I actually won the lottery. Colour me very surprised as I usually have no luck whatsoever. Anyway, I was called second, after a pair of fellow wicked fans (who I later discovered were LaFemmeVerte and saintaelphaba ) who gleefully informed me that Patrice was on. Now, I knew Amanda was on holidays and was hoping I would get to see Jemma (and thus complete the trifecta ) but I loved Patrice last time, so I can't say I was disappointed. Overall I was much impressed by the performance of everyone. Patrice has really improved acting-wise, which was her weak point last time.

So here's my somewhat fragmented and disorganised review. I'll probably add to it as I remember bit and pieces (or I figure out how to express certain things).

NOMTW
- viciously attacked by bubbles
- I found Penny! (Saw Rob last time)
- Bert's voice painfully recognisable - kinda spoils the father twist
- why no laughs for cute green baby? WHY?
- much love for projected witch in background

DOS
- adore happy, hopeful Elphie singing along to the start of DOS
- adore grumpy Elphie - boo at Boq!
- Patrice speaking at a slower pace or at least speaks with better timing, acting improved IMO - still talks at a fast pace, but fits her interpretation of the character. Angry angry Elphie.
- Galinda's Animal servant scratching itself in background - Rat?
- Like Morrible - not the best singer admittedly, but a good actress - it works
- Lucy cracks me up. Constantly. Love her faint at the end of DOS/beginning of TWAI.
- Patrice and Penny totally work for me as sisters. Nessa seemed very upset about not rooming with Elphaba and then about the spell, but also seemed so happy for her when Morrible tells Elphie she might meet the Wizard. A lone smile in a sea of horrified faces.

TWAI
- in recording not normally a song I really get into - prefer to skip ahead to WITF or DG or NGD, but when Patrice sings it I get caught up in it. May just be the live vs recording thing. Need to see Amanda again or Jemma to tell for sure. Anyway. Loved it.

WITF
- love Lucy's totally run on sentence - not long "peculiar"
- Patrice seemed a little overpowered by Lucy too me...just me?
- cute little hand gestures at each other - funny
- is the sole purpose of Lucy's foottapping handwaving thing in DOS a setup for this do you think? Funny either way.
- Patrice walks very fast. It's cute.

SB
- one of my least favourite songs in general
- love for Rodney! Great "Baaaa"s.
- he took quite a while to eat that bit of paper. Must be yummy.

DTL
- looked like they nearly ran Patrice off the stage
- Fiyero looks very intrigued by Elphaba. Missed that last time.
- Oh Mills. Your singing is beautiful but your dancing cracks me up.
- Lucy is still hilarious. Gonna have to write that for almost every song she's in I think.
- Flips her hair over his arm when walking with his arm over her shoulder. Did that make sense?
- Fiyero seems a little weirded out by Boq.
- LOLS at Mills posing and wandering around the statue watching Galinda and Boq.
- Did Boq thumbs up Galinda or did I imagine that?
- Elphie seems so happy for Nessa - cute
- Elphie looked really really happy for the hat - she just wants to fit in and be loved, dammit!
- Rob and Lucy were making fluttery hands at each other in the corner of the stage while the Boq/Nessa was happening.
- Nessa is so happy to be asked to dance. Act I Nessa is so sweet!
- Love. The. Elphie. Dance. Sooo unco and fast and jerky and totally geek-girl-knows-not-what-she's-supposed-to-do. And Lucy's even worse version? Funniest thing ever. Until the next song, anyway .

Popular
- Lucy is hilarious. HILARIOUS! Pure crack. With the bouncing around the stage, and the lipsmacking, and the random high notes, and the pause-breathe-deep-centring thing...too funny to describe properly.
- I thought Patrice's rendition of Elphaba's 'secret' was great. She seemed really sad, it was kinda heartbreaking.
- Patrice did the toss-toss-cackle! I remember Amanda doing it, but last time Patrice just did a kinda unco toss thing which was funny, but not as funny as the cackle. Although today it was more a toss-toss-cackle-snort thing.
- I was afraid that Lucy would break the wand during the "Is this on?" bit, she was bending it so much.
- Elphaba almost sounded like she was in tears as she rushed offstage.
- Lipstick got tucked down the top of her dress!

Lion Cub Scene
- Patrice also does the toss-toss fast.
- love Rob's toss-toss.
- Professor guy pokes the lion cub hard. In the eyes!
- "Are we all just gonna sit here?" ...would probably work better if they all were sitting. It seemed like half the students were still standing outraged. Nice to see such a conscientious class.
- kinda random, but why isn't Galinda in class? Other than 'it suits the plot'.

