There’s something I just love about the Broadway company of Wicked. I can’t truly place finger on it, but there’s several reasons I could name: Its where Wicked first took flight or the Gershwin is just a magical place being among the millions of reasons.

I hadn’t seen the Broadway company since September, which in my universe had been too long. I had spent the last week trying to see them, and finally success on Valentine’s Day! DefyingGravity777 won lotto for myself and Katherine, my best friend/Valentine, which brought so much joy to my heart on good old Valentine’s Day.

Also, this very day marked the end of my streak of having never come face to face with a standby or understudy Elphaba: Ms. Jennifer DiNoia was on as Elphaba with Adam Fleming on as Boq.

Jennifer: As previously mentioned, I had never seen an understudy or standby for Elphaba, but: I’m extremely glad to have gotten the chance to see Jennifer. Jennifer’s vocals were simply gorgeous: She riffed notes in various places that simply sent chills down my spine: especially her “Fiyero” during “No Good Deed” which caused my jaw to drop with shock. Her riffs during “Defying Gravity” also sent chills down my spine, similar riffs to that of a former-standby turned full time Elphaba that I love, Shoshana Bean. I loved Jennifer’s acting with Elphaba: Her rough exterior and shy-awkwardness in Act I transcended into a complex and strong woman in Act II, which was just incredible to watch. Her reaction when the Wizard is proven to be a fraud was one of the most genuine reactions to that scene I’ve seen in so long. Unfortunately, ‘this Wicked witch’ didn’t get her chance to fly: Jennifer sang/spoke out: “It’s not her, I’m the one you want, it’s me. It’s MEEEEEE…” and I awaited the usual lifting into the air, but nothing. Jennifer sang the rest of the verse, then dashed center and finished the song from center stage. The guards remained on the ground, while the first ensemble member to rush on didn’t seem to see her center and pointed to the air only to realize she wasn’t there. After that semi-hilariously awkward moment as she/he searched for her and found her center and pointed there and all the ensemble followed suit. I had never witnessed a lift failure before, but I’d rather not witness one again, but Jennifer truly made that moment her own even if she wasn’t truly defying gravity. Jennifer has nestled her way into my heart and among one of my top Elphabas, truly an exceptional performance.

Katie Rose: Many posters on here have discussed their love of Ms. Clarke (My best friend had seen her in Light in the Piazza several times and was excited to see her as G(a)linda.). Please add me to that growing list of posters who praise Katie Rose. Katie Rose has a gorgeous voice, which soars and hits the high notes with ease and beauty, especially during ‘Thank Goodness’. Her ‘Popular’ was extremely hilarious, especially her toss, toss (which was Toss, Toss- Loud ‘YES’ and thrusting of the hip.). Her chemistry with Jennifer was fantastic, like they had been paired together from the very beginning. Katie has one of the best Act I to Act II transformations I’ve seen since Jennifer Laura Thompson: Her Act II Glinda is a woman who has so many worries on her mind, but is in desperate need to hide all such worries from the public at large. After seeing someone like Helene on tour, I was truly glad to see a much more grounded and wonderfully thought out Glinda in Katie Rose Clarke.

Andy: After numerous performances of Kevin as Fiyero, Andy was truly a breath of fresh air. His acting is good, especially the moment when Elphaba calls him out for faking his whole persona during the Cub Scene. Another great moment for him was the scene with Glinda in the midst of ‘Thank Goodness’, where Andy truly showed the change in Fiyero very well. His voice is great, but I’ve always loved his voice and he sounds really great on ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘As Long As You’re Mine’. His chemistry with Jennifer was explosive, they truly blazed the stage during “As Long As You’re Mine’. Overall, Andy is a perfect fit for Fiyero and I truly am glad to have him in the Broadway company.

Adam: I wasn’t very fond of Adam’s Boq, there were times (especially during ‘Wicked Witch of the East’) where he seemed to be rushing lines together and not really giving much thought to the meaning of them. His voice was okay to fine, but he lacked the energy and enthusiasm I had grown to love about Alex.

Rondi is still doing a wonderful job as Morrible, which I had actually sworn she had left until I saw her name in the Playbill. PJ had a lot more energy than I had seen in him in awhile, which upped his performance, but I really do hope he moves on soon.
After the underwhelming nature of the 2NT ensemble, it was wonderful to return to the committed and truly dedicated Broadway ensemble. Their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication never ceases to impress me and truly bring a smile to my face.

Even though a green girl didn’t defy gravity, Wicked once again placed a smile on my faces, tears in my eyes, and a song in my heart.


Random notes:

-Manuel Herrera (original Chistery) is now in Adam Perry’s old track.
-February 14th marked Amanda Rose’s final performance with the Broadway company.
A message for all from Mr. Andy Karl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDeuNh2JybE

Awesome review Rob! I loved reading it Andy is so funny, OZ BLOGGG!

Thanks for the review!

Thank you for the review and I'm happy to have won the lottery for you . I'm so happy that you loved Jenny D and Katie Rose(I told you you would)

Val: When it comes to Wicked, you have a pretty great way of being right.

Well there is someone on Broadway now that I don't love(and thought they were terrible) but you do. I won't mention any names though...lol.

Yes, well. We can't agree on everything, but most of the time, we tend to agree.

I pretty much agree with all of this (I am the "Katherine" mentioned at the beginning). I also feel the need to throw in that it was my first time seeing the show in 4 years and I liked it MUCH better the second time around.

HI BEST FRIEND!, you posted. I'm proud.