This was done by ForGood on So Beautiful [an Idina forum], so I thought I'd copy the idea here.

Post your top 3 - if you've seen that many - Elphabas & Glindas, and tell us why! Don't just be like "Because she rocks!", elaborate. WHY does she rock? ;-)

I'll start with mine:

Elphabas:
1. Stephanie J. Block. The way she interprets the character is unique. That woman puts her heart & SOUL into this role, and you can see that she was the first person to develop Elphaba as a character. When I saw Wicked with Stephanie, it didn't even register sometimes that this was Stephanie. I was seeing Elphaba up there, vulnerable & sarcastic, defiant & proud, and sometimes even scared & hopeless. Her vocals are amazing, and her acting is MORE than that. When she almost cried during "I'm Not That Girl", I almost cried. When I told her she owned that role, I definitely meant it.
2. Idina. She plays the character wonderfully, and her voice is just over the top amazing. Those notes amaze me. Plus, she won a Tony for the role? Hullo.
3. Eden Espinosa. Her Elphaba is the vulnerable Elphaba that most of us know, love, and can relate to. She has just the right amount of bite, though, so you know you're not just seeing this little weak thing onstage. She has an incredibly strong voice, and reminds me a lot of Idina in her portrayal of the character.

Glindas:
1. Jennifer Laura Thompson. Who would've thought the best Glinda wouldn't be a blonde? She was the perfect amount of spastic, the perfect amount of shallow, and the perfect transition from Act I Glinda to Act II Glinda. She made me laugh & cry and THAT'S a good actress.
2. Kristin Chenoweth. She was the perfect cute perky little blonde, but could also handle the mature Glinda. And DAMN she can hit those notes? Chyea. I want to know where that voice CAME from...
3. Emily Rozek. She's new in the role, but she is one of THE most adorable Glindas. And she has a very nice voice to balance it out.

I wanna know what you all think!

Elphaba:
1. Idina Menzel- Just perfect. She IS Elphaba.
2. Eden Espinosa- Amazing voice, solid acting. Very lovable.
3. Stephanie J. Block- Acting and vocals aren't consistent, but when she's good, she's on fire.

Glinda:
1. Kristin Chenoweth- Just perfect. She IS Glinda.
2. Kate Reinders- She's able to be hyper and hilarious without overdoing it. Strong acting.
3. Laura Bell Bundy- Sentimental favorite, she was my first. And she's really good.

Oh, woo. It took me three times reading that to figure out that by Laura, you meant Laura Bell Bundy. I need sleep.

Elphie's
1- Idina Menzel- I learned the musical listening to her amazing vocals, so to me she IS Elphaba
2- Stephanie J Block- She can sing like no other and I really like the way she handles the character and the differences between Act 1 and Act 2.
3- Kristy Cates- I recently saw a clip of Defying Gravity with her and I LOVED it!

Glinda's
1- Kristin Chenoweth- Do I really need to list an explaination SHE IS GLINDA!
2- Kendra Kassebuam- I didn't like her at the beginning of the play but by intermission I REALLY liked her.
3- Emily Rozek- she is REALLY cute! When I see her I just want to give her a hug!

Elphaba
1. Jenna Leigh Green. She was my original choice to replace Idina in the role, she takes the role to a wonderful new height, with a caring and compassion that many lack, and she never develops a cruel or angry streak that some do.
2. Idina Menzel. She was my first Elphaba, and of the ones on Broadway, my personal favorite. She knew what to do in the role, and was fantastic.
3. Stephanie J Block. Do I really need to go there? I mean, come on?

Glinda
1. Jennifer Laura Thompson. She was my second Glinda. I thought she outdid Cheno by leaps and bounds. She had the right amount of depth and shallowness. And her interpretation of "Popular" is the funniest I have ever had the pleasure of wittnessing.
2. Emily Rozeck. I've not heard much, but what I have heard has BLOWN me away. She has great potential in this role.
3. Kate Reinders. She was a more subtle Glinda, imo, and is one of two that I have wittnessed that willingly took the backseat during DG, JLT being the other.

Elphabas
1. Shoshana of course! IMO, no one can compare. I just love her! She is amazingly talented, and handled the part so well.
2. Stephanie J Block! I haven't *really* seen her. If you get what I'm saying but from what I do see and hear, she's incredible
She's well...Stephanie! amazing!
3. Eden is tied with Shoshana. This woman is just incredible. There's really no way to describe her voice!

Galindas
1. Megan Hilty! She's so hysterically funny! and she's really nice to everyone!
she's the only one I've seen

Elphabas:
1: Shoshana Bean-She was my first and only Elphaba and I feel so blessed that I was able to see her. I think she handles the role beautifully. She knows when to be serious, to be silly, and when to be powerful and passionate. I think she brought so much into the role. And do I even need to say anything about this women's voice?! She was strong from day one and only continued to grow and strengthen! Her riffs bring such depth into the songs and even when she was sick or her voice strained you couldn't tell. She has such power and such heart.

Glindas:
1. Megan Hilty-She was my first and only Glinda and I honestly couldn't think of a better person to play that role! Each time I saw her I couldn't take my eyes off of her because she was always in character, even when the focus wasn't on her. She brought such heart into the role and SUCH humor. I think she brought the character to a whole new level. In Act 1 she was HILARIOUS. Her "Popular" brought tears to my eyes I was laughing so hard. But she also has such passion. You can tell how much she cares for Elphaba and how much she really grows throughout the musical. I just think she's perfect.

I'm going to be completely biased and say that I can't rank anybody else. Shoshana and Megan have captured my heart so that I just don't even think it's the same show without them in it. They had such great chemistry and their potrayal's were exactly how I would've imagined them. I've seen many, many clips and I've tried to give everyone else a chance but I'm just too attached. They will also be Elphaba and Glinda to me.

That's an easy one lol!

Best Elphaba: Shoshana!!! I mean, this woman AMAZES me!!! She is wonderfully talented and was able to bring some aspects of her own personality into the role. Plus, meeting her in person only made me love her more lol!!!

Best Glinda: Jennifer Laura Thompson. I saw her twice and I just adore her!!! So funny and beautiful!

*Now you know y I picked the avitar I did haha!*

Ana: I have been a big fan since her days on SNL. She's so funny and sarcastic and she really brings Elphaba to life.

Kate- My first G(a)linda. She was so hyper and crazy and jumping around and it was just really really funnny.

I'm too lazy so I'm just going to do my favorites lol

Elphaba
Stephanie Block- She's just amazing. She does so well with this part and she IS Elphaba. As someone said, you see her and you don't think her as Stephanie but Elphaba, and that is just incredible to be able to do that!

Glinda You all know who I'm going to say lol

Megan Hilty- Megan is my favorite actress. Ever. She's the nicest person in real life, and amazing on the stage. I mean, she hits the highest notes out of all the Glinda's, and she is so into this part! She has the perfect "cutesie" personality for Galinda, but can also act serious for the mature Glinda. Besides what I have down, I can't really describe why I love her so much. It's just impossible for me to put into words. But then again, when you listen to her, you don't even need words to describe her performances. Her performances speak for themselves. :heart:

My pair: Shoshana and JLT. The first ones I saw. They are MY Elphie and G(a)linda.