INTG
- Patrice goes up on the last note! I noticed this last time as well. Not sure how I feel about it to be honest. On one hand I tend to be something of a purist (or possibly just pedantic) when it comes to music - the more different it is to the 'original' (or 'definitive') the less I'm likely to like it. On the other hand, Patrice sung it beautifully. Either way, it amused me that she goes up and Lucy goes down. Eh, whatever, I'm weird.
- Neither Lucy nor Patrice's entrances got applause (except kinda from me, and I think LaFemmeVerte and saintaelphaba), but this song did...I'm sure I read somewhere that it ususally didn't?

OSD
- sidenote - thanks to the articles and stuff on Hilferty's website, I managed to pick out Liz Stiles. Go me.
- much better timing from Patrice in the Train Station bit. Timing is what makes a lot of the jokes funny ("Blonde" "Yes, I've heard" etc) and as I mentioned, last time Patrice tended to speak very quickly and loose a lot of laughs.
- Also seems to be a lot more chemistry between Lucy and Patrice than last time.
- Again, funny Lucy - great example of timing, the pause between "I have been thinking..." and "...of changing my name!"

ASM
- LOLs at Glinda trying to hide behind Elphaba - Lucy's taller than Patrice and it's kinda odd. But cute in a way.
- Bert. They say if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything. I don't like Bert, he does not work for me for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately he's the only Wizard I've seen so far, and I seem to like him less and less each time.
- Poor Elphaba looked soooo betrayed.

DG
- Patrice was just fantastic in this song. Like, indescribably good.
- almost got choked by smoke. I pity the orchestra.

Spent the intermission talking to my brother about how much better everyone was, especially Patrice. He was annoyed with me for "wasting my money" on a Green Elixer Water Bottle, I was annoyed with him for not getting there until 5 to. Contemplated the confusing Map of Oz. Turned around an realised they'd closed off the Dress Circle. Ticket sales must really be down. I guess that snippit I read in the Age on Tuesday is true and the show has an end in site.

TG
- heartbroken Glinda - really well acted by Lucy, IMO

WWotE
- Act II Nessa is an angry angry woman. Huge change from the Sweet Act I Nessa.
- Stuart...the shrinking heart acting was a bit much.
- I liked Penny's WWotE better than last time. And I seem to be writing that a lot, so maybe a lot of people were having a bit of an off day last time.

Ballroom Scene/Wonderful
- I was distracted thoughout the Ballroom scene upon noticing Elphaba hiding up on the left balcony. I missed that last time! She looked so sad.
- Rodney was still great, Bert was still blah. (IMO!)
- Lucy still funny. I'm just gonna stop typing that and you can take it as given, k?

INTG®
- Poor sad Glinda. Made me want to give her a hug.

ALAYM
- Definitely much more chemistry between Rob and Patrice than last time. Rarr. They're kinda handsy.
- Rob needs to stay still when he sings more. It'd be more convincing IMO.

Catfight Scene
- they both seemed to kinda collapse on the floor when mourning Nessa. That must make their dresses pretty dirty.
- Slaps looked realistic. Possibly they were.
- Looked to me like Lucy almost got her wand caught in her dress during the twirling.
- Again, Patrice's timing? Much better. (Stupid unresponsive audience)
- Rope swing + "Let the green girl go" = still hilarious.

NGD
- Guh.
- I love Patrice.
- Great "Fiyero" riff.
- sidenote - Patrice looks gorgeous in the Act II dress.

MotWH
- Boq and the witch hunters mime possible deaths for the witch in slo-mo while Glinda and Morrible talk. How strange, yet amusing.
- the lion is basically just a really long tail. Longer than you see from head on.

FG
- Again noting that the chemistry between Lucy and Patrice has improved.
- Patrice stuffs the note from Fiyero up her sleeve. First the lipstick down the front, then this. The girls really feeling the lack of pockets?
- There's something special about hearing this song sung live. That's true for all the songs I suppose, but especially this one. It made me tear up.

Finale
- Rob's Scarecrow walk cracks me up.
- Patrice looks like a tiny little skinny thing in that post-melting dress.

No standing ovation (I am too tall to stand up and start one myself). Matinee audiences kinda suck.

More comments later as I remember stuff or am less tired.

YAY, Lottery pals!



He he, I felt like a cat swatting them away from my face. I think one landed on my head and made a nest.



I also thought Patrice was amazing in her rendition of this song. She has a wonderful belt and WOW, she ripped it up. It was at that point that I began to feel less nervous about how she would perform the role (I get nervous when I haven't seen a Wicked cast member before as there is such a hype beforehand that sometimes leads to disappointment.)



