WICKED SATURDAY JULY 9, 2005 2PM NYC
After eating breakfast at a local restaurant, we left for the city from RI at 7:10 AM.
We arrived in the city at around 10:30 AM.
We had lunch at Rosie O’Grady’s which was very good.
Then at about 12:50pm, we went to the Gershwin and my stepmom took pictures of me and my bets friend, Meghan, in front of posters and in front of the theatre. They then let us go into the lobby at 1 PM as she and I saw the show by ourselves, paying for our own tickets!
At 1:15 we bought souvenirs (I got a poster, she a POPULAR shirt). At 1:30 we took our seats in row K of the Rear Mezzanine, smack-dab in the middle. I will try to never buy tickets to the Orchestra (unless I do the lottery) or the loge, or Front, or Mid Mezzanine. These seats, for $50, beat the Sitting close at WICKED because it seems even more magical above it. I was able to see faces, expressions, and EVERYTHING. There were no understudies.
NOTE: Last year I saw the OBC. This statement will be relevant.
No One Mourns the Wicked: The audience cheered when the lights went down. Being up above I was able to get a better view of everything. The ensemble was very strong, so I was happy with them. Megan’s entrance received applause. I felt that she rushed her opening lines, but she was perfect for the rest of the show (more on that later). Sean, Cristy, and Jan have become very strong performers in their featured roles. The end of the song was very powerful. The so called “cheap” material looks amazing on the bubble dress.
Dear Old Shiz: Shosh received large applause. Not much to say here, but the cast was very good at what they were doing. I loved how Shosh’s Elphie is so sarcastic because she’s tired of being left out. Michelle and Sean were wonderful together, even better than last year (This is something I will be saying a lot as I feel the show has become stronger with age). Megan was absolutely perfect in her scene (and the new arrival dress looks much better than in the picture we have seen). Rue received a lot of applause when she entered. She DOES play the part as if she’s drunk, for example: “Hoooow did yoou dooooo thaatuh?” But I didn’t hate her in the role, as she is bearable, I just don’t agree with her interpretation.
The Wizard and I: I didn’t like Shosh’s voice in this song until “unlimited, my future is…” when she started belting. But I did feel that she had a lot of pfastion in her acting. She belted for the rest of the show when appropriate so had no issues with any other song of hers.
What is this Feeling?: Megan and Shosh are absolutely hilarious in this song. I love how Megan carries herself around the stage like an oblivious doll. Galinda’s Shiz uniform is different and suits the character more. I am also glad that they don’t give her straight hair as it makes her seem preppy with short curly hair.
Something Bad: Megan was just a joy to watch and listen to. She has amazing comic timing. Bill is really funny in his role of Dillamond. Shosh seemed really pfastionate about being an Animal activist, far more than Idina had, so I felt like really rooting for the cause even more.
Dancing through Life: Meghan whispered in my ear telling me how much she loves David Ayer’s appearance. Jeffrey Kuhn as Boq is absolutely wonderful! His hats are not as big and ugly as they were originally so that is a plus. He is a great actor and a joy to watch. He doesn’t have as great a voice as Chris Fitzgerald does, but they’re both equals in acting quality. David was great being in his stuck-up character, but although he was wonderful, he does not have THE BEST voice, but he was still great. The dancing is wonderful. Rue was her best at this scene…here’s her best line of the day: “Personally I do not think you have what it takes (she retrieves a martini from a serving tray). I hope you prove me wro-ONG!…(she drinks the WHOLE martini then replaces it on the tray) I doubt you wi-IL!” The “May I cut in?” part was absolutely beautiful and emotional. I found myself crying even more than last year, looking at those two dancing within a beautiful setting.
Popular: MEGAN TOPS KRISTIN CHENOWETH LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS IN THIS SCENE AND ALMOST EVERY SCENE!!! She is so much more into this song and she had me laughing hysterically! She was so much more bubbly and oblivious to how other’s feel that I just couldn’t resist her! Her ‘LA LA LA LA” was done with this hilarious little, almost like a bunny, hop and she did it with this cutesy voice without the “what am I doing lalala’s for?” thing. When she started her last verse before giving Elphie the full treatment, she pointed at the audience and used this almost deep jazzy voice singing “POPULAAAR! I KNOW ABOUT POP-U-U-LAAAR,” you’ll have to see it. At the very end she “sang into her mirror microphone.” I had tears in my eyes when Elphie looked in the mirror.