Sho wowed me with her powerful voice

JLT's Glinda made me laugh

And although I never saw them live :-( , based on TV performances/CD, I have a deep love for Idina and Kristin. I can't ignore the OBC.

Elphaba's:
Idina Menzel: she was my first Elphie :-) I like the way she plays the character, she has the awkwardness and the insecurity..yet she also adds wit to the role :mrgreen:
Stephanie J. Block: I LOVE how she portrayed Elphaba :mrgreen: she reminded me more of the Elphie in the book, and it made me feel so much more sympathy and adoration for her because i was so drawn to the Elphie in the book
Shoshanna: I've only heard a audio clip of her, but i really like her voice and i hope to see/hear more of her :mrgreen:

Glinda's:
Kristin Chenoweth: :bow: Not only did she originate the role, she paved the way for so many other actresses. You could really see the transition of Galinda...to Glinda, not to mention her rapier wit and unpredictability made it so much more enjoyable to watch her in that role. plus she's got and AMAZING voice
Kendra Kassabaum: She is so outrageous! :ha: she's almost as unpredictable as Cheno, and she definatly adds the bubbly personality to Glinda...not to mention the part in Popular when she looks in the hand-mirror and says "hi..." cracked me up :ha:
Jennifer Laura Thompson: again...I've only heard a audio clip of her, but i really like her voice and i hope to see/hear more of her :-)

Elphaba
1. Shoshana Bean - She was the second Elphaba I saw live (I saw Idina first) and I thought Sho was simply amazing. I don't even really know how to describe what she brought to the role. She is my favorite Elphaba and is just amazing. I don't know what else to say. She's my fav.

2. Stephanie J. Block - I thought she really brough some wit to the character.

3. Idina Menzel - The only reason why Idina is not number 2 is because I just don't like her voice as much as SJB. I feel like the OBC recording is a little machined. I'm not sure if it's coinicidence that the audios, videos, and the time I saw her live that I didn't like her voice...but I just don't care for it too much


Glinda
1. Megan Hilty - No comparisson. I think once every1 sees her live, they'll see how much talent she has. She is by far the best Glinda, imo. I was amazed. I think she and Sho really brought the best chemistry to the stage which is the most important factor in making WICKED a good show. You need to have a bond between Glinda and Elphie and Sho and Megan really embraced that bond more than anybody else. Kristin and Idina came close, by Sho and Megan are just awesome

I gotta go, but Kristin is number 2 and Kendra is number 3.

Elphaba-

1. Jenna Leigh Green- makes you love Elphaba, she is caring and sweet. She doesn't get all bitter and mean like other Elphabas, she always keeps her cool, I love that. And she is the most sisterly with Nessarose, she had to be pulled away from her everytime she talked to her.

2. Shoshana Bean- Badass gansta Elphie! She is awesomely sarcastic and is an amazing rifter. She has such a powerful DG and NGD. She has tons of spunk, she plays it almost exactly oppsite of Jenna, but its awesome

Glinda-

Megan Hilty- ADORABLE! The cutest most loveable Glinda ever. Her popular is the funniest by far and she hits the highest notes possible in NOMtW

Emily Rozek- Her and Jenna make one awesome team, she is a wonderful soprano and brings her own little spunk and perkiness to the role.

This is a great question! I've only seen the show once, but I still think I have valid reasons for loving my Elphie and Glinda...

Elphaba:
1. SHOSHANA BEAN!!!!!!! It's really hard to describe exactly what makes me love Shoshana. I mean, obviously, there's her vocal power, and her amazing riffs. But I think it goes deeper than that. Her performance was the most emotionally charged performance I've ever seen on stage before. She captures your heart, and keeps it!! I like the way she cuts her words short, too, if that makes any sense. It's just her style of speaking - she talks quickly and her tone of voice is just hillarious! *thinks about Sho saying, "maybe learning your precious name isn't the sole purpose of Dr. Dillamond's life."* :mrgreen: GOD she's awesome!! Of course, her singing sets her apart as well. I've heard several renditions of the songs online (and the official soundtrack of course) and I perfer Sho's versions by far. Not just her riffs, but the whole song. She does an AMAZING "No Good Deed" and her version of "Unlimited" in "No Good Deed" makes me cry, just as "Don't wish; Don't start. Wishing only wounds the heart," makes me SOB in "I'm Not That Girl." Yes, I bawled when I heard that live. I don't think anyone else would have had that effect on me. Perhaps it all has to do with the fact that I saw her LAST show, but somehow, I felt a connection with Elphie and to the musical in general by the time the show ended. I'm greatful for that experience.

Glinda: (I PROMISE this one will be shorter...I get carried away sometimes!)
1. Megan Hilty Again, she's the only one I have ever seen, but she and Shoshana will remain my Glinda and Elphaba no matter how many times I see the show again. Megan is just too cute! She also has a presence about her...you can't take your eyes off of her because her expressions are just too amazing. Now, I saw her (arguably) most emotional "For Good" because it was Sho's last, but any rendition of hers that I have seen she sounds like she's crying during that song. And that hits me...I love it... When she and Sho could hardly keep it together during their last "For Good" it felt like everything was happening for real - and IMO, that's a mark of great theater. Megan also seems to be truly compassionate, I think it shows when she interacts with the fans, and on stage. I really hope I'm able to see her again.

Okay, I've rambled enough...I just really think those two are AMAZING performers, and people in general. :humpy:

-Katie :wicked:

Best Elphaba (acting-wise) is Idina IMO
(Vocally) Shoshana

Best Glinda (acting and vocally) I have to give it to Megan...JLT is good too though...Kristin would come as third

Elphaba
1.Stephanie J. Block-She was INCREDIBLE when I saw her, and I fell in love...her voice is just amazing, and her protrayal of Elphaba was to die for...her acting made me laugh and made me cry at exactly the right moments, as did her voice...she's the whole package...nicest person in the world to, haha
2. Shoshana Bean-Her voice is very good, and she's great on stage...but, I didn't really like her protrayal of Elphaba, and some of her riffs drove me crazy
3. Idina Menzel- I didn't really like her version of DG, and I love her voice to tears...she's just not my favorite Elphaba...she's incredibly talented though

G(a)linda
1. Kendra Kassebaum-She was soooo funny and did a wonderful job with all her songs, and did a great Popular. Her voice is so good, and she just makes me smile!!
2. Kristin Chenoweth-Squeakiest voice ever!!! I love her! Her voice is so funny to listen to sometimes, and she was also great in Popular...she's so pretty too!
3. Megan Hilty- I didn't think her voice really fit the role...I liked her Popular though, and she was great there...I just don't really like her style (I'm not saying she's not talented...she is beyond)

Be reminded that I haven't heard anyone from the Chicago cast, or Eden...so...