Jemma also goes up on the end note. Jemma's lower register is not as strong as her upper and she has issues hitting such a low note and I think Patrice has the same problem. I don't know what I think of it either. Part of me prefers it as it is a lovely melodic end to the song and finishes it off nicely but I feel a little bit of a purist too.



Us crazy Wicked fans in the front row haha. The next three rows were probably wondering what all the hype was about - i don't think grinning at them and saying "PATRICE IS ON- HOW COOL!" would have the desired effect.



I had a fit of OMG-I'M SO HAPPY-ness. That's a technical term that. I was impressed by Patrice's vocal control and that she was able to riff without the danger of going off-key. The bane of many a US Elphaba. She was also able to adapt the songs to her own style which added something extra.



I don't mind Stuart. He fills the role well enough. Not a highlight but does what he needs to do. I really thought James needed a promotion as he was the best Boq so far in my opinion.


Agreed. Leaning back doesn't help you reach a high note, he should be able to do that without looking like he straining. This scene is where I have the most problem with Rob. The fact that he has a pop voice just doesn't mesh with any of the Elphabas. His pop technique of just singing the song also breaks the romantic tension between the characters of Elphaba and Fiyero. This has always seemed a 'going through the motions' song in the Australian production which is slightly disappointing because when the chemistry and voices match, this song is dazzling.


hehehe Lucy's done that before. Have been there and RIP on the pettal. Lucy and Amanda couldn't stop laughing the entire scene. Ever since i've been waiting for it to happen again. This time she almost broke her crown and hit herself in the head. Not only would we have a knocked out Nessa but a second witch to join her. Apart from the wand being flimsy of course.



COMPLETE HIGHLIGHT. Very 'witchy'. Large eyes, sharp movements and angry gestures. How awesome is this woman's vocals?! Jemma who?? WHO?? LOVED the Fiyero riff... again again!!! Heart palpitations-needed paper bag type fantastic!



You know what they say about... no, never mind..





All in all I have to agree that it was a fantastic performance. LaFemme and I saw Jemma on the Sat matinee and thought she had improved but I definitely think Patrice is the better out of the two. She would make a fantastic stand-by and I really hope to see her perform in the role again soon. Although in saying this there were a few things I felt Patrice didn't capture. Firstly she smiled a little too much for my liking and went from being smiley to disgusted or curious (and back again) too quickly. She also needs to solidify the role; giving Elphaba an added moral strength and determination, commanding the stage a bit more with her presence (she seemed more like a guest in the role rather than owning it outright), and creating more of a journey between a young and innocent girl to becoming a woman in act 2. All of these things will come if she is given more experience on stage in the role.
Patrice was a nice fusion of the best parts of performers such as Alexia and Teal and her voice was just wonderful. She added something new to the Wicked experience and I think Patrice is more than competent to go on more often. If Patrice had more coaching and on-the-job-as-Elphaba experience her portrayal would be phenomenal.

Ha you snuck in while I was typing my response! Ditto! Totally agree with all you said and really look forward to seeing how Patrice develops the role! Could definately be a phenomenal Elphaba! She was truly a refreshing surprise and "YAY" we have now seen ALL 3 Melbourne Elphabas! The Elphaba Trinity or "trifecta" as Annabee stated! A Wicked goal achieved..something we never thought would be and as the saying goes...NEVER SAY NEVER!

Hey AnnaBee Was great to meet you and even more interesting that we ended up on the same bus in our own little land of Oz discussing Patrice's performance! All meant to be seeing as you had witnessed her Elphaba before today's show, and answered questions saintaelphaba and I both had about previous reviews regarding Patrice. While of course Amanda, Jemma and Patrice all have their own unique version of Elphaba, I have to say in seeing both Jemma and Patrice within a few days of each other, have so much more regard for Patrice. The fact she is not a regular Elphaba, nailed it pretty well! GREAT vocals, acting was sincere and mannerisms almost perfect...just a little too smiley at times but I put that down to the excitement of finally being onstage...could almost see it in her eyes...OMG I'm ELPHABA!!! Hell I was excited for her!!

Yep have to agree the audience was not as responsive today…felt a little dead and looking up at Dress Circle…NO ONE there! Not seen that before…maybe just a weekday matinee thing?

So anyone know when Lucy goes on holidays???? LOL Should have asked lovely Lottery guy if she was due for leave soon? He too wanted to see Erin as Glinda...Lucy is a trouper and LOVE her but Girl...let go of that tiara and wand for just a weekend!

