The Ongoing Wicked Discussion Thread

That is an interesting question. I wonder what their company procedures are generally in situations like this?

Funnily enough, when I saw earlier that Amy was scheduled to be on for both shows today, I immediately thought, "Well, have a good show tonight, Kate." Amy's absences are like clockwork at this point. That Nicola then had to take over mid-show... what a day for this cast!

I kind of feel bad for Amy at this point. By now, it must be a bit embarrassing each time you call out when you only show up to work your shift 50% of the time, yeah?

Re: Glinda, I do recall that Helen was off quite a lot in the last cast, but I think the saving grace there was that, while Samantha and Carina got a fair few shows, Lisa-Anne and Charli were pretty reliable, so it wasn't as noticeable. I think the other mitigating factor was that it's pretty widely known among the fans that Helen and Lisa-Anne have very young children, so you sort of expect that any new-ish parent will need to call off more to take care of their children. Unfortunately, the Elphaba situation had neither of those factors AND a much more high-profile figure in Lucie.

I certainly do hope that this is just a case of Alexia working through whatever illness hit early in her contract and that the rest of this contract is smooth for her. It would be a pity if her triumphant return to the role went the same way the last cast's contract did.

You have to remember that Amy has just gone into her second London contract.

If the powers that be weren't happy enough with how last year went then she wouldn't be.

Theatre is a demanderating mistress, after all.

Definitely think either her or Laura P will be on emergency standby for the rest of the week now.

Nicola Espallarado is on for Elphaba tonight (13/04/23)

Literally said a couple of days ago to someone that Laura Pick was going to come back to cover within the next couple of weeks. I think I have actual magical powers.

Eleka.. ELEKA! 

Anyone finding it suspicious that situations keep arising that make them need to call Laura back? Almost as if she has been taking out the other Elphabas Showgirls style?

(I am obviously joking)

Are they deliberately hiring performers who cannot sing this role?

This cannot be sickness.

Although Laura Pick did come back a few times I think Laura Harrison can be credited with "saving the show's arse" last year! jay987 put this on this thread in December:

As best as I can tell, these are the totals for Elphaba:
Amy Webb: 73 (but maybe some missed by WestEndCovers?)
Laura Harrison: 51 (confirmed by her social media when she hit 50 on Wednesday, plus Thursday's show)
Nicola Espallardo: 9 (confirmed by her social media)
Laura Pick: 5
Rebecca Botterill: 2
Total: 140 performances

I’m assuming from Alexia’s most recent instagram story that there has been a death in her personal circle so that explains her absence.

Not really. Wicked were down to their last Elphaba cover. It was pretty obvious a previous cast member was on standby backstage.

Although if you want to give us the winning lottery numbers feel free

Also everyone feel free to judge Alexia at the end of her contract, but also give the girl a break. Life gets in the way sometimes, as it does for us all. If Wicked thought her anyway an unreliable performer they would not have asked her back for her third run.

Sorry, I thought the endless speculation suggested otherwise. I understand wanting to see certain performers, but I believe they don't owe audiences any explanation. Can understand the frustration though.

I actually think Wicked go above and beyond with actually making holidays public and at least they still let West End Covers post 😉