Elphaba:
1)Shoshana: I can’t even pinpoint what it is about this girl that just fascinates me! True she was my first Elphie so she’ll hold a special place for that but really it goes beyond that. Her voice is just….AMAZLY CRAZY and I love all the little things she did with the role! Her laugh after melt, her riffs, the upside down hand gesture thingy in no good deed, the chemistry between her and Megan and most importantly ever time I saw her there was always something different and unique about her performance that just made me proud to call myself her fan! She just made it interesting for me to watch and listen to and I guess that’s what matters. So if your favorite can do that then they deserve to be your favorite! Right?
2)Idina: While I like Idina, her inconstancy is one thing that I can’t stand about her. I know she’s good at what she does (and I’m absolutely jealous of my sister cuz she saw Idina in Aida and I didn’t and she rubs it in every time she can…. :roll: ) but I think she has an amazing voice (on her good days). I thought she really did fit the role of Elphie.
3)Saycon: I just think she is the prettiest person I have ever seen in green! Soo Beautiful! I like her voice but she’s not quite there yet acting wise…..

Glinda:
1)Megan: She is just my favorite! She makes me laugh, cry, smile and clap all in one scene and not many people can do that. And she is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, always happy, always smiling! She’s just happy happy! And I like that about her.
2)Stacie: I liked her a lot as Glinda; she reminded me a lot of Reese Witherspoon (sp) for some reason. She was my first Glinda but she’s not my favorite. But I did like her performance!

Elphaba:
1. Stephanie J. Block - my first Elphaba and THE first Elphaba. When she ran out onto that stage in Houston, I was completely sucked in--she didn't even have to sing, because just her stage presence was enough. She brings such depth, vulnerability, wit and courage to the role, and in my opinion hers is the best-acted Elphaba. Also, her voice is so rangy and dynamic: deep and soulful in "I'm Not That Girl" (which made me BAWL, by the way) and soaring in "The Wizard and I," "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed" (which made me shiver for hours afterward). And, as someone mentioned, she is the sweetest, most loving and caring person I've ever met.

2. Idina Menzel - she was my DEFINITIVE Elphaba before I saw Steph. I thought no one could top her portrayal of Elphaba and she was my favorite for a long time... for three years, in fact, until October 28, 2005. Still, there are things she brought to the role that no one else has: her tenderness and vulnerability, for one, and her tremendous and soaring voice. She's my sentimental favorite!

3. Kristy Cates - as I've mentioned before, I really love that Kristy has a more legit operatic voice. She certainly has the most distinctive voice of anyone who's played the role, and since I like opera I think it's very pleasant to listen to. As for her acting, she plays Elphaba with attitude and sarcasm, which is a very good homage to her predecessor, Ana Gasteyer.

4. Eden Espinosa - the original riffstress. This girl's got some POWER! No one can deny that she's got some serious chops. Knowing that she's on Broadway right now sets my mind at ease, and I look forward to seeing her in June!


Glindas:
I like all of them equally, so I'm not going to rank them, but here are some favorites:

Megan Hilty - she's thrilling, adorable and very, very young. I am AMAZED that she got the job before she even graduated from college. To me, that says a lot about her talent. She's also the kind of person who, like Eden, sets my mind at ease. I sincerely hope she extends so I can see her in June!

Kendra Kassebaum - my first Glinda, and while it took me a while to warm up to her, I can say I enjoyed her "Popular" the most. She's incredibly hilarious and just as adorable as Hilty, but she brings a maturity to Act II Glinda that I haven't seen since Chenoweth. I'm hoping she'll stay in this role for a long, long time.

Kristin Chenoweth - THE Glinda, to many, and she certainly had the best voice for the role. It was written for her range, after all! Her cadenzas were THE BEST and no one can really top that.

Stephanie J. Black- She is an amazing person and makes you believe that she really is Elphaba! Her talent is amazing! Her No Good Deed makes you wonder why she wasn't on broadway! Everything about her cries "ELPHABA!" she looks the part and portrays it perfectly!!!
Idina Menzel- She was amazing! her acting skills are ok...but her voice knocks you off your feet. She was the first I saw but for some reason I didn't like how she did Act 2 except for the cornfield scenne...
*I haven't seen or heard any others...*

Kendra Kassebaum- She made galinda her own. She was so over dramatic and ditzy that she was my favorite! She was so entergetic the entire show...but at the same time, her calm and sad self made me want to cry! She competely put a new spin on Galinda that I adored!!!
JLT- She was amazing! She may not be short and cute...but she had a hilarious Popular and her Thank Goodness was incredible! She hist her pitches perfectly and her voice is loud and clear!
Cheno- She is the cute and funny Galinda that was the orginal. her voice is magnificent but she didn't make me believ that she was the MOST Popular of Shiz. She seemed a little more reserved...but she has the best voice of them all!!!

I can't rank them. Although it'd be easy for me to say Ana's my favorite Elphaba, there's reasons for me to love all the Elphabas and Glindas...It'd take to long to list it all so I'm not gonna.

Elphaba:
1. Stephanie J. Block - AMAZING! Amazing voice, acting skills, everything! She is the best Elphie!
2. Shoshana Bean - AMAZING voice, and very cool person!
3. Idina Menzel - Amazing pipes but not my favourite for some reason... don't know why...

Glinda:
1. Kristin Chenoweth- The original GALINDA with a GA! Its Cheno come on!
2. Kendra Kassebaum - My first GALINDA! Kicks butt in every way on the stage! Amazing voice, very funny and talented!
3. Megan Hilty - ITS HILTY COME ON DO I NEED TO SAY MORE?!?!?

:btw: ALL MY GALINDAS ARE TIED FOR FIRST! I love them all! :rock:

Top Three Elphies
-Shoshana Bean - Simply amazing. Her singing was more consistent then any other Elphie. And her incredible display of emotion throughout the whoe thing. Sheer brilliance :mrgreen:

-Stephanie J Block - Girl can friggin SING. Her defying gravity cave me goosebumps. She has incredible control in both acting and singing. :rock:

-Eden Espinoza - Though I don't like her as much as Sho or Steph, she is still amazing :mrgreen:


Top Three Glindas
-MEGAN HILTY - This girl = <3. Seriously, she has everything in one adorable package. She is adorable, spaztic, perky, loveable, and everything. She acts the part so well, and hits the optional E! I can't believe this is her broadway debut! Long live Hilty :rock:

-Kristen Chenowth - She gives me hope. She is 4' 11'' and so am I! haha who knew such an amazing opera voice could come out of such a tiny frame!

-Emily Rozek - She was my first Glinda! I love her and she deserves the role as the principal Glinda

I think I'm ready to do this. I hate putting a list together, but I've been thinking about it and:

Elphabas:

1. Idina - It's hard to explain why, but I just adore her to pieces. Her Elphaba is my Elphaba and always will be. Mind you, I love every lady that has played Elphaba, but Idina will always be my favorite.

2. Kristy - Even before I saw her, when all I had was a few audio clips of her, I LOVED her! I thought her NGD was amazing just listening to it and then I saw it and was like :wowie: She brings a whole new attitude to Elphaba, in my opinion.

3. Eden - One and two were easy, but for three I guess I'll pick Eden. All I've done is heard her, but I love what I hear!

