The Ongoing Wicked Discussion Thread

He's keeping an eye on Dorothy, who has the shoes

I was there last night,s some thoughts:

:: I was sat in the circle for the first time in October 2009 and was struck by just how poor the sound quality is up there, compared to the stalls. The music is murkier, the ensemble sound thinner and many of the lines were barely audible. 

:: I am in the minority who felt Rachel sounded weak and tired. I was at her opening night in London, her belt then sounded healthy and pure - but it was clear she was struggling last night and had to hold back on some of the money notes. I also think her raspiness is quickly going the way Kerry Ellis' did: it sounded great when she first started using it, but it's starting to sound quite painful. I didn't think the end of Defying Gravity sounded that pleasant - although the end riff was beautiful.  

:: Curtain call. I know we had no reason to expect it, but it would have been nice to finish with something more special than a speech and a balloon drop.

:: Brilliant, brilliant audience. Immaculately behaved (from where I was) and full of energy. Yes there was a bit of cheering mid-song, but it was never too hysterical (I have regular, vivid flashbacks to Kerry's last show before Broadway in 2008) and the actors were clearly loving it. 

:: Stephen Schwartz's speech was very touching. I also spotted him posing for pictures with fans in the dress circle before the show. Seemed like a gent. 

:: The orchestra sounded outstanding

:: Suzie Mathers is a wonderful Glinda 

If anyone has a recording of Alice singing defying gravity, please share.

The thing is, if you were there last night you know, Rachel didn't even have to sing a note last night the audience went mental the moment she stepped on stage. I said it last night to a few people, if the orchestra hadn't continued after her entrance and after The Wizard and I, the audience wouldn't of stopped, they would of happily continued clappig and screaming for anogher 5 minutes. It was a bonus she sounded incredible too!

You could pop and get one when doors open. There's a merchandise stall in between the two sets of doors before you get your ticket checked.

Thank Goodness we now know Debbie Mcghee and various other celebrities' thoughts on Wicked.

The not knowing was keeping me awake at night

I love it when they interview ex-cast members and performers, but why would theatre fans watching this care about what a random singer, rugby player or comedian has to say about it? Especially when their comments are mostly just 'it was really good'. Not to diminish these people's prominence or talent in their own field, but I do always wonder why they think we'd care what a random ex-eastenders star thinks.

Every time I see Willemijn my heart skips a beat though. I literally cannot wait for her to be Elphaba again!!!

But I guess that 99.99% of the people who watch this interview are theatre fans.

I imagine they're trying to find a balance. Sue and Alan from Rotherham who go down to London once every 5 years to see a show and see this on the Wicked website won't have a bloody clue who Willemijn is but probably trust the lovely Debbie McGee.

Earnie!!!!!! I keep coming across Facebook statuses on time hop about Sarah earnshaw from 8 years ago when I was 13 and OBSESSED with her. Those were the days.

Haha! I have to confess I skimmed through without sound (at work) before posting and only bothered to do so for the last few seconds of curtain call, etc footage. As for the, er... 'great and the good' in attendance, that's what fast forward is for!