Talk about last minute....Part II - The Review!

This really should have been written less than two weeks after the event happened! But I have been so busy AND ill! So I am going to try and remember as much as I can and give you all a good account of the July 9th matinee performance of Wicked!

To begin, it was a Nikman show, this we knew as Rachel was, at the time sunning herself in Greece! I was of course a little disappointed (The Tuckamnion in me always craves a Tuckman show!) but also excited to see another Elphie, Nikki Davis Jones would be my third Elphaba in as many visits! 

After finally getting my hands on the tickets I had purchased on eBay the previous evening (that's another story altogether and I was a little worried at one point!) I was in my seat, N47 restricted view, still a great seat if anyone is thinking about it - I only missed 2 things during the whole show!

So after my Ellington in February 2009, Tuckman in March 2011 now it was time for Nikman July 2011! 

The lights went down and, as I always do, I held my breath during the first few bars of the overture - all down to sheer excitement! It was strange sitting on my own, the two tickets i had got were in different parts of the theatre so my niece was sat centre stalls (I let her have the better ticket  - that's what makes me so nice!) so I was on my own! But I cared not, I was inside the AV watching Wicked and nothing else mattered!

Before I could blink Louise was floating down in her bubble and my heartbeat increased and continued to do so over the next couple of hours! I was, as I am now sure I always will be, drawn to Glindas face during the entirety of NOMTW. The emotion was pouring from Louise's face and my eyes were filling with tears already, less than 5 minutes into the show!

Time always seems to go in fast forward when I am watching Wicked and before I knew it Nikki was on, and impressing me already in Dear Old Shiz and the scene around it. Her Elphie was quite different to Tuckers, I saw a cheekier, more happy go lucky Elphaba, one that was easy for the audience to fall in love with and empathise with when others were making fun.

'The Wizard and I' was Deej's first real chance to wow me, and boy did she do that. Her pure excitement at meeting the wizard was evident throughout the entire song and the 'Wizard Voice' she put on made me smile from ear to ear! I was officially impressed!

I was most impressed to find this on YouTube a few days after seeing the show, a permanent reminder of my third trip to Wicked and the wonder that is Deej!

'What is This Feeling' was an absolute highlight for me, Louise for some reason seemed far more funny than I'd ever seen her before. The woman sitting next to me was in hysterics which made me far more at ease with my laugh out loud antics! I also particularly loved Deej's Elphie in this song, her cheeky personality really shone through and the 'BOO' at the end was actually the funniest I have seen!

Mark Evans was again fantastic during 'Dancing Through Life' his dance skills really make a difference I think and help to make him my favourite Fiyero, although I have only seen him and Oli Thompsett so I don't really have much frame of reference! DTL was also the first chance we got to see Ben Stott and Zoe Rainey together as Boq and Nessa. I can never stress enough that these two roles are so underrated and deserve more praise than they get! (See my previous blog... http://nogoodbloggoesunpublished.blogspot.com/2011/05/its-not-all-about-glindas-elphies.html ) Ben and Zoe are perfect together and sometimes I find myself strangely drawn to them on stage even when other things are going on!

Now, having already witnessed what I believed to be a super funny Louise Dearman in WITF I was more than a little excited to see what she had to offer in 'Popular' and I wasn't disappointed! The flounces were flounciful, the la's were Lousome and the whole song absolutely hysterical! I am so glad I managed to see Lou perform Popular again, especially as it would now appear the toss toss giggle has now become obsolete!  Sad times :-(

As the cast started building up to the end of act one, I began getting restless as I always do waiting for 'Defying Gravity'. Its a feeling that i can't quite describe, I long for the song but also don't want it to be over at the same time...it's weird I know but hey it's me!!

I can honestly say I was blown away by Nikki and her performance she gave it everything and there were even some mini riffs thrown in which made me squeal with excitement and also served to fuel my yearning for No Good Deed! The clarity of her voice was so amazing and the first 'meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee' was unbelievable!!

But once again you can decide for yourself, as there is an audio of the actual day! Ozsome eh?!

So, it was act II already, we were once again wowed with the emotion shown by Louise in 'Thank Goodness' and this time by Mark as well as Fiyero begins to realise its Elphaba he truly loves. 

One song I was particularly looking forward to in act II was 'Wicked Witch of The East' I was really excited to hear Zoe again, I absolutely LOVE her portrayal of Nessa, especially the act II, more harsh Nessa. It was walso a chance to see the relationship that had developed between Her and Boq. Zoe was phenomenal in WWOTE and for the first time I began to feel sympathy for Nessa and see her character in a totally different light. Zoe nailed the song, the final 'It was Elphabaaaaaaaaaaaa' note had me open mouthed and absolutely in awe of this most talented woman!

I knew 'As Long As Your mine' was not going to be the hot steamy scene that we get at a Tuckvans show but Nikvans certainly did not leave much to the imagination! There was bum grabbing, dress lifting and plenty of neck kissing...still enough to make me slightly embarrassed that there were kids sat near me, but that's how ALAYM should be!!