G(a)lindas:

1. Kristin - She is G(a)linda! Don't need to explain.

2. Jennifer - Her Popular cracks me up to no end. I love how she completely made G(a)linda her own and didn't copy Kristin.

3. Megan - I guess she's number three. I think she's adorable.

I'm reviving this thread because some of my opinions have changed.

Elphaba
1. Idina Menzel
2. Eden Espinosa
3. Stephanie J. Block

Glinda
1. Kristin Chenoweth
2. Laura Bell Bundy
3. Helen Dallimore

Why I chose Idina, Eden and Stephanie: They're the most real to me. They throw their heart and soul into every performance and are the most genuine. They don't overact.

Why I chose Kristin, Laura, and Helen: Unlike all the other Glindas, they don't go for the laughs. They play is straight, and that's what makes them funny and truthful.

Julia is the only elphaba i've seen LIVE. But from what I've seen otherwise, I think she's up there with the best of them. You'd think it would be b/c of her voice, because, let's face it- there are no words adequate enough to fully describe how amazing this woman is at singing(scrumtrelescent, maybe?lol whoever gets that is my new bff). But I really really really loved her acting. I think that's what makes me love her as elphaba so much. she just interpreted the role so well- every little thing she did with it was perfect.

Kristin will always be glinda to me, but i've never seen her, so i don't if that counts.
Kendra is the only glinda I've seen LIVE, and i absolutely LOVED her. she was amazing as well. just the right balance of crazed perkiness and reserved snobbery. her popular may be the single funniest thing i've ever witnessed.(and that includes videos...of other 'populars').

oh my goodness, i totally forgot i saw victoria too! i'm an idiot. she was awesome, but i forgot i even saw her, so i guess that tells you something. no offense to her at all, but i think i was just so into julia's performance that it overtook everything else in my mind, lol.

Elphabas

Eden Espinosa- She's the only Elphaba I've seen live. She blew me away from start to finish. Her acting seems extremely similar to Idina's-which is fabulous, since Idina is incredible in terms of acting, but seems somewhat weak, pitchy and inconsistent in terms of singing and Eden has an awesome consistent voice, so she kinda perfects what Idina created (I'm sorry but I really don't consider Stephanie the original Elphaba, since when she did the readings, the show and the character of Elphaba were sooo different from the way they are now!!). And Eden just delivered a very moving performance. When she sang "The Wizard and I", I was so enthralled by it all that my mouth just hung open the whole time and I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat and clapped and screamed for her like heck when she finished the song! Her facial expressions are priceless, she works great with the rest of the cast and she has a LOT of experience with the role because she was the original standby and played Elphaba in the San Francisco engagement of the US national tour. Her "I'm Not That Girl" was so emotional her "Defying Gravity" was chilling, her "No Good Deed" was very powerful and received an enormous applause. So yeah, besides the somewhat irritating fact that she chooses to scream many lines that are supposed to be sung, Eden is absolutely phenomenal!

Shoshana Bean- Now, I haven't actually seen Sho live, but I LOVE what I've *cough cough seen cough*! She is an unbelievable powerhouse that just can't be beat! The only thing I dislike about her is what I've seen of her "I'm Not That Girl". It just seemed sooo.....unemotional and too defiant, not soft, sad an confused like I think it should be.

Ana Gasteyer- Once again, I haven't seen her live, but...yeah you get it! lol Ana has a fantastic, funny and sarcastic approach to the character that I think makes up for the fact that when most people first see her they're like "Ugh! She's too old to play Elphie! She looks nothing like a college student!". It's like people end up loving her performance so much, that they don't care anything about that first impression anymore at all. Her "Defying Gravity" is great! And she's very unique, which more Elphabas need to be!

Glindas

Jennifer Laura Thompson- I know it's weird that my favorite Glinda is one I haven't seen live, but I honestly think no other Glinda will ever portray the character in the awesome way JLT did. I feel like she just had the right balance of humor, seriousness and consistency. I admire her in many ways. i mean, come on, imagine taking the over role from KRISTIN CHENOWETH?!? With so many people being skeptical of any other Glinda being good other than Kristin! She really had her work cut out for her! But she did such an amazing job, and people loved her for what she was. She is just THE Glinda for me!...

Kristin Chenoweth- No, I haven't seen her live, but it's hard not to love her! Her soprano amazes me and her acting is pretty good too! I honestly think she does much better on Broadway than in film and TV. Her acting style just works so well in front of a live audience. I just hope she realizes that and makes wise career decisions in the future. Some of her movie decisions lately have been a bit questionable. I mean, Bewitched was OK, but RV was just a joke. She deserves a good film, where she at least is more than just a supporting character....

Kate Reinders- She's the only Glinda I've seen live. Her and Eden worked very well together. She has a really pretty voice. her acting style isn't bad, just REALLY INTERESTING. She lacks emotion in some scenes, like after the "melting". But she made up for it in other scenes and songs like "I'm Not That Girl Reprise". Ultimately, I really enjoyed her performance. it was really fun. The audience was LOVING her, especially during "Popular". Her little giggle in Act I is priceless! Despite the fact that I feel she could be even better if she worked on just concentrating on portraying the character well, instead of trying to soak laughs out of the audience, Kate is still really good!

Elphaba:

Eden Espinosa- I just love her! She can belt, riff, and capture a character liek no toher Elphaba. Plus she was my first so its also sentimental. But also, she can really keep your eyes on her when shes singing.

Shobean- Come on! Who doesnt love her riffs? THEYRE AMAZING!

Idina Menzel- This woman can belt and hold it for the longest time if you get her on a good day where her voice isnt hurting. Her acting is just aweomse, and her singing is a viery different style than most people imo

Glinda:

Megan Hilty- Love her! Hilty note. I love it! She can really capture the right emotions at the right time and make you feel like your actually in Oz. Her singing is just so amzaing. Im so happy that shes on tour with Sho again. Theyre great.

Kate Reinders- My first glinda. When I got the wicked tickets I actualy wanted Kates understudy to be in because of all the bad stuff epopole were saying. In the summer, i heard that she really started to fit into the character. When i saw her a week ago, she was so beautiful floating down on her bubble. Although her high notes arernt very strong, she is just amazing!

Kendra Kassebaum- Her Popular is really funny. There are many random lines she puts in there and she makes the audiene burst with laughter. She really got into the role when she was with Julia. Definate a good Glinda imo

WOW! mine are the same!!!
botht Sho and Meg be cause al that and because their voices are the best of all of the Galindas and Elphies (spcialy Sho's!!!!!!!!!!!)

Elphaba

1. Idina Menzel -the obvious of course. Made me fall in love with the character. She has great acting talent and an amazing voice.
2. Julia Murney -I love her voice so much! Literally took my breath away when I saw her. I lost my voice the first time I saw her perform because she got me so worked up.
3. Kristy Cates -Kristy is Kristy---that should say it right there. I felt she really made Elphie her own and I love how she made me stop dead in my laughter and think: "Wow. Poor Elphie."

Glinda
1. Kendra Kassebaum -Hilarious. Three words: I adore her!
2. Kristin Chenoweth -again the obvious. Same as Idina--she made me just fall in love with the character. Love her voice---it's very unique.
3. JLT -I don't what it is about her but JLT just seemed so different from other Glinda's. I appreciate the diversity if that's fair to say.

