[Belle Daae]

I'm seeing Wicked in Chicago this summer... has anyone seen it there? Who was in it? Thanks!

[wickedboy]

I've seen Wicked in Chicago 4 times, and each time seemed to be just great! I saw the original Chicago cast Ana Gastyer/ Kate Reinders, Krsity Cates/ Stacie Morgan Lewis, Dee Rascoli (Understudy)/ Stacie Morgan Lewis, and Dee Rascoli/ Current Galinda Standby (I can't recall her name) Of them, I'd say Kristy Cates was my favorite Elphaba (Idina is my favorite FAVORITE Elphaba, but that's irrelevant...), but Dee is very good, and has a different spin on the character, as a younger woman, although her acting at times can be a bit... dramatic. Of the Galindas... none have stood out really. They all play Galinda as a dumb blonde, which honestly isn't how I see the character. The best Galinda I've seen has been Helen Dallimore, to Idina Menzel's Elphaba, but as you asked about the Chicago show, it's, again, irrelivant. Kristopher Cussik who originated Fiyero in Chicago (now LA) was/is AMAZING, but he's gone now. My last Fiyero was Derrick Williams, and while I was prepared not to like him, he won me over and now I really appriciate his portrayal, particularly his singing voice, very, very nice.
Ronni Reed, who I've seen far too many times as Morrible is, well, horrible. Her character is simply blah, lacked conviction, came off as a parady to me. I did get to see Carol Shelly as Morrible in Chicago once, and that was simply amazing, she is Morrible.
Okay, anyway, see the Chicago production, perpare to enjoy it thoughally.

[Belle Daae]

thanks! I wanted to see it when Kristy Cates was Elphaba, but we weren't able to get tickets. I'm really excited to see it. I had a few friends who saw it in Chicago, but they said that it wasn't very good. But they had also seen it in New York and LA, so they probably have higher standards than I do...

[wickedboy]

Honestly, regardless of your standards, the Wicked Chicago production is great, I mean, it would have to be, some its best principles have been picked up to reprise in other production! Ana/Kate went on to Broadway, while Kristopher came from Broadway to go onto Los Angeles, along with Carol Shelly coming from Broadway and the Tour to do Chicago, lest I mention Derrick Williams who originated Fiyero in the Tour, then went on to Broadway, and now Chicago (or is he gone now? I haven't kept up...)
Anyway, while I really can't see Dee Rascoli as Broadway Elphaba, not to bash her or anything, she just seems like her Elphaba should mature a little first, it is still an amazing production, and so much cheaper than Broadway! What is it, $85 to just over $100 for the centre stage orchestra seats, those are like $300 on Broadway! Besides, it seems like Wicked Chicago is becoming the pre (or) post stop for much of the Broadway cast! Can Chicago have Julia Murney or Eden now? I'd really like to see them! Particularly Julia, she is totally growing on me as of late!

[frenchhorngirl]

i just saw it in chicago. dee rasciolo and kristy cates i believe as elphaba and galinda. also, derrick williams was fiyero. all very good.

[wickedboy]

Dee is the current Elphaba in Chicago, but I think you're mistaken on Kristy Cates, Kristy was formerly Elphaba before Dee, and is no longer with the Chicago production.