Wicked in L.A. June 17th

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:23pm

Wicked opened at the Pantages Theater in the beautiful city of Hollywood. My wife and our 2 oldest kids sat in the 12th row left center. The atmosphere was electric, over 2,000 Angelino's celebrated the story of the 2 enigmatic witches. Every principle actor was on last night, no understudies. What a night!

***SPOILERS*** will follow, so read with care if you have not seen the show, it may ruin the genuiness of the show.

The Show:
The opening was delightful, the audience welcomed the 3 dancing monkeys with thunderous applause (that same applause would greet every principle actor as they entered the stage and shower the actors after every song, there was a tremendous acceptance of the show by the audience despite some technical flaws) and the ensemble was up to the task with a quality effort in "No One Mourns the Wicked". Kendra showed strain in the higher registry but carried Galinda professionally and impressively.

"Wizard and I": Carol Kane and Stephanie J. Block handled the dialogue and song well. Kane speaks/sings, unlike Carol Shelly who has a strong styled voice, but Kane gives a wonderful Morrible. Steph was shaky at first but finished the song with a voice that made one realize why Stephen Schwartz chose her 1st for the part of Elphaba, before Idina took the role. Wow, the last stanza was amazing and I thought she might get a standing oviation.

What a Feeling: Kendra and Steph showed a chemistry that was the best I have seen from the 2 witches. (I have seen Idina-JLT and Shoshana-Megan) They showed a general distaste that almost went over the top, but never did, Kendra's acting was top shelf and made up for her weak head voice.

Something Bad: Timothy Britten Parker and Steph gave it a good shot. Timothy handles the character of Dr. Dillamond well. There seemed to be staging problems. Both of the actors were a bit slow in their delivery.

Dancing Through Life: I was so upset that I had doubted Derrick Williams's performance after reading previous reviews. Derrick's Fiyero was precious! He was a physical Fiyero, but he was very 'winky'. I was reminded of Joey Tribianni from the TV show 'Friends'. His dancing is strong, Wayne Cilento added more dancing to his character in this scene. Derrick's singing was very soulful a much different take on Fiyero. I liked it alot. Steph was a bit spasmatic on her dance sequence, and Kendra's comedic acting stole the interludes of the song. Logan Lipton's Boq was gentle, but his voice was a bit weak.

Popular: This song was hilarious! Kendra continued to dominate the stage with her funny Galinda. Her dress came undone during the "Toss, Toss" part which only made her and Steph laugh and ham it up more. By the end song the audience was in Kendra's hands.

I'm Not That Girl: Steph was solid! I really began to enjoy her Elphaba and it looked like she was getting comfortable in front of her hometown.

One Short Day: The cast was strong, but as stated before it seemed as if they were waiting for something. It did not flow. Maybe some lighting or sound issues? The friendship between the 2 witches is genuine and very strong. Kendra and Steph feed off one another well.

Sentimental Man: David Garrison is WONDERFULL! The audience exploded when he entered. His acting is his strength. His voice is perfect for the Wizard.

Defying Gravity: This song was acted well by Kane, Garrison, Block, and Kendra. The effects fall short of the Gershwin Theater staging, but all is well by the time Steph is 3 stories above the audience defying gravity. Steph's voice makes me start thinking of breaking the law and getting a bootleg copy of her...I said 'thinking' just 'thinking'.

Thank Goodness: Kendra's voice doesn't do justice to the way the part of Glinda is written. Her vocal part in this song is one of my favorites, so I missed hearing her part belting above the chorus. The acting around the song is sound. Derrick and Kendra argue and break up very convincingly.

Wicked Witch of the East: 2 part of the set collapsed at the beginning of the scene, not too noticable to the eye, but they were very loud. The actors were professional after it happened. Jenna Leigh Green carries the scene well. I am very parital to Michele Federer, but Jenna handles the spoilers and song well. Boq's shyness never leaves, so I never felt the true tension of the scene

Wonderful: David Garrison made this one of the best part of the evening. His singing and dancing made me want to join his side. The relationship between the Wizard and Elphaba is clearly acted and very...wonderful!

As Long as You're Mine: A very sensual song. Derrick and Elphaba release their inhabitions and let the audience know that if they were alone, more than singing would occur. Derrick's voice matches Steph's voice as they fall in love.

No Good Deed: Steph wandered the stage looking for her marks, or so it seemed. There was something lacking in the scene, but Steph's voice makes every poor thing, better.

March of the Witch Hunters: The ensemble kicks it up a notch. It was very powerful, Boq gets a little angry, and Kane and Kendra do well in setting up the ending.

For Good: The 2 witches nail it!! Alot of emotion, you could sense the sobs in the audience.

Finale: The staging seemed a bit crowded. But the cast ends on a high note, performing a very well sung ending to the show.

The Stars:

As my family was in the lobby entering the theater, my wife noticed a familiar face...it was Stephen Oremus, music supervisor of Wicked. We approached him and had a nice conversation with him. Moments later Joe Mantello (the DIRECTOR), Mark Platt (the PRODUCER), Wayne Cilento (the CHOREOGRAPHER), and Susan Hilferty (the COSTUME DESIGNER). They were all surprized to be noticed, I felt like a 42 yr. old teenager, although my wife said I played it off well.