PS. Me LOVE the Galinda bubbles...I was trying to catch them..now want a bubble machine! AND yep should have done the standing ovation thingy...I was thinking it too but brain/body connection not as responsive in getting over head cold. Next time DOING!! I enjoyed the performance and was thrilled for Patrice, would have been nice to show that! Although, saintaelphaba and I did clap when she came on stage! EXCITED we was! NGD...WOW! I got my fix! HaHa...DTL Rob's dancing cracks me up EVERYTIME!! Those Millsy spins have me in stitches...sooo bad their good! I have yet to experience ALAYM as it should be...I just don't feel it cause Rob's voice is so strained in that...no match for any of the girls...although I thought Patrice was fiery during the song and LOVED her.."For the first time...I feel WICKED!" line. Rob unfortunately just ain't my Fiyero.

Heh, a bizarre and unexpected twister of fate, that one! It was so good to meet you guys. (Yay! Now I'm not the only crazy person in Melbourne!)



It could be a weekday Matinee thing...it was pretty dead the last time too. Not as much as yesterday I think, but that was back during the school holidays, which may have made a difference.



Well if you find out, let us know! I'd love to see Erin too...the Lottery guy was so nice to give you that bag, I'm so envious.



I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right. He's just singing the song when he should be living the song. Which I think also comes down to his acting not being quite up to par. And I hate to say that because I do like Rob in this role otherwise, and I have so much more respect for him now I've seen him in the role and how much it seems like he enjoys the role. It's a shame because it's one of my favourite songs, but the live performance has never really lived up to my expectations.



Patrice was awesome, yes.
I thought Rob was at least much better than Micheal Snell...Amanda pretty much steamrolled, compacted, and ground him into little pieces during that song the night I saw them.

Thanks for the review! It was interesting to read. Patrice was very smile-y when I saw her in January too.
Might just be slow at the moment - I saw it in late January, on Wednesday matinee and was up in the dress circle, so who knows?
Hehe, I think all of the regular Wicked Aus fans on here want to know this!
Hahahahaha...still laughing at this comment...nicely worded!

Haha. Awesome review! Loved it. And it has depressed me. Damn economy. Wish I could come back and see the show again!!!!

And agreed about Lucy, that girl is crazy, surely she needs some time off soon. It seems like she is always on, especially compared with Amanda! You guys are soooo lucky to have seen Patrice, wish I could see her! Was awesome to find out the other day that a friend of mine knows her dad.

LOL Nope, NO, Na ah, No way…you're NOT!!! As I'm sure others here will attest! Except I like to think of our Wicked appreciation as "passionate"….Crazy also has the connotation that "the men with white coats are in pursuit!" *Draws curtains to the tune of DG and stands on kitchen table holding broom in the air!*

Will do…is now a MISSION! Hey if anyone here knows when Lucy is on leave, please post! Was worried bout her when we saw on Saturday...Lucy has such a lovely singing voice…don't want her overdoing it! Deserves a break although not sure I'd be so willing to give up travelling by bubble either!
As for lovely Lottery guy!


ALAYM is one of the most amazing love duets EVER written, a song I ADORE and I've yet to feel the emotion I do when I listen to the soundtrack. I know Rob tries…really, REALLY tries; he actually won me over with that fact; cause I was not a fan. LOL I was so numb after my first close up experience of seeing him perform that song live, I was wishing the house fell on him as he held up the lantern against the looming cyclone! Poor Rob...Sorry, I don't mean him or fans, any disrespect but he just does not make Fiyero real for me. He has charisma, you can see that in interviews but I don't see that transferred to the role. He "acts" and while everyone on a stage does, it takes a level of realism that lives and breathes a role to give an audience the subtle layers and depth that make a character believable. Same when I view the girls….you just know when they've REALLY nailed Elphaba! Jemma has some amazing moments, her eyes are especially expressive, then parts where it seems like she's just going through the motions and/or over does the enunciation of words in songs. Why I enjoyed Patrice's portrayal so much, in that it seemed more heartfelt. *Claps with gasps of glee again at finally achieving the Elphaba Trifecta!*



LOL Same Timbo…BRILLIANTLY worded AnnaBee! Haha..if it was anything like Amanda's performance at Wicked Day can SO see that! She gave us an angrier Elphaba that day! I would still like to see Michael or anyone else in the role of Fiyero though…lol might even make me appreciate Rob a lil' more but I doubt anything will stop me giggling at his dancing during DTL! LOVE Lucy's moves during that…SOoo cute! Especially that bit where she comes out from behind and nestles herself under his arm, adjusts her hair and looks up at him with her sweet smile!