I felt like an excited child by the time No Good Deed came around, if I wasn't physically bouncing in my seat I certainly was in my head, my favourite songs from Wicked change of a daily basis and that day NGD was it!

Nikki Davis Jones your No Good Deed was unbelievable! The following video is from the evening show but is amazingly similar to what we were treated to during the matinee. I love, love, love, the clarity of her voice and the riffs that she adds that really make the song her own which is so important for an actress.

The woman sat next to me, who hadn't made any interaction with me up to this point suddenly turned to me and said 'That was amazing wasn't?!' I couldn't speak for screaming but nodded enthusiastically loving the fact that a performance had had that affect on someone!

I couldn't believe it was nearly over, the opening chords of 'For Good' were being heard and yet again there were tears in my eyes. This was the first time in the performance that I missed Tucker, nothing bad about Nikki's performance of the song but I just love the emotion that is clear for all to see when it is a Tuckman show. Yet I still cried!

And then that was it, once again my Wicked experience was over. The second act always flies by and I wish it didn't! The cast were all amazing, I expected nothing else Louise i felt was being extra funny for some reason (which was a good thing!). Mark & Ben were the perfect male foils fora show known for it's leading ladies. Zoe Rainey actually amazed me, she is for definite my favourite Nessa and I would LOVE to see her as Glinda someday - WWOTE has shot up the rankings on my iTunes most played! 

Nikki, what can I say? She couldn't have been a better Elphaba on the night for me, I got a sort of Idina mixed with Kerry vibe from her, along with her own individuality this made for a wonderful interpretation of Elphie that I loved getting to know and watching change, for good.

Talk about last minute...Part 1!

Now, as many of you probably do, I tend to search on eBay for Wicked related stuff many times a week (OK maybe many times a day but don't tell anyone!) I always look at tickets just to see how much they go for, making note for future reference etc! I had spotted two tickets, from different sellers, a few days ago. One was a buy it now of £10 (restricted view) and the other £14 (premium stalls). To be honest at the time I had little money and assumed by the time I did on Friday they would be gone. I casually looked into Megabus prices, which strangely enough I also do quite often.....I worry about myself sometimes, but I promise I do not have a thing for buses or bus related websites!

The tickets were added to my watch list and I thought no more of it...until Friday came and they were still there, unsold!! Now I was starting to get a little excited - it had been four months since I last saw Wicked and I was getting withdrawals! With the limited cash flow I have this was the perfect opportunity to see the show at a bargain price! BUT I had one obstacle to overcome - my wife!

After pricing the Megabus the total for my trip would be £30, which may not sound like a lot but being as skint as we are at the minute it may as well have been £100! I casually text her, testing the waters as it were and got what seemed in most respects like a negative reply. My hopes were dashed it would seem and I began to resign myself to the fact that it wouldn't happen after all.

But, the tickets were still there.

When I spoke to her later I dropped into the conversation my previous text and was mightily surprised to hear a positive response!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!

All systems go and withing minutes the tickets were bought, bus was booked and myself and my 11 year old niece (Who I am educating well in all things Wicked) would be on our way to the AV at half six the following morning!!


Fast forward to 11.30am, Saturday 9th July 2011, I am stood outside the stage door of the AV awaiting the arrival of the cast. This was to be my first experience of stage dooring, and to say I was a little excited would be an understatement! What made the experience even better was the fact I was to meet some of my fellow Tuckmanions, Franzy & Sarah! It was great to meet people who share the same passion for Tuckman & Wicked that I do - it's usually very much frowned upon when I'm at home! So Franzy & Sarah were lovely! As was Jack who I wasn't expecting to meet but randomly did, after sneakily checking his twitter profile pic on my phone to ensure it was him!


So, to the story of SD, Zoe was first to arrive and she was lovely! Chatted to everyone and happily posed for pictures - we even chatted about this very blog which she remembered reading (the one about her and Ben!) so Zoe if you are reading this then thank you for being so lovely and stopping to chat to us all! Zoe tweeted soon after entering the AV that there was a lovely group of fans at the SD! When I told Jack of this he squealed like the biggest fan girl ever, and to be honest I was squealing a little on the inside!


Ben arrived next with hands full of shopping bags declaring 'I think I have a problem - I can't stop shopping' He was looking very summery in his Hawaiian shirt and was most impressed to sign my nieces t-shirt 'This is the first shirt I have ever signed' were his exact words! A tweet from Ben shortly afterwards referred to us all as 'Awesome Wicked Fans'!
Louise was next to appear, with Alan in tow! She went inside and told us she would come back out once Alan was settled - he was so tiny and so cute!!


