This was my grand return to the Gershwin after a few years absence during which I was a fan of Wicked in LA at the Pantages, and recently had my passion refueled by the 2nd National tour. I didn't win the lotto, but luckily I backed myself up and had row L Mezz, seat 101. It's a very fun seat, because essentially it is a little cubby all on its own, directly next to a column. There's a lot of room for your stuff on the floor and you don't have to worry about people crawling over you trying to get into the aisle - the perfect seat for a single traveler, as I was at this performance. I've heard bad things about the view from seats this far back, and while I perhaps couldn't quite make out every nuance in facial expressions I definitely thought that for $50 the view was more than adequate - not too high, not too steep, and a great view of the entire vista of the stage and the lighting. This was my first time seeing any of the performers in their roles, so it was a fresh and exciting afternoon for me. I have of course heard lots of things about Dee and Katie, and seeing as how everyone has different things they look for in their G(a)lindas and Elphabas, I tried my very best to enter without any preconceived notions, with a clean slate.

I was very pleasantly surprised with Dee (a few friends of mind aren't crazy about her), and for the most part thought she was a very good Elphie, the character closest to my heart. She lacked a certain innocent sweetness that my favorite Elphies possess, particularly during "The Wizard and I," the weakest of her big solos in my opinion, both vocally (her phrasing after the big "...And I'll stand there with the Wizard" belt was too strung together and Legato for my taste, with a tad too much vibrato) and acting wise, which is ironic seeing as how she's been so sweet and funny in all the interviews I've seen her in. That being said, I thought her "No Good Deed" was terrific (Dee can really blow), and her "Defying Gravity" was great, sending chills down my spine as it almost always does. I generally liked her Act 2 better than Act 1, as I think she did a better job of portraying the misunderstood and defiant Elphaba than the younger, naive one. I also thought she had terrific chemistry with Andy Karl, but more on him later.

What I like about Katie Rose Clarke is a certain subtlety she brought to the proceedings. I've seen too many Glindas take the role too far off the hinges, and I really thought Katie managed to keep her grounded while still portraying the hyper, spoiled girl that she is in the first act. Her "Popular," is actually very sweet, and I really felt like she cared for Elphie and wanted to try to do good for her. Her voice is soft and lush, and she has a beautiful upper register. I especially liked her transition into Act 2, and much like Dee I think she was stronger in this act, more elegant and graceful as she struggles with her friendship and how the Ozians have turned on Elphaba, and her love for Fiyero. Katie and Dee's duet on "For Good" had me in tears.

Now, this is the part I suspect most of you will find the most interesting - Andy Karl as Fiyero. This was only his 2nd time performing the role, as we all know, but I really thought he gave a very assured, commanding performance. Andy is quite sexy (and not too old, as I have heard some say) and charming in the role, with a great amount of stage presence. I loved his "Dancing Through Life," as he's quite a good dancer too, and his transition from roguish rebel to unsung hero and lover was seamless and believable. He and Dee have a great amount of chemistry - "As Long As You're Mine" was steamy and beautiful. Best of all, his Vocals are stunning. I love the little tidbit in his bio in the Playbill that says he is a "Prouder(er) husband to Orfeh."

Rondi Reed was fine as Madame Morrible, but to be honest this is a role that rarely makes an impression on me. I loved P.J. Benjamin as The Wizard, however, and think he brought a certain mischievous and confusifying quality that I loved. Alex Brightman as Boq is simply too adorable for words, and Jenny Fellner killed during "Wicked Witch of the East." I had great fun watching the ensemble, as well, as I felt like they all brought a ton of energy and excitement to the stage, filling character silence's with great little humorous ad-libs.

There were a ton of kids in the audience on some sort of school trip, and I loved when at intermission one kid asked, "What Now? It's over?" Everybody needs their first introduction to musical theatre and I'm glad these kids were finally having theirs.

All in all I loved the performance, and was glad to be back to the grandness of the Gershwin and the stunning sets and lighting. While neither Dee or Katie are my favorites, I quite liked both of them in their roles and am thrilled I got to see them perform. Best of all was seeing Andy Karl so early in his run, who I suspect will become a loved Fiyero by many. I am hooked back on Wicked in a big way and will likely be returning to the Gershwin again soon. While I might not necessarily write another review (at least until Mandy's first performance), I will certainly cherish all the time I get to spend with my girl in green.

Thanks for reading this long rambling nonsense!

No doddling nonsense at all. Thoroughly enjoyed your review!!! So glad you had a positive experience after being away for awhile. And I love the Gershwin. Can't wait to get back there myself. Thanks again for taking the time to write about the show!!!

Wonderful review! Thanks for posting!

I really love your reaction to this. Some people would be irritated and annoyed, yet you look at it in a very positive way. I really appreciate that! Thanks so much for giving the review. I don't like PJ as much as Lenny Wolpe, for example, but you described his portrayal perfectly, something I've been unable to do for awhile now. I also agree with your thoughts on Alex Brightman.

Once again, thanks so much posting this. May you have many more return trips to the Gershwin in days to come!