I’m not that girl: David and Shosh together is like a hungry person devouring a cake…full of pfastion, even though hidden at this point. Shosh was very touching in this song but she had a lot of trouble with last note…she couldn’t get the vibrato going and she sounded like a guy, but that was OK. It still sounded lovely.
One Short Day: This scene is so beautiful! I just loved it!
Sentimental Man: Ben Vereen is an AMAZING Wizard! He received well-deserved entrance applause. When he said, “you’ve got to give the people what they want” he did this little dance step which drove the audience to Happy applause. When Shosh’s Elphie discovered the evil side of The Wizard, she seemed so pfastionate about fighting him.
Defying Gravity: Shosh gave me CHILLS the ENTIRE time. She was so mesmerizing and into the song and its message that she was just a powerhouse. When she rises up, it is such a powerful moment, and those riffs! So amazing! The audience cheered at the end from joy. The flying effect looks like it is not as high from up above but it looks better. They also use the new lighting for Defying Gravity with the white, purple, and blues. SHOSH KICKS IDINA, LIKE MEGAN KICKS KRISTIN, OUT OF THE WATER.
Intermission went by quickly….YAY!!!
At the beginning of the second act, the group of ladies who were sitting next to my friend had been talking a lot, and not even about the show. This had been going on during the first act and was very distracting. I was not going to deal with it for another hour so I reached over and told them they were distracting and they stopped in embarrfastment.
Thank Goodness: Megan and David were great here, as was the ensemble. Rue talks instead of signs and she looked like she was about to fall of the OZ stage.
The Wicked Witch of the East: I could see Stephen Oremus in the mirror, but that was OK. Micelle did a great job. Personally I think she’s improved since she first started. When Shosh left, I could hear her pain of constant rejection in her voice. The audience had quite few first timers so they were like: OH! So that’s how the Tin Man came to be.
Wonderful: This song really was wonderful with Ben and the new orchestrations and lyrics. It was so much more exciting with Ben than Joel.
As Long as you’re mine: Now the pfastion was pouring out. They never took their eyes off of one another and they looked like they wanted to eat each other! It was such a beautiful moment. Shosh’s “I feel…WICKED” was so cute and it got the real message of that line across;).
The Fight scene: The audience was gasping when they hit each other. The gasps were absolutely amazing.
No Good Deed: Shosh was so frustrated with everything and it made it so believable. She was so into the song that it became a powerful song. More powerful than I’ve ever heard it performed. At the end she sang.
March of the Witch Hunters: The entire ensemble just seemed really into it. Rue was OK here, but I don’t think she took advantage of her lines as they should get huge laughs.
For Good: I cried here as well! I felt that these two had really become good friends during DTL that it was even more believable here.
Arresting Morrible: Megan did a great imitation of Rue! It’s priceless.
The Finale: The shadows behind the clock gave the ending the same powerful moment as it had last year. Megan’s “I will try to be Glinda the Good” was so much more powerful and emotional. The audience applauded when Shosh came from the trap door. The ending was VERY powerful.
Evaluation:
Shoshana Bean: My favorite Elphaba. She beats Idina hands down. A. (Although Idina also has an A)
Megan Hilty: My favorite Glinda. She kicks Cheno’s butt. A+.
Ben Vereen: My favorite Wizard. He definitely makes you wish he originated the role. A+.
Rue McClanahan: She tried her own thing but it didn’t work in my opinion. Carole beats here. B for effort and for being enjoyable nonetheless.
David Ayers: Great actor but not the best voice. Norbert beats him. But David does get an A.
Michelle Federer: I don’t know why people have problems with her. I think she’s great and she seems really into it. A.
Jeffrey Kuhn: Again, I don’t know why people have a problem with him. His hats REALLY work now they’re smaller. Chris beats him because of voice but he still gets an A.
William Youmans: He’s still really into this small little role. A+.
Ensemble: AMAZING. An A+.
We went to the stage door afterwards. I almost got David’s autograph. But he seemed tired and after doing the group next to us he said good bye, and I respect that. He was still very nice about it though. This one guy ran after him saying, “Hey! Scarecrow!” I think that is VERY RUDE. It bothers me. No one else really came out so we left at 5:20.
This cast was BETTER generally than the OBC and they deserve all the recognition available.
I was also very Happy to have shared this with my friend who was in awe the entire time.
I can’t wait for the tour in Boston next year!!!
~~~~
Today my dad and stepmom totally ruined by hqappiness by yelling at me for odd reasons saying I used them to drive me and Meg to NY. It's ridiculous. I can't stand it anymore...all I did was tell them about books for school next yera and suddenly I've been a jerk all day?