Nikki was soon strolling towards us and full of smiles as she chatted to everyone and posed for photos. I had found out I went to uni with a friend of Nikki's and we discussed her new kitten 'Brian'! She was honestly the most lovely and down to earth person and I'm so glad I had the chance to meet her!
Now what happened next all seemed to happen at once so I'm not really sure which order it goes in! Ben suddenly reappeared from the stage door with a Spiderman Pez dispenser and proudly handed out pez sweets to everyone! But then it broke :-( poor Ben! I think someone should get him a pez as a present next time they SD!!


Lou came back out and looked amazing, even if she did worry about having pics taken with no make up! She was so sweet and had pictures taken with everyone and signed everything anyone wanted signed. Franzy was hiding from Lou initially, having SD's more than a few times over the last 3 weeks but her and Sarah decided that they wanted a Lou video to go with the White Rabbits vid they did with Tucker. So with me behind the camera Franzy, Sarah and Louise herself performed the infamous 'Toss Toss' on the street outside the SD of the AV! Louise said it was embarrassing to do it on the street but I think that disappeared when she realised both Franzy and Sarah were going to be in the video too! It was the most hilarious thing and I was so happy to even be a tiny part of it!

With all jolities soon to be ended we waited what seemed like an age for Mark and he finally appeared strolling towards the SD at about twenty past one!! In all fairness he was (to me anyway) late but still stopped for pictures and commented on mine and my nieces welsh accents saying it was good to meet some welshies!! Then in true Franzy & Sarah style they had a scarecrow picture taken with him - asking him whats a typical scarecrow pose and he fully obliged!
And so my first Stage dooring experience had been a complete success and utterly entertaining thanks to the loveliness of the Wicked cast and the craziness of my fellow Tuckmanions! I know I will SD again next time I go, and sure I will meet more wonderful people who share my passions!


This blog has gone on far too long now, I will leave you for now and continue the story, which will contain the important review of the matinee performance of July 9th 2011......for now Tuckmanions i will say goodbye safe in the knowledge that we WILL meet again in this lifetime....

Ozdust Boutique or Wicked Fan's home.....?

Fellow Ozians, Wickipeeps and my faithful Tuckmanions....Once again my hectic life has led to a distinct lack of blog for the last week or so (slapped wrist for me...Owww!!) But I have finally found time to collate all the info that many of you sent to help with the creation of this next installment of the Wicked blog!

While sat, a few weeks back now, and pondering a new topic for the blog I looked to my Wicked programmes for inspiration. Stood in front of my bookshelf, the top shelf of which houses much of my Wicked merchandise, it suddenly came to my attention that this could make a great blog topic. There is so much Wicked merchandise out there along with many Wicked fans who try to collect as much as they can. As many of you know I asked all my twitter followers to sent me any pics or interesting stories they may have in regards to their personal collections. This blog will attempt to bring together some of their stories and open the door to the Wicked obsessed's collections...

My own Wicked collection...

My own collection is pictured here, it flails in comparison to some of the pics I received, but i am proud of it none the less! If I had to pick a favourite item I think it would have to be either my Wicked pop-up compendium or my two notebooks I got from the USA! The pop up book, for those not familiar with it is like a Spot the dog for Wicked fans! Lots of lift the flap action and some stunning pop ups (I am fully aware of the crude nature of those last two sentences but theres no other way to describe it!) My favourite part of the book is however the removable copies of both Elphie & Glinda's letters home as featured in the song 'What is this feeling'! This item of my collection remains in its original cellophane packaging and only gets removed on special occasions!!

Barnes & Noble Wicked section - Heaven!

HEAVEN!!

My notebooks (I have an obsession with notebooks so Wicked notebooks were perfection for me!) came from an American shop called 'Barnes & Noble'. Essentially this store is like WH Smith/Borders (RIP Borders). There was a time a when Barnes & Noble had dedicated Wicked sections in their stores. I can't imagine walking into one of these stores and being able to leave without bags bulging full of rare and wonderful Wicked merch! HEAVEN!!

A few of my faithful twitter followers sent me lots of info and pics about their collections, vast as they are! One of the most detailed pics i received was the following from @FranzyXf who has a collection to rival any hardcore Wicked fan.

 That is one impressive collection and I am in complete agreement that coffee definitely tastes better from a Wicked mug! (I was actually drinking from mine when I took my picture hence it not being in it!) When I see pictures like this one it makes me smile so much knowing that people share in my passion and obsession! I would have a whole room dedicated to Wicked if my other half would let me! (Not a hope in Oz's chance!)

When looking at everyones pics I can't even begin to imagine how much money we have all spent in feeding our obsessions what with tickets (including plane tickets to London in some cases!) merch and general ebay activity! I have a friend (@shortbreadinc who I know in real life, not just on twitter) who, if buying literally anything in green has to also buy it in pink - mouthwash being the prime example!! Now that is obsession!!