It was a great time of sharing our appreciation for their work on the show and a time for us to ask them questions about there thoughts of the tour. We spoke with them before show, at intermission, and briefly after the show. (Yes, it sounds like we were stalking them, but we were right there near them) They were all friendly and open in their words about the show. They all posed with pictures with our children and were overly caring toward our daughter when we shared with them that it was the her first Broadway show. I know she will never forget last night. I know I will not.

rick in los angeles

The following pictures are me and my family with the Wicked creative team, Kendra K., and Derrick Williams

Updated On: 6/19/05 at 07:23 PM

[shira467]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:29pm

What a beautiful review and experience! I'm seeing it tonight!

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:55pm

Shira, check the lottery line and let me know how many people are signing up, please. Just go to the box office when you get there and ask them how many people they turned away. I might try it tomorrow.

rick

[MLE]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 8:35pm

Sounds like you had a great time! Although I will miss her in Chicago, I'm excited that more people will now get to see Stephanie perform. Her talent deserves more recognition. She has an absolutely incredible voice!
I'm sure it's hard just getting used to a whole new stage so quickly. I say give it a week or two until they get the all of the set and tech stuff worked out and the show will be mind-blowing.

[Popular]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 10:43pm

Simples Joys, went and won the matinee lottery today. Last night about 50, matinee today was about 35 and the evening was probably close to 60ish. It's worth a try. Gonna have dinner then I'll write all about it! It was great!!! And Stephanie came out between shows which I really didn't expect her too (esp. when I saw that Dominoes pizza being delivered backstage)

[whiskedaway]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:06pm

thanks for the report guys, i hope to see it soon

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:44pm

Get down Popular!!!!

You bring hope to my life!! Was there a buzz about the lottery line? Were they at the show last night? Info, info, and more info. Should I go tomorrow? I need direction!!

What did you do between the time you won the lottery and show time?

And how do you post pictures? I took some last night and can not figure out how to attach them to a post. I know you did when the tickets went on sale.

Look forward to your review.

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:48pm

The only question now is...
Can I go to Wicked now?

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:53pm

Does anyone know how I can write to Ms. Kane?

[Popular]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:54pm

simplejoys - there are too many threads and I've already written my review on another one. PM me your AOL screenname and we can chat if you like!

[whiskedaway]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:12am

how were the sets? i know that the original tour sets were left in chicago, so are the new ones just as good? kinda petty i guess, but im curious, lol.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:15am

I am sure they are just the same...

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:30am

I think I'm envious of everyone who gets to see the amazing stephanie j block as Elphaba. I wish I could've seen her twice. hehe I guess im being selfish since I saw Jenna as Elphie.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:34am

Atleast you got to see the originals! By the time it hits Cleveland next year, I am sure everyone will be gone.

[Popular]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:34am

she was AMAZING!!! First time seeing/hearing her and I'm mad I never knew about her before...what a talent!

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:42am

I'm so glad you liked her Popular! She is amazing as Elphaba and was amazing as Liza. She is soooo nice too.

I'm sure there will be a few of the originals when it gets to you BwayTheatre11. Who knows, maybe Jenna will get promoted to play Elphaba full time.

Posted: 6/19/05 at 2:23am

Oh this is so exciting! Two more weeks for me! WOO HOO! :)


~Rosalynn

[alphieboy]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 11:56am

Great Review!

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 1:42pm

Broadway86...try writing to lkirspel@321management and she might be able to get an email over to her.

The sets were set into the Pantages stage, nothing on the side or in front. Not as impressive as the Gershwin stage but it served its purpose.

Updated On: 6/19/05 at 01:42 PM

[noahrp3]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 2:37pm

Are the seats front orchestra or front row for lottery in LA??? Updated On: 6/19/05 at 02:37 PM

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 2:51pm

i hope the creative team comes to San Francisco!!!

[SimpleJoysHaveSimpleVoice]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 7:13pm

You may want to have Popular answer this because she won the lottery on Saturday. But I am sure it is the 1st two rows.

peace

[Whiteguy2088]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 7:28pm

im seeing it July 15th!

[Popular]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 7:50pm

It's the front row. And I'm embarassed to say but because it was father's day and the lottery started early at 10:30am I figured it was a good day to try again - and won. I think I'll stop while I'm ahead for I don't think my lucky streak will last much longer. I was happy to see Kendra this time since I saw her understudy yesterday. I was also happy to introduce yet another friend of mine who knew nothing of the show to it! I got another one hooked! :) Kendra was good. I liked her "popular" a lot but some of her spoken jokes were a little lost on the audience. Oh and I liked Jenna a whole lot more this time too! Stephanie....what can I say....she was once again great.

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 8:03pm

What a wonderful review! Thank you for sharing! It's odd that things went wrong, ie the dress and part of teh set. but im glad that it went pretty well. once again wonderful review!