I would love for both of them to come back! Their talents are sorely missed and I know I would be going a lot more often if they came back...

At LA's last show didn't Stephen Schwartz and/or Winnie Holzman say that it was the LAST show for Eden, Megan, and Derrick? I would take that to mean that they are most certainly not coming back to the show.

Stephen said that they had to single out three cast members who were "leaving us." That could be taken different ways, they're leaving the LA/SF production, or they're leaving Wicked altogether. But given that many times people have "left" Wicked and then later returned, I wouldn't go solely by the speech that night to decide how likely it is.

Still, I'd say it's unlikely that Eden or Megan will return, especially so soon. And I really would rather see them do something else than come back to Wicked again.

Yes, but it's never been said by the show's writers that it was going to be someone's last show. That seems pretty final, and honestly, I hope it's true.

I completely agree one-hundred percent about this. Eden and Megan had their moment, now it's time for others to get theirs. I am really hoping the new Elphaba is Mandy, because it would show they are taking another chance (like they did with Nicole Parker) in new women playing the role.

Although I would never rule it out completely (weirder things have happened), Eden was saying on Twitter that she went to an audition the other day so doubt her plans involve Wicked in the near future.

I can't see them coming back, but I wouldn't be too shocked.

Well, to be honest... it's not their decision. It's ultimately the producers' decision.

I bet if either one of them wanted to come back they would be welcomed with open arms by the producers!

I'm sure they would be considering how long they have been apart of the Wicked family. At 9 to 5's closing, someone asked Megan if she'd go back to Wicked and she seemed pretty certain she wouldn't be going back, but I guess never say never.

^Yeah, I'm pretty sure they'd be welcomed back (even though I doubt they'd want to go back). The producers seem to love recycling.

Fixed.

I really don't want Eden and Megan to return for a long while (only if they made the movie ) because i want to see them as actors do other things. I think Megan is going to be working on more TV and movie stuff here in LA and Eden is auditioning for some other stuff and is engaged to be married. So as much as i love them in the role, i really don't want them back for now, but i would obviously see them if they did. It's so time for new people. The only recycling i'm cool with is standbys/u.s getting promoted.

I think because I am relatively new to Wicked and only saw Megan and Eden 3 times I feel like I would love to have had more of an opportunity to see their performances.

Can anyone put any bets on who will be heading the Second National Tour by the time April rolls around? If Marcie and Helene's contracts are going to expire some replacements will be in order. It seems there's going to be a lot of moving around in the Wicked world during early spring in general. The question is who's going to end up where.

I wouldn't be surprised if Carrie moved up - she has a lot of prior experience.

Also, I'm not sure whether or not this was confirmed, but Kevin is DEFINITELY leaving by the end of the month to do The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Philadelphia. So that rumor about Andy Karl taking over at the end of January is seeming more and more true. I'm very excited to see his take on the role!

I agree; he'll be absolutely fabulous.

Even though I didn't like David Burnham's Fiyero, I kind of want him to replace Kevin because Katie and David have the HOTTEST chemistry I've ever seen. Oh well, I'm excited to hopefully see Andy. I think he'll be awesome as long as he doesn't phone in *coughlikein9to5cough.

I too strongly disliked David Burnham's Fiyero, although I cannot judge his chemistry with Katie Rose Clarke. Do you not like Kevin Kern? I thought he was amazing when I saw him.

I thought Kevin was very good. I'd be happy to see him again if he'd extended.

I'm so psyched for Andy (if it really is true about him joining), because he's so talented and I thoroughly enjoy him very much.

Wouldn't hold my breath for this to happen as I talked with David about this on Thursday evening when I saw him in Ordinary Days at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California. He was very excited for her and would be making a trip soon to see her perform the role but as for returning to Wicked to play Fiyero he didn't see that happening anytime soon. He's busy with cabaret performances on the West Coast among other things. He was very good in this show which I knew nothing about and I found to be a little musical gem. He even played the piano to accompany one of his songs which was another talent I never knew he had.

Yes, Carrie would be the ideal candidate, seeing as she has many credits and knows the role. It seems like an easy promotion to me. I would prefer a new face, but as long as Anne Brummel is promoted to standby, I'll be good. I have a feeling Michelle London will take over as Elphaba, and if not, Libby. But, if it is not a promotion in the tour, then maybe it's Natalie Daradich or Laura Woyasz. Just a suggestion.