DG Snowglobe

Another large collection I encountered in my search was sent to me by @elfiegreenwitch. As well as the rare Defying Gravity snow globe, NINE T-shirts and two hoodies she has 4 signed programmes with an impressive list of signatories...Kerry Ellisx2 ,Oliver Thompsettx2, Dianne Pilkingtonx3, Harriet Thorpe, George Ure, Caroline Keiff, Jeremy Legat, Alexia Khadime amongst many others!

The only signed items in my collection (so far) stand at 2 signed pictures of Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth that I bought from ebay at the same time as buying my New York performance script (which I actually analysed during my Literary Theory module while doing my English degree!) There will definitely be more signed items to add to my collection the next time I see Wicked - never had time to stage door before but will make time the next!

Another owner of both the DG and FG rare snow globes is @gemznx, who sent me a fantastic email about all her Wicked related merch. The most exciting thing in her collection, which is still in production is a giant cross stitch version of the Wicked poster that her mum is currently making for her (best mum ever or what?) Its going to be 18x36 inches and I'm sure it will be amazing - I'm hoping there will be pics once its done and we can all share in its glory!! 

Gemma also has a green KA, called Elphie, with GEL (Glinda/Elphie) number plate no less! I type this green with envy as my other half has just got a new car, also green, but refuses to let me call it Elphie!! Very unfair if you ask me!

When conducting my search for fan collections another follower that made me feel a lot better about my obsession was @KaraAnnJ who has in her collection (as well as myself and @FranzyXf

 

I always wonder why different countries productions of Wicked sell different kinds of merchandise, usually just different t shirts or hoodies. My favourite however is pictured here. Only in Australia can you purchase a Wicked stubby beer cooler! If I could find one of these I would LOVE to add it to my collection, and I'm sure my beer would taste far better and colder coming from one! 

The most impressive piece of merchandise I found during my search, not official but nevertheless a unique and Oztastic creation - by a mystery fan! If it was you then firstly I hope you don't mind me using your pic and secondly I bow down to your creativity and ask....How much for a pair of these?

OMG THESE ARE AMAZING!!

My amazing birthday cake which sadly got eaten!!

 I am going to leave you now with one final item, one that was in my collection but sadly no longer is :-( This is through no fault of my own and if it was possible for me to still own it I would. it was my 30th birthday in October last year and I was treated to a surprise party which was awesome, what was more awesome was this....

I was told the look on my face was a sight to behold, I was literally speechless for a good two minutes and actually cried when I had to cut it!!

Thank you to my wonderful Auntie for making it and my wonderful wife for ordering it! 

And so concludes this weeks blog! Thank you to everyone who sent me pics and info, @FranzyXf, @elfiegreenwitch, @KaraAnnJ, @gemznx and @shortbreadinc - I am sorry I couldn't use all of your pics but hope you enjoyed the blog anyway!!

Until next time Wickipeeps....

It started with a kiss...

The Original....Chenzel

Fellow Ozians, I once again welcome you to the latest installment of my Wicked Blog. This week I have decided to take a look at three different, and in my opinion the three most well known and best pairings of Elphaba and Glinda. 

We know the two witches aren't the best of friends on stage (to begin with at least) yet I am of the opinion that they must be that off stage in order to create a chemistry that is apparent to audiences. Without this chemistry, and there must have been pairings out there that didn't have it, then Elphie and Glindas story may be seen in a totally different light!

I will start at the very beginning, its a very good pla....Whoa hang on, wrong musical! But still, I will return to the year 2003 when Wicked opened on Broadway. In the leading roles of Elphaba and Glinda were Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

Chenzel!!

Idina was already well known to most Broadway fanatics having been part of the OBC of Jonathan Larssons 'Rent' (Which happens to be my 2nd favourite musical!) where she created the role of Maureen Johnson.

Kristin had previously appeared in 'You're a good man Charlie Brown' as Sally, a role than won her a Tony (amongst others) award in 1999.

While Chenoweth had been a part of Wicked from the workshop stage it is less well known that Menzel was not the 'original' Elphaba. Stephanie J. Block had portrayed the role during its creation yet Menzel took over the role in 2001 a full two years before the Broadway premiere. Block went on to play Elphaba in the first National tour in 2005.

I often wonder if Idina and Kristin knew what they were about to become a part of whilst rehearsing Wicked. Did they know they were creating what would go on to become a global phenomenon? 


As the first ever Elphie & Glinda it is inevitable that many people consider 'Chenzel', a name coined by their legions of fans (and a tradition that continues even now) to be the greatest ever combination to grace the stage. One of the most famous stories to come out of Chenzels time in Wicked is that during the production they were actually involved in a romantic relationship. A story that if true would make me view Wicked very differently, especially the lyrics of 'For Good'. The story has of course been wholeheartedly denied by both Chenoweth and Menzel the latter being married to her former 'Rent' co star Taye Diggs.

The chemistry is there for all to see...

Whether they were or weren't there is still no doubt that the chemistry Chenzel shared on stage was certainly one to behold and many hardcore fans mourned the passing. Yet while they mourned Chenoweth at least was having a ball putting her own spin on 'Popular'

Kristin has fun at her last performance....

