Gypsy and Wicked (with Lisa Brescia as Elphaba!) - 3.13.08

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 4:32pm

Yesterday, for my spring break, I treated myself to two shows: Gypsy and Wicked. My first show was the matinee of Gypsy which I thought was the better of the two that day. There is not a weak link in the cast. Out of the potential nominees for best featured actor, I think Boyd Gaines has a definite chance for being at least nominated. Patti LuPone was on fire (no, not literally!) and everyone immediately gave her a standing ovation at the end of the show when she walked out during bows. I also thought Laura Benanti was great and that she did a good job with Louise's transformation from a meek and quiet girl to the more confident Gypsy Rose Lee. Tony Yazbeck, who I also saw in A Chorus Line, is a talented dancer and has amazing presence onstage. I would love to make a trip back to the show to see it with this cast one more time. There was a thread about a week ago with someone who complained about the band being onstage. You barely even see them at all. You see the band during the overture and some of "All I Need is a Girl." I don't even remember if they appeared during "Rose's Turn," but the band didn't detract from my enjoyment of the show.

Next stop that evening was Wicked. There were two understudies for Chistery and Elphaba. Lisa Brescia was on as Elphaba. Lisa has a fierce voice. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would've enjoyed the show as much. It was my fourth time seeing Wicked (first time on Broadway). The major reason I went was because the three other girls I was with wanted to see Wicked. Anyways, don't be disappointed if Stephanie happens to be out the night you go. Does anyone know why she was out that night or if she was even in during the matinee? Just curious - I know people have emergencies or last minute errands. Anyways, Annaleigh Ashford as G(a)linda was just okay. I loved her in Legally Blonde. Annaleigh has a lovely voice, but I didn't like how she sounded when she tried to reach some of the higher notes. Maybe I am just used to hearing Cheno's operatic voice. Overall, she was funny, and she'll continue to grow with the role. I thought there was something a little off about David Burnham as Fiyero, but maybe it was just me. He didn't really stand out for me for some reason. Everyone else in the cast (who I don't want to list, haha) was great that night. I was especially happy that I got to see Lenny Wolpe as the Wizard, especially since he was out the time I saw Drowsy Chaperone. He did a fine job.

Anyways, spring break was fun!

[Glory]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 4:36pm

I was so upset when I went to Wicked 2 months ago and Steph was out, but I saw Lisa and couldn't be happier. She was AMAZING! Glad you enjoyed her :)

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 4:39pm

Millie- Happy Spring Break! LUCK YOU.. you already saw GYPSY! I'm glad you like it and thanks for the review!

BTW- if you have pics.. post it on your facebook bec. I wanna see it!


J*

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 4:42pm

Yeah, I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Lisa. Good reviews!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 8:03pm

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. I wasn't able to get my hands on a digital camera. Plus I didn't have time to stage door after either show. I had to rush back to the hotel after Gypsy and wasn't about to make the other people I was with stage door after Wicked because they were cold.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/13/08 at 9:46pm

OMG I love Lisa! I am so glad you enjoyed her! Thanks for your reviews. Glad you had a great spring break!