Weekly Show Tunes Report

[rickps]

In what has to be the most show tunes intensive period in my life, I ventured to the City of Angels over the weekend with friends John and Steve to, among other diversions, catch a showing of Wicked at the beautiful Pantages theater in Hollyweird.  Thanks to the kindness of the handsome soundbear69 we scored sixth row orchestra seats, good enough so that we could clearly pick out some of the voices without amplification. 

There's something to be said for the benefits of a sitting theater company over one on national tour.  Staging can be perfected for the venue, sound is usually stellar, and everything clicks just a bit more smoothly.  Such was the case with this Wicked viewing, the third for me.  I was particularly taken with the lighting which was more extensive than in the former iterations I've seen.  In particular, Defying Gravity, which relies in part on dramatic lighting, was simply awe inspiring in this show. 

And what of the actors?  Eden Espinosa, the Elphaba lead in the LA show, elected to take a break for our performance allowing Julie Reiber to work the part.  Strong voiced when belting, she tended to go too gentle when not at full steam.  She did however look the part and had that special combination of innocence and anger that befits the role.  Megan Hilty ('that's GAH-linda') was spot on.  Flawless singing, milking each scene for all its worth, she's likely a match for Espinosa's power.

As a special treat, soundbear69 took us back stage for a tour.  Having been in the show since its inception four years prior, he shared some insight into the staging challenges in various venues.  I was impressed with the level of detail involved in mounting a show and in such things as costuming and props, much of which can't be seen by the audience.  Gotta love all those little "G" symbols on Glinda's luggage!

Having seen Avenue Q and Wicked so closely together, comparison of these two former Tony Award competitors is unavoidable.  Q is clearly the more innovative and makes incredible use of the stage with just one major set.  And who'd ever imagine that 'Sesame Street for adults' would ever be successful particularly with the muppet character handlers being so evident (and yet somehow invisible)?  But, to me, Wicked wins out in the end (contrary to the number of Awards it garnered).  Intricate plot, truly memorable songs, and a story that can easily withstand a series of revivals and road shows without too much damage.

My gay card show tunes endorsement is now secure...

Comments

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I'm something like 150 pages into a reading of "Wicked"...it's amazing what had to be transmogrified to smoosh it down to Musical Theatre length, and I'm only 1/3 through the book! What a surprising read after seeing the show in Denver!

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

I need make another try at plowing my way through the book. It was all uphill the last time.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful weekend and opportunity! I've been fortunate to play The Pantages three times and really like the sense of history just being part of a show in that space imparts. The backstage is pretty spacious .. what's really fun are all of the tiny dressing rooms scattered through the basement. Ah, such good memories. Thanks for taking me back!

Ps ... I agree about "Wicked"!

HUGS!