I adore both Idina and Kristin, as many do and I only wish I had had the privilege to see them perform as Elphie & Glinda!

Kerry Ellis & Dianne Pilkington

Idina was lucky enough to open both the Broadway and West End productions of Wicked yet it was her standby, someone called Kerry Ellis (anyone familiar with that name?) who makes up one half of the second pairing I am going to look at....Ellington (The tradition continues...)

Ellington consists of the remarkable Kerry Ellis and the abundantly talented Dianne Pilkington, a pairing I should have seen during my first Wicked visit in 2009 yet Dianne was off, sad face :-(

Ellington!!!

Kerry had of course already been a part of the cast, she was the standby to Idinas Elphaba until her return to Broadway in January 2007. Before joining the cast of Wicked Dianne had been part of the UK tour of 'Cats' playing the role of Grizabella. Dianne actually hold a 'Wicked' record, she is the longest serving Glinda (in a single contract) in 'Wicked' history - a feat to definitely be proud of of I believe!! Bravo Dianne!!

From what I have heard of these two performers (mainly youtube!) as one, I saw Kerry perform as Elphaba with standby Sarah Earnshaw in 2009, they can be very proud of their work.

The one thing that always makes me chuckle when seeing pictures such as this one of Ellington out of costume is their opposite hair colours. You may all think me a little crazy for finding this amusing but I just do!

There are more Ellington 'Wicked' tracks in my iTunes than any other Ellis + one pairing, for me they cover every emotion that is needed for the characters and do it so effortlessly too! Even without the rumours that Chenzel fans created it is clear that Ellington possessed the same perfect chemistry that made their Glinda & Elphie a pleasure to watch and hear. This is one of my most favourite versions of 'For Good', Kerry's last, and I defy any of you to not be moved when listening to it!

I once again can only wish that I has had the opportunity to see these two perform, I got to see Kerry and of that fact I am so glad! But Dianne, if your reading this then where were you on February 6th 2009? Because you weren't on stage at the Apollo Victoria!!

And so we come top our final pairing and I know many of my loyal readers will be at their most excited now! I know many of you are devoted TuckmanionsWickipeeps for that time is now, it's time for TUCKMAN!

Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker - Wicked Day 2010

 The famous tradition continued at cast change in 2009 and from our new Elphie & Glinda pairing 'Tuckman' was born.

Rachel Tucker was known to West End fans around the UK after here appearance on Lord Lloyd Webbers 'I'd Do Anything', the much publicised search for a new Nancy, a show in which she made it to the semi finals. 

Louise Dearman had a slightly less publicised route to becoming Glinda having just finished performing as Eva Peron in the UK tour of 'Evita'. A production which I can proudly say that I saw and that Louise was utterly amazing. I had never seen 'Evita' on stage before and of course had the Madonna film version in my mind. Now whenever I hear 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' all I can think of is Louise giving the performance of her life which I watched through tear filled eyes!

The best of friends!

I have to admit that Tuckman (A term which the lovely ladies actually used themselves in a promotional video for Wicked) is most definitely my favourite pairing of Glinda & Elphie and this is not simply due to the fact that I have seen them perform live (30th March 2010 - Girls you were AMAZING!!) There just seems to be something more than perfection going on with them. I can't help myself from welling up whenever I listen to their version of 'For Good'. I can't stop the beaming smile from appearing on my face during Rachel's version of 'The Wizard and I'.

Rachel and Louise just seem to be the best of friends both on stage and off and this relationship (Not a Chenzel one as Rachel is married to the lovely Guy Retallack!) shows through in their performances. 

I for one will be wearing my black (or should that be green?) armband on December 11th this year when Tuckman ceases to be...No I will rephrase that, Tuckman will never cease to be but they will no longer be gracing the stage of the Apollo Victoria and moving on to pastures new. We of course as devoted Tuckmanions will continue to follow their careers and show our support in any way we can - just look at the amount of tweets we posted last week when poor Barney went missing! And the relief we all shared when he was found safe and well!

From their performance at Garry Lake's 'Jest End' 11 months before their casting in Wicked until now, over a year into their run as the West Ends most famous Witches it is clear for all to see that Rachel and Lousie have a very special friendship. We are just lucky enough to be able to share it with them through the eyes of Elphaba and Glinda!

I just can't help but wonder if Alan and Barney get on just as well??

I will leave you now with what I believe to be one of the best recordings of 'Defying Gravity' out there at the moment. It is the only one that has not only made it onto my iPod but also as a video file on my iPhone so I can watch whenever I need cheering up - it never fails! Until next week Wickipeeps, Tuckmanions and everyone else enjoying my ramblings!

It's not ALL about the Glindas & Elphies!

