm actually excited to see him. He looks great, and I love seeing understudies! I was never a big fan of Norbert Leo Butz anyway. Updated On: 12/1/03 at 09:32 PM

[XxDiVaSpArKleXx]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:34pm

I really wanna see WICKED!!! It sounds incredible!

GlamourGirl.

[Amneris]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:39pm

not to be rude corfriends... but, if you were an actress who had to do a million and one vocal warmups before a big show and put on tons of green make up... would you want a fan waiting 2 hours outside a stagedoor BEFORE a show just for a photo (esp when youve never even seen them perform)? there are various ways of getting into the gershwin and frankly i think idina is smart. Updated On: 12/1/03 at 09:39 PM

[corfriends]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:53pm

No offense taken, but I see your point. However, I wasn't stalking her, I simply wanted a quick hello. Although, however harmless my quick hello could be, I do understand that stars do not always want to meet their fans.

[corfriends]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 9:57pm

Kristopher was definately not bad, however I was just very excited to see Norbert. I'm one of those people who gets kind of annoyed when I see understudies (which I know someone will yell at me for) I just like seeing the stars, not that the understudies are bad by any means, I just prepare myself to see the stars, and I'm sure some of you can relate that it can be a little dissapointing when the stars you are expecting to see do not perform. But back to Kristopher, I enjoyed his performance, I especially enjoyed him in AS LONG AS YOU'RE MINE, and DANCING THROUGH LIFE was quite enjoyable too. I saw his journey from tough guy to falling in love with someone. It was definately an enjoyable performance

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 11:09pm

I loved the show. I'm taking myself again for Christmas:P

[LiTtLeDaNcEr729]

Posted: 12/1/03 at 11:11pm

I just want to add my two cents in saying that this show is wonderful. While there are some weaker moments (the Wizard's songs are definately two of them) the show overall was touching and powerful. Idina has one heck of a voice- and Kristin was hilarious. I cried numerous times during the show, and I rarely cry in theatre...not sure why, but it takes a lot to get me to cry! It is truly an amazing show!

[cliffarico]

Posted: 12/2/03 at 8:34pm

Kristin Chenoweth is 4'11". I met her backstage when we were both visting Patty Duke in OKLAHOMA. I was with my sister in law who is 5 feet and with Ms. Duke standing just over 5 feet, I felt I was a giant....
BTW I am 5'10

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/2/03 at 8:41pm

As far as the understudies thing, I can totally relate to what you're saying. When I went to see Millie for the second time, my whole family was coming, so I was thrilled for them to be seeing Sutton, and Catherine Brunell performed the role. I was so upset. She was fine, though.
Than I saw 42nd Street and saw Billy Lawlor's understudy, and At first I was so upset, because David Elder was phenomenal the first time. But when I saw Matt Lashey, I was latched immediately onto his stage presence and WONDERFUL talent.
In conclusion, I could see why you would be upset to see an understudy perform, but try to be more open minded- That's part of Live Theatre.

[dididda]

Posted: 12/2/03 at 9:25pm

thanks for review, i cant wait til next friday! thats when i see wicked!!!wahooooooooo!

[Broadwaylady]

Posted: 12/3/03 at 9:56am

It was a great show with great costumes, sets and cast. I found the songs not to my liking at all and the story line a little weak. But, that was my opinion.

Secondly, why would you want to stand around waiting for stars to come into the show. They have a show to do and I am sure are not really into seeing people. I think a little more consideration should be shown.

[Nydiva]

Posted: 12/3/03 at 12:17pm

There's nothing wrong with catching a performer on the way in, provided you don't try to take up too much of his/her time. And *sometimes* it can be a nice way for a nice, unhectic (but not overlong) conversation.

Also, some performers don't come out between shows or use another (more convenient) exit. But mostly, they have to funnel IN one way. Another consideration is that sometimes fans who would *like* to wait afterwards, have to catch a scheduled bus/train home and can't wait out a slowpoke.

The original poster might have missed Idina on the way in simply because she looks different without the wig/makeup. There IS another EXIT (other than through the theatre itself), but I don't believe it can be used as an entrance. I've seen both ladies after the show (while waiting for yet another cast member) and they've both been exceptionally gracious about autographs and posing.

Nydiva

[corfriends]

Posted: 12/3/03 at 3:44pm

thanks for your post nydiva! although i'm sure i didn't miss idina because the stage manager told me she was already inside, oh well. i totally agree that you should not take up their time, especially on the way into the theater. when i got a picture with joel grey it took a maximum of maybe 20 seconds. short, polite and sweet. that's the way to go if you can't meet them after!

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 1:55pm

I have had the advantage of seeing both Norbert and Kristoffer do the role of Fiyero and I must say even though I'm a Norbet fan, I preferred Kristoffer Cusick in this particular role. He looks more the part of a college prince. Norbet, while amazingly talented is in his late 30s and you can tell that on stage. He doesnt look like a college kid. I just enjoyed watching Kristoffer make the role his own and not do a copy of Norbert's performance. And yes, he does look like Keanu Reeves which makes him look even more dashing on stage in the royal outfits.

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 12/4/03 at 2:51pm

I saw this 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, it was when Kristin was out sick. I was upset that I didn't get to see her (Melissa Chait was on). On the other hand, after seeing the show, I don't think Kristin could have saved this "could've been one heck of a musical" show. So much potential. Where is the wizard when you need him?

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 12/6/03 at 2:33pm

How is Kristen's understudy? You're the only one I have heard of that has seen her. I can't imagine anyone else doing that role... Maybe Reese Witherspoon

[Bway_Mill_Fan]

Posted: 12/6/03 at 9:08pm

lol. that's a good one. can she sing? or dance(besides the bend and snap)

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/6/03 at 10:57pm

I would absolutely LOVE to see her. Eventually, if this wwas ever made into a movie (and WHAT A MOVIE it would be), I 'd love to see her in the role if she has the singing chops.
Although, considering not many people in the Broadway world could really sing the role, I doubt Witherspoon could.
She could act the hell out of it, though.

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 12/7/03 at 2:22pm

Wicked is an absolutley amazing musical!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/8/03 at 12:32pm

I'm sure Idina's experience with Rent, as well as most professional actors are familiar with fans. Most handle it graciously, knowing that the few seconds it takes to sign an autograph or pose for a picture will brighten someone's life. Those who look sown their nose on people who admire their work shouldn't be doing it. It comes with the territory. I've experienced both types and when an actor explains they are in a hurry, I completely understand. But when an actor completely snubs the fans and insults them (coughNathanLanecough), I completely lose respect for them no matter how talented they are (and will not support them by buying tickets to any of their shows).

Most pleasant celebrity experiences:
Linda Eder
Sam Harris
Debby Boone
Christine Andreas
Michael Cerveris
Paul Rudd
JFK Jr.
Sandra Bernhard