January 22, Ana Gasteyer & Kate Reinders both leave, to be replaced by their understudies (Stand-Bys, actually, I think-- Today's Trib reported Understudies, so I'll go with that).
The ticket sales are going strong, so strong that I guess they don't think they need to get higher profile actresses. I am curious to see Kristy Cates, so that's OK I guess.
I was looking for tickets for a friend and was stunned to see that shows are still 100% sold out. She's looking for Friday, Saturday or Sunday and the first show to come up was April. I also saw that tickets are going for as much as $600 on StubHub and TicketsNow. I guess Wicked Mania is still going strong in Chicago.
"Chicago is it's own incredible theater town right there smack down in the middle of the heartland. What a great city! I can see why Oprah likes to live there!" - Dee Hoty :-D
I've heard nothing but good things about Kristy, she is a legit soprano belter so I'm already a fan. I hate that horrible yelling "belt" that has become popular. It's damaging and is painful to watch.
and all that I could do because of you was talk of love...
anyone else catch that it says kate's understudy who shall replace her is stacy morgain lewis (meg hilty's standby on broadway)? is she moving or is it a mistake?
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
I have seen the show twice in Chicago; the first time with Ana as Elphie, the second with Kristy as Elphie and honestly...Kristy did things with the part that Ana NEVER did....she was SO GOOD! And, we met her after the show, and she was *so* nice. Good for her :) I'm excited now! For anyone looking for tickets on sold-out days, there is also a drawing two hours before each show either in the theatre lobby or the Borders almost right next to the theatre for $25 front or second row tickets.
Kristy has recieved mixed reviews obviously. It just depends on what type of "sound" you enjoy more and what portrayal the actress gives of Elphaba. I think she's absolutely fantastic.
Dee is a powerhouse! She's a friend of mine (we went to college together) and you will be blown away when she gets to perform!! I just found out she got the standby yesterday!
I have been taken with different people four times to Chicago (I'm not obsessed, but I am the only person who likes Broadway in my circle of friends). When I saw it in October Ana was the best I had seen her. I saw it December 17 and Ana sounded tired and her voice was like gaspy sometimes, it wasn't noticeable to the girl I was with, but I think it's time for someone new. I still loved Ana, and if you can see her go. Also in October I saw Kate's understudy, the name escapes me at the moment, and she was awesome. She was as talented as Kate and the person I was with that time didn't know why they hadn't chosen the u/s for the actual part. Kate and Ana will be missed, but change is good and I can't wait to see the new people.
I sent out a some letters and ana was only not to respond
"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999