Wicked tour reviews - 9/16 & 9/17

[erikrokks]

Posted: 9/19/05 at 12:11pm

Ok, so here's the run-down of my Wicked weekend here in Denver...I already had tickets to Saturday's matinee, but I didn't want to risk not seeing one of the leads in case they happened to be out for the matinee. So my boyfriend and I decided that we'd try the opening night lottery. Surprisingly, I was the 4th name that they called so we were able to see the show on Friday night from the 1st row! Here are my thoughts and comparisons if you are interested...
Fiyero-I liked Derrick Williams for the most part. It was interesting to see more of an R&B voice in that character. I'm not sure who I'm hoping to see in that role, but it seems like I've yet to see a great interpretation.
Wizard-It was great to see Joel Grey as the Wizard in the original case, simply for the fact that he is such an icon, but I thought David Garrison did a pretty good job. I wish he would've played the part a little more evilly (is that a word) though. The only bad part is that when he first came on stage, he stood there kind of expecting applause and recognition, but only a couple of people obliged. I felt kind of embarrassed for him.
Morrible-I have to admit that I was a little leary to see how Carol Kane would pull off Morrible. I assumed that she wouldn't be very convincing as such a quietly manacing character. Even though she didn't sing the part at all, her "Wicked Witch scream" to the citizens of Oz was worth the price of the ticket! I looked over at my boyfriend at that point and mouthed "WOW!"
Glinda-Friday night Kendra was in. As far as singing voice, she wasn't my favorite. As far as the comedy aspect, she was awesome! She was AT LEAST as funny as Kristin or JLT. I think she was particularly effective in engaging the audience into emotionally connecting with the relationship between Glinda and Elphie. On Saturday, Emily Rozek was in for Kendra. I much preferred her singing voice to Kendra's, but her comedic timing left much to be desired. It seemed like she was concentrating too hard on being funny, so it was forced. Toward the end when Fiyero flys in on the rope, I think the rope swung around and knocked her tiara partly off, so she had to get it untangled from her hair (or wig). I got really nervous for her because it took her a minute to get it out, but she played it off nicely.
Elphaba-Ok, I was really hoping that the show would've needed Eden for a little longer so I could see her in Wicked. That said, I was still excited to see Stephanie since I thought she was great in Boy From Oz. I think the biggest props I need to give her was for her acting. Coming back from her LOA, she seemed very "fresh", for lack of a better word. :) As far as her singing, it sure had its moments. I loved her last note of The Wizard and I and thought she did I'm Not That Girl perfectly. The only complaint I have for her is that I wish she wouldn't have played her as such a timid character. I know that Elphie is a misunderstood outcast, but I think Idina played her more effectively as a more outspoken, slightly louder character. Plus, nobody can beat Idina's Defying Gravity. Overall it was awesome to see another interpretation of such an interesting character.
The show as a whole-I love this show. Of course there's nothing like seeing a Broadway show in NY, but most of this show is intact, with a couple of exceptions...I kind of like the huge witch hat during No One Mourns the Wicked, but the tour just has a "Les Miz-esque" villagers scene instead. Also, the flying monkeys that go into the audience are gone from the tour. Overall, I would totally recommend the show to anyone who hasn't seen it yet...it's phenomenal! To those who have seen it already...go see it again, but keep in mind that the original cast left a huge goal for other casts to strive to reach.

[Popular]

Posted: 9/19/05 at 1:10pm

Twice in a weekend! WOW - lucky you! Glad you liked it :)

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 9/19/05 at 2:19pm

That's crazy Wicked weekend lol. Glad you enjoyed the show, thanks for the review.

[BuRBaN]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 7:00pm

No review on Boq? (I hate how Boq is really so unrecognized! *goes and pouts*)

[Popular]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 7:17pm

still waiting on LeMerm's review.... BWW board to LeMerm, come in LeMerm!!