Breaking the hiatus
Have you ever notice how when writing something, the beginning is the hardest part? Or maybe it isn't. Maybe it's just for me and the people who, like me, tend to start thinking up their stories right in the middle
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As for the musical, don't worry, I used to feel the same way (since it's not even known in the country where I live -not even the book) and I still managed to see it. I guess you just never know. [follows unhelpful semi-review of the musical as performed by the Los Angeles company at the Pantages theater - LA]
The musical itself was great, although I have to admit at first I didn't think it was going to work for me: the music was simply ok and the characters weren't grabbing my attention (the voice-work, that is). But then came Elphaba's transformation at the hands of Glinda and I was in. The performances really took off after that, and finally, from that piece on, Eden Espinosa (who played Elphaba) truly let her voice shine. I'd never heard from her before but she's got a great voice for stage work.
Megan Hilty played Glinda and was absolutely fab. She comes from Broadway (same musical) so it's not a big shocker, I guess, but still a nice surprise. The wizard was played beautifully by John Rubinstein, a true vet, who managed to make you feel sorry for the little bugger, which is important (at least for me). My only complain is perhaps that the guy playing Fiyero, though good looking and obviously talented was not, well, not all that. The choreography also left me cold at times but I grew up with dancers so maybe I'm biased.
Special notation must be made regarding the scenic designer, the lightning designer, the sound designer and the stage manager. The sets are nothing short of amazing, and the light and sound effects add just what needs to be added.
All in all, grade A entertainment. Pure un-adultered fun. And if you ever get the chance to see it live, don't miss it. Seriously.
*post-scriptum-whine: Wish I'd seen the Broadway production when Kristin Chenowet was playing Ginda. I would have pee'd myself. /whine
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