Cast Change Review: lovepb

lovepb

Cast Change Review

Mar 28, 2010 13:15

The drama of the night really started before the 27th had even come around with rumours that a certain person was going to be in the crowd and we weren’t disappointed. About ten minutes before the curtain went up for Act 1 Kerry Ellis was whisked into the theatre where she sat in the middle in about row G or H. I had a pretty good view of her from where I was sitting so was very very excited!

When the show started and Dianne came on in her bubble she got a round of applause that lasted and screams for like 3 - 4 minutes with a everyone in the stalls who knew what was going in standing for her and she started crying. When she eventually managed to get out her ‘It’s good to see me isn’t it?’ line everyone shouted ‘YES!!’ back to her which made her laugh and stop crying a little and she managed to do the rest of her bubble scene. Then when she came down off the bubble and walked to the front of the stage with her wand she searched the crowd with it then found Kerry and gave her a wand salute at which point everyone went ‘Awww’ really loud.

Then when Alexia came on she got lots and lots of clapping a few people standing but not as wild as Dianne’s but that’s probably because she hasn’t been there as long. All was fine until Natalie’s chair was meant to move by Elphaba’s magic before The Wizard and I. It got stuck and Natalie was trying desperately to try to get it to move but it didn’t until the very end and she moved it manually so a bug WELL DONE to her!

What is This Feeling? was very very good, Dianne was on top form and even funnier than ever. She had me in absolute stitches even though I had been crying since the bubble.

When Oli came on he didn’t get a clap because I don’t think anyone knew exactly when to clap! But don’t worry he got a huge clap later on when he came on again. Oli riffed the hell out of Dancing Though Life

Oli and Dianne talked all the time they were off together during the Shiz ball and everyone was watching them instead of what they were meant to be watching.

Popular was out of this world!! Dianne was absolutely amazing, I have never seen a popular that good, not ever! Her ‘toss toss’ got wild applause and a standing ovation.

Next was the train scene and Dianne was very upset and crying through the whole scene, it was so so sad. Alexia gave her the biggest hug before one short day and whispered something to her that made her smile.

Defying Gravity was most cast change I have ever seen, Dianne was crying a bit but Alexia was fine and didn’t cry at all for the whole night. What Alexia did do though was give the end of defying gravity such a brilliant riff that it got a standing ovation. Everyone kept stood up even after the lights went out screaming and clapping.

Kerry Ellis was pulled out during interval so she didn’t get mobbed but when she came back in she got cheers and clapping from our side of the stalls as she walked back and got back to her to her seat. She was very polite and gave everyone a nod and a smile.

Thank Goodness went without a hitch but then during Wicked Witch of the East Natalie got upset. In fact she was the one who cried most through the whole night.

Then the best riff over heard came from Oli during As Long As You’re Mine, seriously it was absolutely amazing and it got mad screams and claps. He got upset during it and everyone was going ‘Awwwwwww’.

The catfight was brilliant, even if Dianne nearly killed Alexia and nearly pulled off her wig due to how hard she yanked the hat from her head!

Again, For Good was remarkable composed with only Dianne really crying and the hug was, whilst longer than usual, not nearly as long as when Kerry left. I think the orchestra made them part a bit soon.

There was the biggest ever standing ovation and screams as soon as it was finished and lasted all through the curtain call.

Ashleigh came out to a huge standing ovation and screams.

The speeches started with Michael McCabe in a general boring speech and then George reading out for all the ensemble members and swings that were leaving (Sabrina got a huge scream as she should!).

Next it was Sarah’s turn to do the main cast’s speeches. She started with Ashleigh saying ‘I’d like to start with the person I’m going to find it hardest to say goodbye to this evening. She has not been on the stage this evening but for those of you who know the show and come back time and time again you have fallen in love with her, the Amazing Ashleigh Gray. She is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met.’

She then said goodbye to David Stoller, Alex Jessop, Harriet Thorpe, the wonderful Natalie Anderson and Sam Kelly.

Then: ‘ I think that everyone is a little bit in love with Oliver Tompsett. Oli is the kind of person who walks into a room and the atmosphere is lifted instantly. Everyone wants to be around him and everyone is in good spirits when they are. His stage talent never fails to amaze me and Oli’s been with Wicked from the very beginning when we opened in 2006and what an asset he’s been to the show and I can say that I can’t think of anyone better to have shared this whole experience with. Wicked and we are so lucky to have had you and we will miss you so so much.’

‘And lastly we say goodbye to out two leading ladies. Alexia brings such an energy to Elphaba and that energy is continued off stage always and it filters through to the rest of the company without a question (insert speech about her work ethic). And last but by no means least (insert screaming and shouts) Dianne joined us three years ago and I remember when she first came in watching her in rehearsals and being in awe really of her creativity as an actress, of her flawless comic timing and the way she brings such a heart and a believability to Glinda and more importantly than that she represents everything a leading lady should be, she is gracious, she is down to earth and she’s one of the team. It had been an absolute privilege for me to be her standby and it’s been a pleasure for us all to share the stage with her. Dianne Pilkington!!On behalf of everyone who is staying here at wicked I just want to thank everyone who is standing on this stage and wish you all the luck in the world for whatever you do next we’re going to miss you so so much!’

Alexia then thanked Sarah and the creative team and all backstage before passing the mic to Di who got a massive scream. I also noticed how emotional Kerry looked at this point. Also Natalie was in bits through the whole thing!

Dianne thanked the fans who were there for making Wicked what it is and the producers etc.

Next comes stage door!

Firstly Oli hung out of the window to get us all riled up!

We were right next to the doors (they came out the smaller main doors from the foyer)so got to see and talk to everyone first.

Oli came out first and talked to us for a minute. He had his own pen with him so was very prepared. He was very nice and jolly as usual.

Ashleigh was next and talked to us for a bit about making Sarah promise to keep up tweeting. She was so so nice and sweet and amazingly beautiful. And she had a special silver pen!

Harriet was next and was very nice.

Next was Natalie who was sooo so sweet and gracious. She seemed so genuinely emotional and touched and had to run back in to get something she forgot! When she came out for the last time she said goodbye to us all. She also had her own pen!

Then came Alex who took forever to sign.

Di came out at the same time bouncy and bubbly with her hair perfectly curled and looking absolutely gorgeous. She talked for a quick minute. She was very efficient at signing and was teasing Alex for being slow! She was brilliant!

We got lots of other signatures for the ensemble but didn’t get Alexia as we had to leave.

I will post pics and so on later as I am still in London atm.

It was definitely the best night ever.
EDIT1:

Here are the pictures of my programme!