Firstly my wonderful followers, fellow Wickipeeps and Tuckmanions I must apologise for the lack of blog over the last few weeks. Without going into detail and boring you all with details of my woes and strife lets just say I had other things on my mind! I am back now, getting into the flow of life and all things Wicked again!

This week I wanted to talk about the two characters (and the people that play them!) who are often forgotten about due to the popularity of our leading ladies. Everyone knows that Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz, but they of course have friends and relatives that are a big part of that story.

Zoe Rainey & Ben Stott

I am of course talking about Nessarose and Boq, who are just as important to our story as Glinda, Elphaba and Fiyero!

Nessarose, for those that may not be familiar with the story of Wicked is Ephabas sister. People who are more familiar with The Wizard of Oz will know here as The Wicked Witch Of The East, the one who has a house fall on her at the start of the story (this of course happens much later in the story of Wicked!)

Boq is a munchkin that arrives at Shiz University the same time as Glinda & Elphaba and falls head over heels in love with G(a)linda!

While their roles may be minor compared to others, it is Nessarose and Boq that are responsible for the delivery of one of my favourite songs from the show, which unfortunately didn't make it onto the soundtrack :-( This was due to the fact that producers thought it gave away too much of the story and was therefore omitted!

The Original London Cast - The Wicked Witch Of The East - Idina Menzel, Katie Rowley Jones, James Gillian

This song just captures the change in Nessarose so perfectly, while Boq was falling in love with Glinda he failed to realise that Nessa was falling in love with him and this is why, upon becoming governess she relinquished the rights of all munchkins in order to keep him there with her convinced he would eventually fall in love with her.

Nessa realises after her attempt to 'magic spell' Boq into loving her that she truly has become 'The Wicked Witch Of The East' and yet in true Wicked style still blame it all on Elphaba once Boq awakes as a man made of tin...

Zoe Rainey - Nessarose

Ben Stott - Boq

In keeping with the present I wanted to take a closer look at the actors currently creating London's Nessarose and Boq - Zoe Rainey & Ben Stott!

Zoe and Ben joined Wicked at the last cast change, February 7th 2011 and I had the pleasure of seeing them perform their roles of Nessa and Boq in March this year. 

Zoe Rainey as Amber

Before taking over the role of Nessa from Cassi Compton, Zoe had previously been performing in the West End production of Hairspray playing the role of Amber Von Tussle, a far cry from Miss Nessrose I'm sure we will all agree! She also took on a role in a musical called 'Sunshine on Leith' which was to The Proclaimers what 'Mamma Mia' is to Abba! It received rave reviews and one reviewer even compared it to the great Willy Russell classic 'Blood Brothers' stating, "What Blood Brothers did for Liverpool this will surely do for Edinburgh!" 

Ben Stott as Jack

Ben trained at The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), where incidentally I had an audition for in 1999 (showing my age now!) I sadly did not get in and ended up studying theatre in Blackpool! Ben however did and was nominated for the spotlight award in 2007! Prior to winning the role of Boq, which he took over from George Ure in Feb 2011, Ben was performing as Jack in an open air production of 'Into The Woods' He even had the privilege of performing at West End Live 2010 with a song from the Sondheim great - Giants in the Sky

A beautiful song sang by a wonderful performer i know we will all agree!

And there we have it, a short insight into not only Nessa & Boq but also Zoe & Ben. I cant go without saying how wonderful both Ben and Zoe were when I saw them in March. I really felt for Nessa and it was Zoe's performance of Wicked Witch Of The East that made me fall in love with that song (Now 2nd most played on my itunes!) Her voice gave me chills and I felt every emotion with her!

Zoe not only sings but also writes music & lyrics too, here is a small offering she posted to youtube as a tribute to all the mothers out there! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!



Bravo to Ben and Zoe!! I can't wait to see you guys again - hopefully very very soon!!

Until next time Wickipeeps, and I promise it wont be so long this time!!

K x

Wicked away from the stage

Fellow Ozians, we return now to the regular weekly Wicked blog posting after the interim Love146.org special blog! I hope you all enjoyed!

Wicked is one of the few musicals that has as much of a cult following away from the stage as on it. We all know this, that is why we are here, we want to read and watch as much about our obsession that we can! We scour the web for exclusive video and audio, create our own web pages and images all due to our love for this phenomenon!

It seems that the world has embraced the fact that Wicked has a massive fan following and more and more cases of Wicked away from the stage are occurring, in 2007 regular viewers of ABC's Ugly Betty found themselves treated to a sneak preview of Wicked on stage!

Broadway stars Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty took their roles as Elphaba and Glinda to the small screen as the characters of Ugly Betty went to see Wicked! I have never been a fan of Ugly Betty, i tried when it first came out but just didn't get on with it. Yet as a Wicked fangirl I have of course watched this episode countless times! For those who never saw it or indeed those like me who never pass up an opportunity to watch a Wicked clip here is a little taster...

