Sweet Oz....
I had the most thrillifying time ever.
If you haven't already guessed by the hints, I went to see Wicked yesterday!
Now, it was my first time seeing the show! I know, I know, shocking right? It's been on my top 3 list for years and I still have somehow missed it... bad Jade...
Anyway, yesterday morning I was more excited than Charlie was when he met Willy Wonka. That excitement slowly grew and came to fruition as I exited Victoria Tube station and saw it, stood there in all it's emerald glory, The Apollo Victoria Theatre. Home to none other than Wicked!
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| O Hallowed Halls and Vine Draped Walls, The Proudliest Sight There Is.... |
Wrong...
My train was delayed.....every commuters nightmare.
Which is okay if you leave in plenty of time. Sadly I was rather time restricted and the delay didn't help. It would always happen to me....
Anyway so exiting Victoria Station, I legged it across the road in slipped into the box office, picked up my ticket and found my seat. Stalls. B38, 2 rows from the front. Slightly restricted view but there was legroom!! And when you're 6ft 2 like me, it is nice to have a little legroom. The view was pretty good to be honest! Only miss the top left corner which is where Savannah (Glinda!) appears in her bubble (I really want a go in that bubble....best way to travel.) Then again, we can't all come and go by bubble....
So you miss that tiny bit and the very back of the stage, but most action is centre/front stage so we were all good.
Also you have to look up to see the time dragon.
I sat down and looked at my phone 14:27. If that's not cutting it fine I don't know what is!
*Memo to me: Catch an earlier train!*
Turned of the phone, had some water and waited.
Then it hit me! The opening notes of No One Mourns the Wicked. I jumped a little, (bearing in mind I was right in front of the speaker) then settled into my seat to be whisked off to Oz.
If you haven't heard No One Mourns the Wicked (or want to have another listen!!) go ahead - it's right here!
To all those who followed the link welcome back! At least I hope you came back....
You have to admit that's a darn good piece of music. Stephen Schwartz I salute you!
Anyway...back to Oz...
Act One flew by! No pun intended...
Before I knew it the oh so familiar tune of Defying Gravity tickled my ears. I knew I was about to witness something amazing. The entire auditorium was filled with an eerie reverence as the song began....
HOW DO THEY DO IT??!! The power required for that song is unbelievable. The women who play Elphaba have my upmost respect! Big well done to Emma Hatton. Completely blew me away!
If you don't believe me have a listen. I Give you Defying Gravity Ladies and Gentleman!
What a way to end an Act!
Interval came, had a nice chat with the woman next to me, she had brought her daughter as a birthday/completing SATs Present (she was 11). They were both loving it, which I always like to hear! I slipped off to the Ozdust Boutique to buy a programme and was cheeky and got the Broadway Cast Album too! :) I mean come on....it would be rude not to...
Back at my seat and Act 2 begins!
They sang, they danced, they cried.... I almost cried... but all good things must end sadly and this really was a good thing!
Emma's Riffs, Savannah's high notes, Kane's Sass....all culminated in one big final number....For Good. *sniffles*
The finale came, the curtain fell and the audience rose! We gave them the standing ovation they damn well deserved!
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| No!!! Take me back!!! |
As always I went to Stage Door afterward but didn't expect to see Emma and Savannah, after all they had another show to prepare for! Sadly I didn't get the opportunity to meet them but hopefully there will be other times and I wish them both well in all their future endeavours once the leave Wicked. They deserve it!
Savannah Stevenson - Glinda!
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| Pink goes good with Green |
Her expressions alone are amazing!! I've never sat so close before but I am so glad I did. In No one Mourns the Wicked you can really see on Glinda's face how hurt she is by what the citizens of Oz are saying about Elphie. Savannah played that really well. All through the show in fact, you could see the expressions Savannah wore, from the hurt, the glee, the fear and above all the tears at the end and during "I'm Not That Girl" It really gives you a new perspective when you see the expression.
It truly amazes me just how into a role Savannah gets. Not sure I could make myself cry that much, 8 shows a week!
Also those high notes?! Absolutely stunning, was left speechless. It is amazing how she can create a sound like that - Brava! Comedic timing - exceptional! Make me laugh, made me cry. The sign of a true performer.
It is amazing to see how Glinda evolves from a spoilt brat, to a kind, compassionate leader who's experience moves her to look at things in another way and to help others become good. To see how her friendship with Elphie changes is simply magical
Savannah is completely gifted and deserves every success!
Twitter: Savannah Stevenson
Kane Oliver Parry - Fiyero! (1st Cover!)
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| "You've got me seeing through different eyes" |
Goodness me, Kane was stunning! It was only partway through Act 1 I realised it wasn't Oliver, he was that good!
He took that role and made it his own! It was Kane's final show as Fiyero and he went out with one heck of a bang! The smooth sass required for Fiyero came across effortlessly. The wit, quips and humour was all there. To see the character development is amazing, from cocky, shallow prince to a self sacrificing, loving man who fights for those he loves.
As I have mentioned before I don't think understudies get enough credit and once again I have been shown that understudies are incredibly talented people and deserve their place in Theatre. Wishing Kane all the best in his next role.
Twitter:Kane Oliver Parry
Emma Hatton - Elphaba!
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| "Unlimited, my future is Unlimited.." |
Sweet Oz.....
Emma was brilliant! The sheer power she has is incredible. Her ability to throw in the riffs shows just how talented this lady is. We see Elphie change from an awkward schoolgirl to a strong, independent Witch with unfathomable power, power with which she wants to do good. You need a voice of steel, not afraid to push but yet it's not all about power, we need to see the soft side of Elphaba, see her vulnerable moments and Emma does just that!
Gifted and talented indeed! I wish her all the best on her next venture!
Twitter: Emma Hatton
I am so lucky I got to see this cast before they left! I've been wanting to see Sav and Emma for a long time and finally that opportunity came! Thrillifiying indeed!!
Now all I can say is bring on the 10th Anniversary!!
Remember Guys! Emma and Savannah leave on 3rd September to make way for the 10th Anniversary cast, if you haven't seen them yet or want to go again I say do it now!! You won't regret it!
Love you all!
See you next week xxx
Jade xx
Website: http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/
Twitter: WickedUK
Facebook:Wicked UK
YouTube:Wicked The Musical UK
Instagram:Wicked UK
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