[adamjay]

Did anyone get to see it? Gutted coz I couldnt get tickets

My friend went to see it and said the whole night was soooooo emotional. Apparently they changed a few harmonies, and Idina got a standing ovation halfway through DG. There tears and speeches at the end.

I went and saw her over a week ago and have to say she was very good, and (with ashamed face) I actually hadnt heard of her much before this. I have somewhat been out of the musical theatre world for some years now.

Also, I have been to see many musicals and this one differed. You see the British audience is somewhat reserved, so to see them clap wildly, standing up and cheering was a joy to see.

I would like to wish Kerry Ellis success in this role and I am sure she will do it justice.

Have a fantastic New Year & I hope you all achieve your dreams in 2007.

Regards

Adam x

[Azaelia]

You know, I've actually never understood actor/actress hype. Shouldn't it be about the musical itself? I mean, I'm sure Idina is good, and she seems like a good actress from what I've seen of her, but I don't think changing some harmonies just for her is fair.

I guess it's too bad it's her last performance, but I guess I just worry people are far too more worried about who's playing Elphaba than the actual plot.

[kayleigh]

I saw it. I didn't understand the Idina hype until I saw her live. Twice. She is phenomenal, I've seen very few people in theatre who can really sell a song like she can, sure the musical is amazing, I'd see it with any cast, but Idina *is* Elphaba, she created the role on Broadway and she's only got better since she came over here.

They didn't change the harmonies, they don't do that, but she riffed the hell out of Defying Gravity and got a standing ovation at the end. Generally whoever plays Elphaba adds their own little riffs and quirks to the songs and to the role so its not unusual. I saw Kerry Ellis when she'd only been on as standby about 7 times and she added riffs to No Good Deed which sounded amazing.

She didn't get an ovation half way through, but all the cast got huge cheers all the way through at appropriate points. I'd say that 80% at least of the audience were there purely to see Idina's last night in her limited run and so obviously they were going to cheer her, rapturous applause when she walked on stage, a cheer when she flew, a cheer when she hit and held the high note for longer than usual, a cheer when she riffed, a standing ovation when the song ended.

[happyguava]

Wow, sounds like it was fantastic. I always wanted to see Idina live - too late now, ovbiously (for Wicked anyway). Unless she comes and plays Elphie in Melbourne. I wouldn't be opposed to that.

[adamjay]

Is Wicked going to Australia anytime soon?

[happyguava]

There have been rumors that it is coming, there have been rumors that it's never coming, there have been rumors that they have tried but naming rights are too expensive. I've heard a million different stories about it. So, I don't think it's coming any time soon.

[kayleigh]

I heard that it was planned for late 2007, same as Germany. But I don't think its confirmed or anything yet

[Azaelia]