Elphaba-

Stephanie J. Block because she has every aspect of Elphaba down. Her voice is what Elphaba would sound like, and her acting is nearly flawless, but most of all...her body language. Her back gets arched more and more as the show goes on showing that she's becoming more "wicked." It was so amazing as a performer to go see her because she is the PERFECT example of what every actor should do.

Glinda -

Kendra Kassebaum because she's so hilarious. She might not be the best vocally, but she gives Glinda a ton of energy that really lacks in some other actresses.

Megan Hilty because she has the voice of Kristin Chenoweth, with the charisma and energy of Kendra Kassebaum. She's the perfect mix.

Elphaba-

Ana Gastyer- Amazing. I was in awe the whole time. Especially after Wizard and I! I could not believe how amazing she was. Her take on Elphaba was just so perfect and so different. Her voice was so pure, and her acting was so natural.

Idina Menzel- I never saw her, but I just love her voice. She can sing like there is no tomorrow. She played young Elphaba the best out of everyone, in my opinion.

G(a)linda

Kate Reinders- She has a beautiful voice, and she was hysterical. Yet, she also showed the deeper side of Glinda. I was beyond impressed with her performance.

Elphabas
1. Idina - I'd go in-depth on this, but it would just turn into a gush!fest. I guess what I love most about her is her voice. It's so unique, for one, and after hearing *her* first, no one else can really *be* Elphaba to me, because she just sounded so different and right. Her singing is amazing, of course, but her acting's just incredible as well, there are millions of things she does when she's not in the focus of the scene (Popular, for example) that just completely shine. Plus her young!Elphaba is seriously the best one out there, then her NGD comes and that's completely brilliant as well, and just 180 degrees from the Shiz!Elphaba, and I adore how her character grows like that in the show.

As for the others, I really don't have any more set-in-stone faves. I actually really like all of them, they're amazing singers and actresses, each in her own right, but there aren't any others that captivate me as much as Idina does. I adore Julia as an actress, though, I thought Sho rocked the socks off NDG, Eden's adorable, and Kerry is gonna be amazing in London (even if I'll miss Idina an awful lot).

Glindas
1. Kristin - she just owned that role. It really was written for her, and I still do believe that she was the only one who could do it perfectly on all levels - singing, acting AND comedy. First there's her voice - not the singing ability but just the unique tone of it - which all the others imitate but it's never as good as the real thing. Then, of course, the singing, which is completely flawless. But the biggest reason I love her is the comedic timing, which is just so subtle and *perfect*, to the most hilarious of results.

2. Helen - not as strong vocally, but she's a) *British* ("The AHthichoke is steamed!"... how can you not love the accent?!) and really funny without going completely overboard, which is my main problem with the newer American Glindas. Also, she does Glinda a lot more human, her more serious moments are so touching... Both the bigger ones like TG and the small things, like Glinda's realization in DTL are completely heartbreaking. All in all, completely amazing.

3. Laura Bell Bundy - Kristin's standby and it definitely shows. Again, not as overboard as the newer Glindas, great vocally, and just really good all-around. I'd have loved to see her as a full-time Glinda... hope she does great in Legally Blonde now, though.

Honorable mention - JLT. There was just something about her that I can't really pinpoint but I loved her. Also, the "Fellow Ozians, I love Idina Menzel!" thing? How can you *not* adore her after that?

I wanted to post this in a thread but it got locked so whatever, i'll post it here:
My favorite Glindas and Elphabas in order:

Eden Espinosa - My #1 fav Elphaba, she always will be.......why? Because i seriously cannot see anything wrong wtih her Elphaba.....her acting is amazing, she doesn't only show anger, she does shows it as the strongest you see.....her sadness is awesome, makes me wanna cry, her sarcasm is really funny, her perkyness in TWAI is awesome and her acting just all around is amazing! Her singing makes me want to cry...because everytime i've seen her i seriously cryed because she was THAT frikin amazing! I love her so much! Her riffing and belting made/makes my mouth drop and her singing and range and voice and look and acting is just overall just pure FRIKIN AMAZING! She will always be my fav! She IS Elphaba for me and i love her so much in this role! Everything about her is amazing! I seriously don't have enough words in my brain to describe how amazing she is! For me, i almost can't see anyone else in the role besides Eden.

Shoshana Bean- One of the first Elphabas i heard and let me say that when i heard her DG, my mouth dropped and kept replaying her DG for about 15 minutes straight! Her riffing and voice range and belting is amazing! Her voice is just mouth dropping! IMO her acting is awesome in all the emotions except seriousness because i think her comedic timing is just too perfect! She's probably the funniest and perkiest of all Elphabas! She's just so amazing! I love Shoshana! She's funny, her acting is really awesome and her voice is mouth dropping!

Stephanie J Block - She was the first Elphaba i heard when i found out about Wicked and she by far has the most powerful voice next to Eden's.....i mean seriously, the woman can BELT! Her voice is amazing and her DG and NGD is SOOOOO feirce! Her TWAI is really sweet and her acting overall just makes you believe that that's not SJB on stage, it's really Elphaba! She's super amazing! The ONLY thing that i kinda don't like is....well, it's not that i don't LIKE it, i think it's kinda cool, but i just find it kinda weird that when she sings, mostly in DG and NGD, she kinda, like someone mentioned, has a slight accent....i don't know if it's like a slight british accent or proper english or is it just her way of saying words because if you heard her normal speaking voice vs. her singing Elphaba voice, you'd think it was a different person unless you know SJB very well! I think it's a tad bit weird, but i actually really like it because it really adds to her interpatation of Elphaba's power!

Carmen Cusack- Damn...damn damn damn....i swear, she just BLOWS ME AWAY! Her DG's are one of the best i've EVER heard! Phenomanal voice! And great acting! Amazing emotion pushing into the audience! I really wanna see her live! Just amazing!

Idina Menzel - What can i say, i listen to her everyday on the OBCR! In the OBCR, her voice is SOOO pure and flawless and just AMAZING! And i loved her when she was in SF. But later on, her voice really became weaker and weaker until London, but even then she did things with her voice that i really didn't enjoy! I mean, when she was on, SHE WAS AMAZING and has so much emotion and power in her voice, but other times it seemed like she either just woke up or didn't want to be there....but i understand some of it wasn't her fault. Acting wise, she's amazing, i mean come one, she created the role as we know it today and i know we all love her for that! When she is one, she is an out of this world amazing Elphaba and i will always still love her!

Kristy Kates- Kristy blows me away. Her acting is AMAZING! And her DG...ah just so much emotion and power it's amazing! She needs to be Elphaba again! She's amazing in the role!

Julie Reiber- I miss her so much! She NEEDS to be full time Elphaba! The producers made a horrible mistake! She.IS.AMAZING! Her Act 1 Elphaba is SO CUTE! She really plays strong headed and young Elphaba very well! Her act 2 Elphaba, especially in NGD SCARES ME! She's amazing! So feirce! I love the transition! Also she has amazing riffs! She needs to come back!

