6810 replies to this topic

[lesterf]

I remember going a few times over the past year ( not just the last few months) on wednesday matinees and I didn't get to see Rachel once so I hope you are right .. cheers

[isabel]

I don't understand why they got Katie back to play Nessa ? Yes she has a great voice, but i think she looks too old for the part.
It's works ok with Louise, but when Hayley is on it'll look really weird. ( Katie will look much older)

[acapella]

DanielWhit, on 30 October 2012 - 05:33 PM, said:

Yeah, having now listen to recordings from last night - she did have a very unusual (to my ears) tone when going for the higher notes, didn't sound terribly comfortable. Audience dutifully screamed the place down, mind.

At the end of the day, the good thing about any production such as Wicked is it allows all actors in these big roles the chance to do something completely different to their predecessors. I suspect Louise actively does not want to do anything like Rachel did character wise as Elphaba (though after acting opposite her for the best part of two years, that is probably harder than it sounds to escape from), but we'll see how she settles. Until they hit media night they are effectively in their preview period .

Yes I do agree that Louise probably wants to do something different, while remaining respectful to the score and Rachel's legacy. And as you say, it's early days! I'm confident that she will grow into it, and am sure that she's a safe pair of hands. She might never be 'my' Elphaba but that's probably a good thing for my bank balance...

And re: KRJ, I am also a bit confused about what would motivate an actress to go back to the same role several years down the line. I suppose she is U.S. Elphaba now which is a step up, and I would be interested to see her Elphaba as she seemed like a strong Nessarose.

[MrTRobz]

I have just heard the first recordings of Louise as Elphaba and I think she is probably me favourite out of all of the West End girls which is a big thing to say. The unique tone to her voice gives me chills. I hope she has a good run.

[Sam4God]

lesterf, on 30 October 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

do we know yet what shows Louise will miss each week ? Rachel was weds ( usually matinee ) is there any word yet which day(s) Louise is likely to be off ?

She should be doing all 8 shows, I think. As mentioned before, Rachel only had to stop doing matinees since March/April because of personal reasons.

[Titan]

Regarding KRJ, she is a jobbing actress who needs to pay bills. That or she ends up temping somewhere. She probably got a decent wage as she has a proven track record in the show. And as you say, now has a chance to play the lead

[Musicals1248]

lesterf, on 30 October 2012 - 08:45 PM, said:

I remember going a few times over the past year ( not just the last few months) on wednesday matinees and I didn't get to see Rachel once so I hope you are right .. cheers

Forgot to say-Michelle is doing the matinee today because it's a 9 show week, but other than that I'm confident it will be Louise.

[CaityGlinda]

Titan, on 31 October 2012 - 05:38 AM, said:

Regarding KRJ, she is a jobbing actress who needs to pay bills. That or she ends up temping somewhere. She probably got a decent wage as she has a proven track record in the show. And as you say, now has a chance to play the lead

Perhaps she auditioned for Elphaba and they offered her Nessa instead?

[Laughingmonsta]

KRJ was in the original cast in the role of Nessa - so it's no surprise she has gone back into the show in the same role!

[wls250]

Absolutely loved Louise, I’ve had a huge break from Wicked despite going twice in a week. My personal opinion is she’s going to be the best Elphaba London has seen. She sings it perfectly, and her acting is really something else. She’s playing it just as it should be, no playing scenes for laughs, trying to be geeky or nerdy in parts. Her No Good Deed was one of the best I’ve seen, showing real vulnerability and character growth. I can’t wait to see her in a few weeks once she’s a bit settled in the role.
Ben was very good for his second show, occasional slip of accent but I’m guessing that’s just getting used to the role and it was very occasional.
New Morrible shows potential however she did get about 4 or 5 lines wrong throughout the show.
Enjoyed Sam’s Boq and Katie was the same as usual very solid.
Ensemble seemed very strong as well, there were a few slip ups and a couple of funny moments including one of the guys nearly falling off the bike in dancing through life.