This makes me laugh every time I watch, but also makes me sad as I know something like this could only happen in America. How amazing would it be for characters from a well known British show were to turn up at the AV and find themselves on stage with the current London cast! Rachel, Louise, Mark and co if you're reading (which I hope you do sometimes!) what do you reckon? And which TV shows would you like to turn up at the AV (reality TV not included lol!)

But it is not only television shows that are keen on sharing the popularity of Wicked, other West End Shows have been known to try a little 'Wickedness'. I have heard on the grapevine this week that the musical now calling the Theatre Royal home has paid homage to the famous 'Ahhhhh ahhhhh ahhh ahhhhh' from the end of Defying Gravity! So if you are going to see 'Shrek' any time soon guys, keep an ear out for it during 'What's up Duloc?'

It was another musical before Shrek that pardodied a Wicked song, not as part of the show but extremely funny none the less. My second favourite musical Avenue Q performed in Dress Circle on February 14th 2007 (Oh while we're on the subject SAVE DRESS CIRCLE!!) The characters of Trekkie Monster and Kate Monster take on 'Popular' with hilarious results, I'm sure you'll agree! Pay particular attention to the 'I'll show you what shoes to wear' line and Trekkies reaction to it...

Julie Atherton is just so so talented, I love her Kate Monster and this video brings two of my most favourite things together - Wicked & Avenue Q (which I finally get to see next month....very excited!)

So it would seem that Wicked is as much at home away from the stage as on it, I mean how many musicals have an entire day dedicated to them once a year? Wicked day, that usually happens in October brings together fans from all over the world to share and rejoice in all things Wicked! There are performances from the shows stars, masterclasses, a chance to see the costumes up close, and even a Wicked karaoke! I'm sure the manufacturers of green face and body paint are sitting scratching their head as to why their sales take a sudden upturn during this time!

I myself am hoping to take my first trip to Wicked Day this year, I have always been stopped by exams or assignments in the last 3 years, but now I am free and able to indulge my obsession!! So if anyone else is going then keep me informed and I'll be sure to say hello!

A shorter than usual blog this week everyone, I have been super busy this week and not had chance to gather as much info as I wanted! I hope you enjoyed it anyway! I will be back next week with more about our shared obsession! Wicked!! Bye for now Ozians!!

The Love146.org Flashmob...Can You See Me?

Fellow Ozians, Wickipeeps, and Tuckmanions, this week I am producing an interim blog. A blog I would like you to share with as many people as you can and via as many ways possible!

We all know that this week saw the release of the Love146.org flash mob video which featured our beloved Rachel Tucker amongst 146 West End performers. The flash mob performed to a specially arranged Annie Lennox track and we have all been wowed by the talented singers and dancers on show. Trafalgar square was filled and entertained on the evening of the 11^th of April and we as fans of Rachel waited with baited breath for the resulting video release. How many of us realised what this video was all about or what issue Love146.org are promoting?

Please read on and understand why these performers gave up their time to be a part of this wonderful Spectacle...

Christian Elliott, Love146 UK Director said: “It’s a cultural misconception that Child Sex Trafficking only exists in developing countries, it lives and breathes here on our doorstep in the UK”

This statement could not be more true, I for one, upon hearing the words Child Sex Trafficking automatically associate them with the rest of the world and not the country that I have lived in all of my life.

The statistics are shocking, in 2005/6 48 victims of child sex trafficking disappeared from social services care across Manchester, Newcastle –Upon – Tyne and Birmingham. Not shocking? Well not only did they disappear but to this day they have not been found, and it is believed that most of these children will have been re trafficked. Of the 80 trafficked children living under the care of 5 local authorities this number accounts for 60%. 60% of children lost and failed by the system.

(These statistics are taken from the Missing Out report 2007 ECPAT.org.uk)

Love146.org are commissioning an independant report to highlight the needs for safe accommodation, specialized aftercare and therapeutic services for trafficked children. The charity will shortly be releasing the findings of a survey of local authorities’ responses to trafficked children in their areas.

 

The project is dubbed ‘Can You See Me?’ in reference of course to the fact that the problem of child trafficking appears to go unnoticed in the UK and only associated with underdeveloped countries. In truth boys and girls as young as 11 are being trafficked into Britain from all over the world. Love146.org director of communications Christian Elliot stated ‘For a country that promotes human rights around the world and has some excellent services for children and young adults, it is a scandal that in 2011 the UK has no designated aftercare or re-integration services for trafficked children’

 

We all enjoyed watching the video, we all shared it on twitter and facebook but did we know the cause that was being promoted? We all love Rachel Tucker and if she support Love146.org then surely we all can too?

 

Our current Elphaba said of the project; ‘All of us were shocked to hear the terrible fate of children even in our home towns and cities. This is our way of trying to raise awareness and getting people behind Love146.org’s campaign to make a real difference to some of the most damaged children in the country.’