Julia Murney - I think that Julia is probably the BEST Elphaba acting wise.....her emotion and power is just so spot on, you forget you're in a theatre watching Wicked, you actually believe that you're watching ELPHABA, not Julia.....her acting is amazing and i love her awkward perkyness and innocense in TWAI....and her power is just amazing and she gave it her all every night even when she was sick! Now her voice....i mean, it was SUPER powerful, always spot on in emotion and power and she has amazing riffs but no ofense, i REALLY don't like her vibratto...it's just way too super strong and over used in my opinion. Not the way i like my Elphaba, or any singing for that matter.....i mean, the QUALITY to her vice is amazing and pure but her vibratto irks me alot....otherwise, super amazing Elphaba, preferably acting wise.

Ana Gasteyer - Nor my fav Elphaba......i mean, her acting is really nice and powerful to some extend but i don't realy enjoyy her Elphaba interpratation......not ENOUGH power in my opinion, especially in Act 2...in act 1, she's awesome but not that much in act 2....her NGD is powerful, but not enough IMO....now, her voice: It's very pure and has a very nice quality to it, but it's too soft IMO.....it's not that she doens't riff, i don't mind her not riffing, i just think her voice isn't that powerful....her Elphaba is too soft for my likes, but her act 1 elphaba is awesome!

Caissie Levy- Well i haven't seen her live but from youtube, i dont like her. Nice acting and shes pretty and some nice riffs but i don't like her voice. I wont go far into this till i see her live.



Megan Hilty- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! OK, whoever knows me enough knows that i love Megan SOOOOOO much! She's just SOOOOO amazing! She's super super super nice, she's BEAUUUUUUTIFUL, she's super super super super funny, has the funniest Popular, her voice is pure, amazing, amazing, amazing, and um, amazing! Her riffs are awesome, i LOVE her Hilty High Note(s), her range and beltng is out of the world (literally), and her perkyness and acting IS so spot on, it SCARY! Her acting is so believable, i keep thinking "Wow....that's Glinda right there"....her emotion is also so amazing and just.....AAAAAAH, i love her so much! She's too perfect! She IS Glinda! I love love love her! She will ALWAYS be my #1 Glinda!

Kristin Chenoweth- She has an amazing voice, she's SUPER funny, has the quirkyness to be Glinda, she's NUTS durring Popular, i love her Cheno High Notes, i think she's beautiful and her voice, again, is just so amazing! When she sings, especially in NOMTW, she makes it sound so easy! I love Kristin! She's amazing! I wish she can come back to the role again!

Jennifer Laura Thompson - WHY is she sooooo underrated?!?!?!?! JLT is frikin AMAZING! She's beautiful, has an AMAZING voice, and is SUPER funny! She's soooooo hilarious durring Popular! She probably has the BEST portrayle for Glinda....she just makes her so believable! I think she's amazing and i SERIOUSLY want her back in the role! JLT is amazing!

Emily Rozek - Ah, Emily is awesome! I really wish she will become full time Glinda! Her Popular is HILARIOUS! She's an amazing combo of Kendra and her own uniqueness. Her acting is great and her voice is amazing! I really want her to be a full time Elphaba, she deserves it!

Kendra Kassebaum - I think she's awesome and she has one of the best Populars! "Sparkles" is to DIE for! She's super funny and beautiful! Her acting is really believable and she makes an amazing transition from perky-spoiled blonde Act 1 Glinda to Public Government Figure Mature Act 2 Glinda! Her voice is also great! Not like other Glindas but awesome!

Annaleigh Ashford- BEAUTIFUL voice! Her Popular is HILARIOUS! And she's a very beautiful Glinda! I wish i can see her live. Again amazing voice and awesome comedic timing.

Helen Dallimore- Her Popular is hilarious and her voice in NOMTW is great. But her acting is ok but not exactly my cup of tea. Actually i LOVER her Act 2 Glinda but in Act 1 her acting annoys me....and i hate her yelling on "Elppppphiiieee!" when Elphaba goes up in DG. Otherwise very nice Glinda.

Kate Reinders- I'm sorry.....but i hate her as Glinda.....PERIOD.....if she came to LA, i would cry because i will be waiting everyday for whoever is the standby for Glinda to go on.....they'll be better than her....her voice in NOMTW is somewhat ok but that's it.......i just think she's super annoying....if i see her, i only laugh at her because she makes Glinda seriously act as though she's Mentally CRAZY! I'm sorry, i know this kinda bashing, but that's the only way i can describe it! She's not funny....she makes Glinda look like she's having a spaz attack throughout the play! I don't see any transistion in her character besides that she can get pretty emotional durring TG but that's it......i don't like anything about her except the 2 small things i mentioned......i would seriously NOT wanna see her as Glinda....i don't like her...PERIOD.....i can go on and on about what i don't but i won't lol....sorry if this was too harsh...

My rankings and reasons for my favorites:

Elphie:

1.) Eden Espinosa: I LOVE HER. Plain and simple. She was the first Elphie I saw(though, not the first I heard....), so I may be a bit biased. I *heart* heart* *heart* her amazing riffs. Especially her DG and NGD. Those always make me cry/make me shiver.
She's incredible. And, personally, I love her acting.

2.) TIE
2a.) Kerry Ellis: I love her, even though I've only seen her on youtube. I'd fly to London just to see her. *_* Her NGD is incredible as is her TWAI and her DG.
2b.) Idina Menzel: I've only ever seen her on youtube and heard her on the recording(she was the first I heard). But, she isn't my favorite. She is amazing, though. Very talented.
2c.) Saycon Sengbloh: I think that she's just incredible for a standby/understudy. I LOVE her DG. Personally, I think she coulda done the lead role. 'Cept, she needs to work a bit on her acting. She's kinda underrated. Some people don't seem to like her.

3.) Julia Murney(sp?): I think she's pretty good. Some awesome riffs in DG. I really wanted to see her live to hear what she's really like, but that definitely won't happen. :`(

4.) Sho: She's good. I love her emotion and her acting. I haven't seen much of her stuff, though. *mustgotoyoutube*

5.) Dee: Haven't heard much.

6.) Stephanie J. Block: Sorry, she's my least favorite. I just really don't like her singing.

Various other Elphies: Don't remember names or singing, really. *youtubehereIcome*

Galinda:

1.) Megan Hilty: SHE IS GALINDA FOR ME. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her. She has an amazing range and is incredibly funny.
Love her acting. That's all I have to say. She was also the first I saw.

2.) Melissa Fahn: Yes, I realize she's only been on a select few times(from what I've heard) but I love her as much as Megan. I saw her in LA. FABULOUS. She's so..perky! XD

3.) Kristin: I love her singing('specially on the CD), just not her speaking parts...they always sound odd on youtube...
She is incredible with the singing!

4.) Kendra: I like her, think she's cute, but I'm not her biggest fan. Would have, loved, LOVED to have seen her, though.

5.) Dianne: I've only heard a few audios, but she sounds great!

6.) Helen Dallimore.) Neh...I don't really like her singing Too screechy. IMO. Sorry.