I kinda hope Marice extends or Vicki gets transferred. I can't really see Carrie getting promoted. I saw her and she was great, don't get me wrong but she was just a little dry for my taste. She played Elphaba very straight foreword. Maybe I need to see her again...

ditto.

I wouldn't be surprised in Michelle took over Glinda either, but she's also supposed to be a kick-butt Nessarose. A friend of mine saw her and said she was absolutely phenomenal and was the best part of the show for her (full cast / Michelle!Nessa).

This is my thinking...
SAN FRAN:
Vicki Noon

2nd TOUR:
Carrie Manolakos

1st TOUR:
Merideth Kaye Clark

BROADWAY:
Someone New (Mandy)

^For some reason, I think we'll se Vicki on one of the tours, idk why but I just do.

I agree. I can see her taking over for Marcie.

At 4:10 EST today I received this message from KGB: "hello from kgb Txt SHOLMES for a free Sherlock Holmes movie fact OR ask another question & it's free"

So, with the 2NT on my mind lately, I decided to have a little fun. Considering even we don't know who will be replacing Marcie there's no way KGB could find out. I asked the service who would be replacing Marcie Dodd as Elphaba in the second national tour of Wicked.

"Marcie Dodd and Helene Yorke Headline the Second National Tour of Wicked! Ask away. kgb_team"

I told KGB I in fact knew that already and politely re-phrased my original query.

"Anne Brummel is Marcie Dodd's replacement for Elphaba in the national touring cast. kgb_team"

I was pretty sure at this point they were confusing replacement with understudy but I pressed on nonetheless. I asked when the replacement would happen.

"February 28, 2010 is the date the replacement is most likely to take place. Text soon anytime! kgb_team"

I then asked who would be replacing Helene.

"Anne Brummel is Helene Yorke's understudy for Glinda but Helene is schedule to remain as Glinda for 2010. kgb_team"

And with that last text I completely discounted everything KGB had said thus far (not that I hadn't already - I was just doing this for perks). I just thought I'd share this with everyone to see what you thought of it.

Hmmm. I would think there is more chance of Anne replacing Carrie rather than Marcie but you never know. Has an understudy Elphaba ever replaced instead of the standby before?

What? Who? is KGB?

It's a service where you can text questions and they send you back answers. It's called KGB.

Hearing rumors that Mandy Gonzalez from In The Heights will be taking over for Dee when she leaves... anyone else hear this?

Yes, it's been discussed for awhile. I've never heard anything from Mandy but I hear she is amazing in "In The Heights"

I really hope Carrie gets promoted to lead... I've never seen her live but I would love to!! And Anne DEF needs to be standby.. she's just incredible!! OH and Michelle London needs to be lead for Glinda!!!!!

Caissie Levy was an understudy in NYC when she replaced Eden(I think) over Julie Reiber who was the standby in LA at the time.

I wouldn't believe anything on KGB.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't either. I just thought what it said was somewhat interesting.

I really really want Mandy as Elphaba badly.

For those who aren't familiar with Mandy, here is Mandy and Chris Jackson singing "When You're Home" from In The Heights at the Tony preview concert in 2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or4JSrqT2U4

Hmm...I've watched a few clips of Mandy and her voice doesnt do it for me.

I am of the same impression. Her voice is beautiful, no doubt, but for me something is missing.

I have to agree. I have seen her live and she was good performing In The Heights, but as Elphaba, I'm not so sure.
Yet I bet all this speculation is for nothing. Dee may very well extend.

The ICBH

according to this: http://www.broadway.com/buzz/janet-dacal-a...headed-heights/

Mandy is leaving "Heights" on the 24th...hmm...the rumors continue :-p

Not that one week makes much of a difference, but according to what she's been telling fans, she's leaving on the 31st.

The article on BroadwayWorld originally had her leaving date as the 24th too, but it's now been changed to the 31st (here).

Thanks for clearing that up lol...in other news....we have Andy!!

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/andy-karl-wic...ing-february-2/

not gonna lie I'm so friggin excited about it!!!

I'm looking foreward to what he brings to the role.

I am SO excited about Andy. I'm just hoping his contract keeps him there till July when I go!