We arrived in the city at around 10:30 AM.
We had lunch at Rosie O’Grady’s which was very good.
Then at about 12:50pm, we went to the Gershwin and my stepmom took pictures of me and my bets friend, Meghan, in front of posters and in front of the theatre. They then let us go into the lobby at 1 PM as she and I saw the show by ourselves, paying for our own tickets!
At 1:15 we bought souvenirs (I got a poster, she a POPULAR shirt). At 1:30 we took our seats in row K of the Rear Mezzanine, smack-dab in the middle. I will try to never buy tickets to the Orchestra (unless I do the lottery) or the loge, or Front, or Mid Mezzanine. These seats, for $50, beat the Sitting close at WICKED because it seems even more magical above it. I was able to see faces, expressions, and EVERYTHING. There were no understudies.
NOTE: Last year I saw the OBC. This statement will be relevant.
No One Mourns the Wicked: The audience cheered when the lights went down. Being up above I was able to get a better view of everything. The ensemble was very strong, so I was happy with them. Megan’s entrance received applause. I felt that she rushed her opening lines, but she was perfect for the rest of the show (more on that later). Sean, Cristy, and Jan have become very strong performers in their featured roles. The end of the song was very powerful. The so called “cheap” material looks amazing on the bubble dress.
Dear Old Shiz: Shosh received large applause. Not much to say here, but the cast was very good at what they were doing. I loved how Shosh’s Elphie is so sarcastic because she’s tired of being left out. Michelle and Sean were wonderful together, even better than last year (This is something I will be saying a lot as I feel the show has become stronger with age). Megan was absolutely perfect in her scene (and the new arrival dress looks much better than in the picture we have seen). Rue received a lot of applause when she entered. She DOES play the part as if she’s drunk, for example: “Hoooow did yoou dooooo thaatuh?” But I didn’t hate her in the role, as she is bearable, I just don’t agree with her interpretation.
The Wizard and I: I didn’t like Shosh’s voice in this song until “unlimited, my future is…” when she started belting. But I did feel that she had a lot of pfastion in her acting. She belted for the rest of the show when appropriate so had no issues with any other song of hers.
What is this Feeling?: Megan and Shosh are absolutely hilarious in this song. I love how Megan carries herself around the stage like an oblivious doll. Galinda’s Shiz uniform is different and suits the character more. I am also glad that they don’t give her straight hair as it makes her seem preppy with short curly hair.
Something Bad: Megan was just a joy to watch and listen to. She has amazing comic timing. Bill is really funny in his role of Dillamond. Shosh seemed really pfastionate about being an Animal activist, far more than Idina had, so I felt like really rooting for the cause even more.
Dancing through Life: Meghan whispered in my ear telling me how much she loves David Ayer’s appearance. Jeffrey Kuhn as Boq is absolutely wonderful! His hats are not as big and ugly as they were originally so that is a plus. He is a great actor and a joy to watch. He doesn’t have as great a voice as Chris Fitzgerald does, but they’re both equals in acting quality. David was great being in his stuck-up character, but although he was wonderful, he does not have THE BEST voice, but he was still great. The dancing is wonderful. Rue was her best at this scene…here’s her best line of the day: “Personally I do not think you have what it takes (she retrieves a martini from a serving tray). I hope you prove me wro-ONG!…(she drinks the WHOLE martini then replaces it on the tray) I doubt you wi-IL!” The “May I cut in?” part was absolutely beautiful and emotional. I found myself crying even more than last year, looking at those two dancing within a beautiful setting.
Popular: MEGAN TOPS KRISTIN CHENOWETH LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS IN THIS SCENE AND ALMOST EVERY SCENE!!! She is so much more into this song and she had me laughing hysterically! She was so much more bubbly and oblivious to how other’s feel that I just couldn’t resist her! Her ‘LA LA LA LA” was done with this hilarious little, almost like a bunny, hop and she did it with this cutesy voice without the “what am I doing lalala’s for?” thing. When she started her last verse before giving Elphie the full treatment, she pointed at the audience and used this almost deep jazzy voice singing “POPULAAAR! I KNOW ABOUT POP-U-U-LAAAR,” you’ll have to see it. At the very end she “sang into her mirror microphone.” I had tears in my eyes when Elphie looked in the mirror.
I’m not that girl: David and Shosh together is like a hungry person devouring a cake…full of pfastion, even though hidden at this point. Shosh was very touching in this song but she had a lot of trouble with last note…she couldn’t get the vibrato going and she sounded like a guy, but that was OK. It still sounded lovely.