I can't think of any more Galindas at this time. XD

SO my favorites are as follows: Eden, Idina/Shoshana/SJB, Julia, and Julie, but she wasn't on broadway.

Eden- Alright, so I may completely biased here, but I have nothing bad to say about her. She is by far my favorite Elphaba ever. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her acting. Her Elphaba is the one that I can most relate to, and although some people think her only emotion in angry, its not, but I love it when she does her angry Elphaba. To me, it just makes sense that Elphaba would be very bitter about getting made fun of her whole life. I also NGD is just a pure rush of chills and it scares me lol. But in a good way. Also, she is usually very emotional during FG. When I lottoed, and sat front row, I could see her eyes welling up, and then this huge tear stream down her face and it just broke my heart. And it wasn't even anyones last show. And her singing is another story. That range. OMG words can't describe it. Her riffs are by far my favorite because they are inventive, and show off her huge range. I love every single riff, but my favorite is her "Tell Them HOOOOoow IIIIiii Am Defying Gravity" riff, because it makes me cry everytime. I love all of her songs, but if I had to choose I would say NGD is her best because one hello, her Fiyero riff, insanity, and two, if she doesnt riff, its still not boring at all, although I do love it when she does her famous riffs in that song. Some Elphies who don't riff get boring in the song, but Eden is always packed with emotion and I can always feel what Elphie is feeling. I guess that is why I love her so much, it is her emotion that she puts into every song and how she works her butt off every night, even when she is sick. And of course, she looks stunning in green, which not many of us can pull off .

Idina- LOVE HER. I have loved Idina since Wicked was first on Broadway and no one knew what it was. Her voice is not typically what someone on musical theater would sound like, she has an edgier voice, which I like, it makes her unique. Acting is just incredible. She may MAY be the best actress out of all the Elphie's (everyone knows Eden tops the whole world for me) and I really love how vulnerable she is in the first act, and is able to make quite a change in the second act. Her TWAI is so sweet and she really makes you emotionally tie into the character. And when Idina is on, there is no question she is ON. IDINA ROCKS!

Shoshana- Sho is the R & B Elphie. And I love that. Her riffs are killer, and bring kind of a jazzy voice to Elphie. Obviously, her range is incredible. She is really inventive with her riffs, and I guess kind of started the trend. I love her acting. I like her Act 2 the best, because I think she is pretty witchy, especially the catfight scene, which acting- wise is her best. I think my favorite song that she sings is Defying Gravity for sure. She has come up with some riffs that just soar into the stratoshpere. I also think her Elphie is a very strong woman, and that is definitely a reflection of Shoshana herself. And I have heard her say how there is a lot of Shoshana in Elphie.

Elphaba
1. Idina
2. Eden/Stephanie
3. Cassidy

Glinda
1. Kristin
2. Laura B.
3. Jennifer/Kate R

Elphaba

1: Kerry
2: Julia
3: Shoshana

Glinda

1: Kristin
2: JLT
3: Kendra

ELPHABAS:

SHONA WHITE - The first time I saw her, I honestly hated her. She was so different from Idina (who at the time, was the only Elphaba I'd seen live). But by the second time, I'd realized she was different because she was more the book Elphaba than Idina had ever been. Her characterisation was PERFECT. She's got a wonderful voice, but I kinda regret her focusing on that more towards the end, because her characterisation slipped A LOT.

CASSIDY JANSON - I love CJ. I think she's got the most amazing voice, and her acting is so brilliant. She's the only Elphaba I've seen who cries in Defying Gravity, and it honestly broke my heart. She's the cutest little Elphie.

COLEEN SEXTON - I have such adoration for this woman. I think she's so talented, and has such a beautiful voice. I have got to say, it's reached a point where she is the only American Elphaba I listen to. She's just so brilliant.


GLINDAS:

HELEN DALLIMORE - My first Glinda, and in every respect 'my' Glinda. She had the acting down to a tee - not too over the top, not too serious. Her speaking voice grates on you to start with, but it's SO not as annoying as certain other Glindas'. She sang wonderfully, especially when she was at her best, and put so much emotion into the role.

and to be honest I can't really judge any other Glindas... because I don't think any of them have ever impressed me quite like Helen. And I haven't heard enough of others really.

My opinion has changed a bit lol..

Elphaba:
1. Victoria-I think (as of now lol) she has convinced me of the character moreso than the others..I was overall very impressed by her and she is a joy to meet lol
2 Shoshana- still in my top ranking lol...i love this gal, and I think in green or out, she packs the major punch!
3. Eden-Eden, Eden, Eden..how do I describe the awesomeness? haha..she may have her "off" days (like any of them do)..but when shes on..guh..love it!
4. Kerry/Dee/Steph-I have yet to see any of them in the role, but these ladies are so exciting and fun to watch..Dee has the emotion factor and Kerry is just brillant..Steph..well..whats not to like? She's a gem and an amazing person..

Glinda:
1. Christina/JLT-tied for first because I could never choose..these ladies make me smile like no other lol..
2. Cheno-just b/c she is the Cheno..and she is love lol..
3.Megan-I guess I have softened up to Megan over time..and while she still has her "moments", she has gained so much respect for doing this role..I have to applaud her for the life she brings to it.."oohh..pink goes good with green" XD

My rankings
Elphaba
1. Idina Menzel
2. Stephanie J Block
3. Eden Espinosa

Glinda
1. JLT
2. Megan Hilty
3. Kendra Kassebaum

Elphaba
1) Julia Murney: Shoshana was my favorite for the longest time, but I think Julia has her beat. Acting wise she's amazing, vocally she's amazing (love her vibrato and "low notes"), she looks fantastic... she's almost perfection for that role IMO
2) Shoshana Bean: Not too far behind Julia for me. Her acting isn't the strongest of the Elphabas, but I think she plays the role on par of what I would expect of the character based on the script. Her vocals are amazing though. She's truly the riff queen.
3) Stephanie J Block: Again, amazing vocals, great acting and a strong presence on stage. She's also the first Elphaba I ever saw so I think she has a special place in my heart. She gets extra points if her Fiyerro is Sebastian. lol They're fantastic together.

Glinda
1) Kristin Chenoweh: The one and only Kristin Chenoweth. Unmatched vocals, Amazing stage presence, hillarious comic timing and ad-lib abilities. She created an amazing role and a performance that I still think is unmatched.
2) Megan Hilty: She's funny, she's got a voice that's really beyond her years, and she's got a performance that does great justice to the character. Plus, I think her "For Good" is the best and most emotional of any Glinda.
3) Emily Rozek: Why is she still a standby? She's so funny and has such a great voice. She has (IMO) the best that Kendra-esque qualitiescombined with some things that are all her own creating a new and wonderful performance.

Elphabas

Idina - A lot of controversy about Idina, but personally she is my favorite. The acting skills absolutely pwn! I mean, I feel for her so much and the way she uses that 'I am holding back tears because I have to be strong' voice kills me everytime...especially in the Sentimental Man scene. Vocally, definitely not the strongest of the bunch and I am willing to admit it, but she is still my preference. Like I said, I just prefer her voice because it just is Elphaba to me. And it also sucks because the vast majority of her performances are judged from the end of DG and that is not her best song; she could be absolutely amazing in TWAI and NGD, but if it is a bad DG it is automatically a bad performace.