 

Please visit Love146.org to find out more about the work they do, you can also text a donation from UK mobiles by sending the word ‘LOVE’ to 70777, this will donate £10 to Love146.org (Texts cost £10 + your standard network rate)

 

Thank you for reading my fellow Ozians, I know this strays away from the regularities of my blog but this is too much of a serious concern to go overlooked! Keep your eyes peeled on Sunday for the next instalment of No Good Blog Goes Unpublished!

 

Katy x

 

Standby for the Understudy...

Fellow Ozians, or as I have heard us called this week in particular ‘Wickipeeps’! I like it! Another term that has come to pass in this last week was one that refer to fans of our current Glinda & Elphaba, more commonly known as ‘Tuckman’. We, my friends shall now and forever more be known as ‘Tuckmanions’ and we shall revel in ‘Tuckmania’ for as long as we all shall live...(well until the 10^th of December CC anyway!)

Now, barely a paragraph into this weeks blog and Ive already managed to go off on a tangent, lets move on to the topic of this post Standby v Understudy!

We all know that playing roles such as Elphaba and Glinda for eight shows a week is very demanding. The actresses playing them cannot be expected to perform all 416 shows of a year! This is of course why productions have understudies and standbys so our wonderful leading ladies (and gents of course) can get some much needed rest and relaxation!

If like me you have ever wondered the difference between the two roles then I will give a brief explanation. The understudy will also be a part of the ensemble, they will sometimes be understudy for more than one role and will go on if another actor/ess cannot perform at short notice. The standby is a slightly different role, they will not have another part in the production and not be a part of the ensemble. They are always at the theatre, sometimes sitting in the audience, during performances and must be available to go on stage at short notice should another performer be unable to continue. The standby will also cover certain holidays the lead performer may have.

I hope this clears up any confusion that may have been lurking, and if I have not got it completely correct then feel free to shout and yell at me!

Now I know you don’t come here to be bored with facts about musical theatre procedures so let us get our Wicked groove on, we all know that’s why we’re here!

Our current lead standbys in the West End production of Wicked are, for Elphaba – Nikki Davis Jones and for G(a)linda – Chloe Taylor.  

I have heard stories from people that have been disappointed when they do not see the marquee names when seeing Wicked. I personally do not think this is fair at all, simply because they do not play the role permanently does not mean they are not as good, just have a listen to this awesome performance of No Good Deed by the equally as awesome Nikki Davis Jones...

Who on earth could say that they were disappointed after that Fiyero riff?? Its madness I tell you pure madness!


Now talk about our wonderful Elphaba standby and leave out Glinda would be wrong, Chloe Taylor is currently the standby for Louise Dearman as Glinda. There doesn't appear to be ANY video out there of either girl and very little audio of Chloe at all, I suppose this is to be expected with standbys as they don't go on as often. I did manage to find a few versions of Popular out there and it would seem fans aren't as impressed with Chloe as they could be bemoaning her for the lack of squeakiness and silliness that seems to be synonymous with Glinda. I personally think that there is no necessity for Glinda to be like this at all! Have a listen to Chloe performing Popular and see what you think...

Felicia Ricci on her first night as Elphaba

I sometimes wonder what life must be like for these standbys and understudies, sitting waiting for your moment to shine on stage and possibly just be forgotten by that nights audience (seems harsh I know but that's how fickle some people can be!) Of course I can't truly know, none of us can unless we have been there ourselves (I now sit here and wish all my wishes that one day I may be there!) However, luckily for us Wickipeeps there is someone who has been there and is willing to share her story with us...Felicia Ricci.

Felicia Ricci was the standby to Eden Espinosa's Elphie in the 2010 San Francisco production and on March 30th she got 'greenified' for the first time when Eden was unable to continue through illness. I am not going to tell the full story but simply direct you to Felicia's blog 'Unnaturally Green' where you can read all about her experiences as an Elphie standby!

 http://unnaturallygreen.blogspot.com/2010/04/part-2-elphaba-debut-redux.html

I will also tell you that Felicia will be publishing her Wicked story 'Unnaturally Green' in the Autumn this year, a behind the scenes memoir that i for one am unbelievably excited about reading! AND if you're not already following the lady in question on Twitter then shame on you and get following @FeliciaRicci 


http://www.unnaturallygreen.com/

I just have one more person I want to talk about when it comes to standbys, a person that some of you may not realise started her Wicked journey as a standby. If you went to see Wicked in the West end during its opening 3 months (Sep 7 2006 - Jan 1 2007) and for some reason the sensational Idina Menzel wasn't on then the likelihood is that you would have seen her magnificent standby, Kerry Ellis. This surely proves that standbys can go on to be as, if not more successful than the names they are overshadowed by...

I will leave you with a song, sung by our standby Elphie Nikki Davis Jones. And if Kerry Ellis's story is anything to go by then soon Miss Dee J will not be the slightest bit concerned about being the standby (Or understudy in accordance with the song!) Until next week Wickipeeps and Tuckmanions!!