One Short Day: This scene is so beautiful! I just loved it!
Sentimental Man: Ben Vereen is an AMAZING Wizard! He received well-deserved entrance applause. When he said, “you’ve got to give the people what they want” he did this little dance step which drove the audience to Happy applause. When Shosh’s Elphie discovered the evil side of The Wizard, she seemed so pfastionate about fighting him.
Defying Gravity: Shosh gave me CHILLS the ENTIRE time. She was so mesmerizing and into the song and its message that she was just a powerhouse. When she rises up, it is such a powerful moment, and those riffs! So amazing! The audience cheered at the end from joy. The flying effect looks like it is not as high from up above but it looks better. They also use the new lighting for Defying Gravity with the white, purple, and blues. SHOSH KICKS IDINA, LIKE MEGAN KICKS KRISTIN, OUT OF THE WATER.
Intermission went by quickly….YAY!!!
At the beginning of the second act, the group of ladies who were sitting next to my friend had been talking a lot, and not even about the show. This had been going on during the first act and was very distracting. I was not going to deal with it for another hour so I reached over and told them they were distracting and they stopped in embarrfastment.
Thank Goodness: Megan and David were great here, as was the ensemble. Rue talks instead of signs and she looked like she was about to fall of the OZ stage.
The Wicked Witch of the East: I could see Stephen Oremus in the mirror, but that was OK. Micelle did a great job. Personally I think she’s improved since she first started. When Shosh left, I could hear her pain of constant rejection in her voice. The audience had quite few first timers so they were like: OH! So that’s how the Tin Man came to be.
Wonderful: This song really was wonderful with Ben and the new orchestrations and lyrics. It was so much more exciting with Ben than Joel.
As Long as you’re mine: Now the pfastion was pouring out. They never took their eyes off of one another and they looked like they wanted to eat each other! It was such a beautiful moment. Shosh’s “I feel…WICKED” was so cute and it got the real message of that line across;).
The Fight scene: The audience was gasping when they hit each other. The gasps were absolutely amazing.
No Good Deed: Shosh was so frustrated with everything and it made it so believable. She was so into the song that it became a powerful song. More powerful than I’ve ever heard it performed. At the end she sang.
March of the Witch Hunters: The entire ensemble just seemed really into it. Rue was OK here, but I don’t think she took advantage of her lines as they should get huge laughs.
For Good: I cried here as well! I felt that these two had really become good friends during DTL that it was even more believable here.
Arresting Morrible: Megan did a great imitation of Rue! It’s priceless.
The Finale: The shadows behind the clock gave the ending the same powerful moment as it had last year. Megan’s “I will try to be Glinda the Good” was so much more powerful and emotional. The audience applauded when Shosh came from the trap door. The ending was VERY powerful.
Evaluation:
Shoshana Bean: My favorite Elphaba. She beats Idina hands down. A. (Although Idina also has an A)
Megan Hilty: My favorite Glinda. She kicks Cheno’s butt. A+.
Ben Vereen: My favorite Wizard. He definitely makes you wish he originated the role. A+.
Rue McClanahan: She tried her own thing but it didn’t work in my opinion. Carole beats here. B for effort and for being enjoyable nonetheless.
David Ayers: Great actor but not the best voice. Norbert beats him. But David does get an A.
Michelle Federer: I don’t know why people have problems with her. I think she’s great and she seems really into it. A.
Jeffrey Kuhn: Again, I don’t know why people have a problem with him. His hats REALLY work now they’re smaller. Chris beats him because of voice but he still gets an A.
William Youmans: He’s still really into this small little role. A+.
Ensemble: AMAZING. An A+.
We went to the stage door afterwards. I almost got David’s autograph. But he seemed tired and after doing the group next to us he said good bye, and I respect that. He was still very nice about it though. This one guy ran after him saying, “Hey! Scarecrow!” I think that is VERY RUDE. It bothers me. No one else really came out so we left at 5:20.
This cast was BETTER generally than the OBC and they deserve all the recognition available.
I was also very Happy to have shared this with my friend who was in awe the entire time.
I can’t wait for the tour in Boston next year!!!
~~~~
Today my dad and stepmom totally ruined by hqappiness by yelling at me for odd reasons saying I used them to drive me and Meg to NY. It's ridiculous. I can't stand it anymore...all I did was tell them about books for school next yera and suddenly I've been a jerk all day?