Julia - In my opinion she is the best Elphaba. The acting is definitely top-notch and she is up there with Idina in my book. The vocals are also very consistant and I just enjoy everything about her performance. She pours emotion into every performance and does an amazing job!

Stephanie - I have seen Steph live and to be honest *hides* I don't remember much about the performance. I remember that she has a killer voice and she belts those notes so powerfully and never misses a beat. The acting is also very good, but not the best I have seen.

Rankings Overall:
1) Idina
2) Julia
3) Stephanie

G(a)lindas

Kristin - She is truly one of a kind. I mean the vocals are outstanding and the stage presence is incredible. She just has the whole package for Glinda, rightfully so since it was written for her.

JLT - Definitely underappreciated in the role. She was absolutely amazing when I saw her. The comedic timing is amazing and she has got the voice to match.

Helen - Oh Helen, my favorite Glinda ever! There seems to be a lot of controversy about Helen's Glinda, but I think it is perfect. Granted the soprano isn't the strongest, but she can belt the crap out of Popular (the end) and Thank Goodness. The acting abilities are definitely what set her apart from the rest. She undestands the character so well and shows the transformation phenomenally. So Helen just wins!

Rankings Overall:
1) Helen
2) Jennifer
3) Kristin


Sorry if I offended anyone and please remember these are only my opinions. I am not trying to change yours, nor do I expect you to change mine.

This is always SO hard...but I'll try!

Elphabas

1. Eden Espinosa. Um, look at my username, heehee. There will never be another actress that could ever surpass Eden in my mind. She IS Elphaba to me. Her voice is incredible, and in my opinion she can belt like no one else. When she is on, no one can touch her. I love how she literally never sings a song the same way twice, so you never know what you're going to get when you see her. Her riffs are out of this world. And she's an amazing actress and a great person.

2. Idina Menzel. I will always regret not being able to see her play Elphaba live, but I adore her voice and I think she's extremely talented and is largely responsible for making this character the iconic Broadway figure that she is.

3. Victoria Matlock. I have to say that when I first saw Victoria last month I was hesitant because the last time I'd seen the show was with Eden, her Broadway last specifically, and I didn't know how anyone could ever compare. And then I realized that she didn't have to compare exactly, Victoria did her own thing, and especially the second time I saw her, she really grew on me. Her voice has a very nice tone and she can pull out some awesome riffs when she's on. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance.

4. Saycon Sengbloh. She was my first Elphie, and will always hold a special place in my heart.


Glindas

1. Christina DeCicco. In the two times I have seen her she has surpassed every other Glinda to me. She is just the perfect Glinda. Her voice is amazing, her optional high notes seem effortless, she's absolutely hysterical and adorable, and she has this way about her that draws attention to her even when she's not the focus of the scene. Even in the scenes where everyone is on stage, I couldn't stop watching her. She's always doing little things that are so in-character. Her Thank Goodness is to die for and she is so emotional at the end that it makes it SO raw and so real. She is just amazing.

2. Megan Hilty. How can you not love her? The woman is just amazing.

3. Kate Reinders. I don't really get all the Kate hate...I think she's great. Yes, she's spastic, but it's hilarious, and she IS capable of being serious. Her NOMTW is my favorite, she sounds so lovely and crystal clear on the high notes.

And I also ADORE Kristin and JLT. It's really hard for me to put them in order!

See below. I just had to update.

Elphabas:

1. Julia Murney
2. Eden Espinosa
3. Stephanie J. Block
4. Shoshana Bean
5. Idina Menzel


Glindas:

1. Kendra Kassebaum
2. Megan Hilty
3. Kate Reinders
4. Kristin Chenoweth

Okay, this is really hard, but:

Elphabas
Tied for first:

1.Julia - I LOVE this woman in general, but I'm totally regretting not seeing her live. But, WOW! She is amazing! Her vocals are fabulous and her acting is top-notch. She IS Elphie to me. She poured her soul into every performance and boy, did it show! Just phenominal!

(Tied with Julia) Lisa - So I'm probably incrediably bias, but I LOVED her Elphie! Acting wise, I think that she's one of the strongest. She just makes Elphaba seem so real. Although she hasn't been on every night, she has really grown into the part and embodies Elphie to the T. Her voice is flawless, and I love how she sticks to the score (it really shows off her beautiful voice!) Her Elphaba was very refreshing! I just loved how real she was

2. Stephanie J. Block - She has a killer voice, and her acting is great too! I'm mostly just repeating myself, so I'm going to stop now!

3. Kristy - I really like Kristy. Her voice is very strong as well as her acting. She's a great performer!


Glindas (or Glindi lol)
1. Kendra - LOVE LOVE LOVE HER! At first I heard her in the beginning and I was like ehhh. But, then she grew on my and OMG, now I love her! IMO, she has the strongest acting BY far (with a killer transition of Galinda to Glinda). I really liked her voice (her soprano wasn't REALLY strong, but it was there. I'd love to see her work in something where she can use her lower register. ) And she has great comedic timing.

2. Kristin - Fantastic performer and fabulous as Glinda! She IS Glinda. Her voice just seems so effortless and her acting is great as well!

3. Megan Hilty - Great performance as Glinda. She's SO cute and she gave the role depth. Love her voice as well!

I love these threads!!
Well, my favorite Elphaba is always going tp be Steph. She was my first and I was sucked in, I thought she was the most amazing thing. And she is.

In terms of Glinda, i think we all know that Kendra will always be my idol but it isnt necessarilly JUST because of her Glinda. She just is. But I would have to pick her for my favorite.

Megan Hilty comes in very close second and If I ever saw her live I dont think I would be able to handle it.

Elphaba
I have only seen three and I am in love with them all. I seriously can't choose. But they are (in no order of favourite)
Idina Menzel
Kerry Ellis
Shona White
Idina was my original, she made me fall in love with the show and the character. Kerry I hated at first because she wasn't Idina - by WAI she had me in tears and completely converted. Ditto with Shona - she just blew.me.away. on cast change. I love that girl and her riffs!

Galinda
Right I'm going to rank the three I've seen.
Dianne Pilkington - she is my main love at the moment. I adore her. She is the cutest thing ever and I can't take my eyes off her on that stage - everything right down to the last little detail is in character and she brings an incredible innocence to the character which is just adorable to watch.
The Dalli - Helen was my first Glinda and I saw her each of my first 7 shows so she definitely WAS glinda for me. I adored her and I miss her.
Annalene Beechey - Only seen her on Children In Need I'll admit, but I love how she's not tooo squeaky, and her facial expressions are love!

OK, so as of last night my opinions have changed a bit.

It was only youtube, but I heard a more recent video of Stephanie and Annaleigh.
I have to say, I like Steph on Broadway more than Steph on tour.
She sounds WAY different.

Annaleigh is adorable sounding!

And, I saw a tour video of her.
I'd love to see her. ^^