Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth - Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: Great Music, Different Story.
Hit: 5 Stars
First, let me say that this is NOT the same story that is told in the fantastic novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. If you go into this thinking you will be hearing the same story as the novel, you will be sorely dissapointed. Whereas Mr. Maguire's novel is an adult-oriented, fantasy thriller full of symbolism and sociological meaning, the book behind the play is a cheesy kids story which illustrates completely different characters (except in name), different plot lines, different messages, and differnt settings. But, for Broadway, it works, So it really needs to be judged on its own merits which is not as a politically meaningful piece of prose, but, rather, as an easy to digest, fun, and fantastic musical journey through the backstory behind Oz - albeit a much different backstory than the one which was originally portrayed in Maguire's book of the same name.And that brings me to the only problem with the story - it is far too different from the book to deserve being named the same. All it does is build up false hope for the fans of the book. In fact, the stories are so much different, that they really do not even deserve to be compared. So as not to give either story away, I will not go into intricate details other than to say that the play features much more simplistic and superficial personalities and plot lines that, although enjoyable in their own right, have no underlying meaning in the grand scheme of things. They are, just as in "The Wizard Of Oz" movie, fluffy. But that's OK - as long as you go into it with the right attitude.
Alright, with all of that said, lets get to the music which is absolutely the highlight of this play. Stephen Schwartz has, once again, married Pop to Broadway with extremely melodic, wonderfully orchestrated, and thoroughly enjoyable tunes that will keep you listening to this CD for weeks at a time. I can't say that I am reminded of any of Schwartz's older works such as Godspell or Pippin, or even of his newer theatrical works such as Children Of Eden. Rather, I would compare the music more to Schwsartz's The Prince of Egypt or some of the Menken animated musicals, all of which I love. Of course, Broadway and Sondheim purists will turn up their noses and poo-poo at the idea of melody in musicals. But for those of us who just love to put on a CD and sing along, Wicked is one of the greats of our time.
As for the performances, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel deliver some of the most poewerful performances I have ever heard committed to record. Of course, Stephen Schwartz knows how to bring a song to climax and you could not find two better "belters" to complete the process. "The Wizard And I", "Popular", "Defying Gravity", and "No Good Deed" round out the highlights of these two amazing vocalists. Also, not to be overlooked, is the performance of Joel Grey as The Wizard who gives a solid performance, although not living up to his normally dominant presence only because the rest of the cast is actually that good.
And, so, as you can probably tell, I was and am an immediate fan of Wicked The Musical. And to all the purists who are dedicated to the original book or to the traditional Broadway musical style, I say, in all good humor, "turn down your noses, turn up the volume, and just enjoy."
Free Music Review: This musical lost to Avenue Q?!?!?!?!?!
Hit: 5 Stars
I first found out about the book, Wicked, when a friend of mine was reading it. Then, a few years later, I found out they were turning it into a musical. The only picture I had seen was of Glinda and Elphaba in front of Dorothy's house. My first introduction to the music was when they performed "One Short Day" at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. I was swept away by that one song alone. Then, when I was in a production of Our Town, some friends of mine were playing the CD in the green room and singing along to it. They were singing along with "What is This Feeling" and "Defying Gravity". A lot of my friends had seen it so I figured, it's so popular it may just win best musical. Then, I read all these bad reviews about the CD. Bulls***. When I saw them perform "Defying Gravity" on the Tonies, I thought, "that's it. This musical is gonna win Best Musical." Then, I read the paper the very next day. Wicked lost to Avenue Q. I was shocked that a musical with a song that moved me to tears lost to a musical with gay puppets. Mind you, now I wouldn't mind seeing Avenue Q. Then I got the CD and saw the show.
Well, that's the story of how I fell in love with Wicked but now here's my review. The score is amazing. Stephen Schwartz is officially one of my favorite composers along with Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Lynne Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel have two of the most gorgeous voices on Broadway. Idina Menzel deserved her Tony for Best Actress in a musical. I didn't get to see Kristen Chenoweth when I saw the show last August. I saw Jennifer Laura Thompson and if that's not her real voice (re: high and squeaky), she sounds like she's doing a cheap imitation of Kristen Chenoweth, who has the voice of an angel by the way. I knew that from the minute I heard her sing in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Music Man. I didn't get to see Joel Grey or Norbert Leo Butz but I loved George Hearn in the part of the Wizard. My favorite songs in the show are "No One Mourns the Wicked", "The Wizard and I", "What is this Feeling", "Dancing Through Life" (which is a lot longer on Broadway) "Popular", "I'm Not That Girl", "One Short Day", "Defying Gravity (greatest song ever)", "As Long As You're Mine", "No Good Deed", "March of the Witch Hunters", and "For Good". Basically, I love all the songs.
I highly recommend that you go see the show before Idina leaves because that woman IS Elphaba. She totally owned the part. And a word of warning: There is a song called "The Wicked Witch of the East" which was not included on the CD. You see, the story actually has a bit of mystery going on throughout the show. If you know the whole story, especially the end which has a bunch of surprises, then there's no point in seeing the show if you know what's gonna happen. A great deal happens in the song, "The Wicked Witch of the East." It is sung by Nessarose, Elphaba, and Boq and some things happen that play pivotal parts in the story of Wicked as well as The Wizard of Oz. The voices are some of the best you'll hear in a long time. The story is great. You will never look at The Wizard of Oz the same way again. Trust me, it's more than an excuse to show off a bunch of Broadway stars and flashy sets.
Free Music Review: Amazing show, stratospheric Idina Menzel
Hit: 5 Stars
I stepped into the lobby of the Gershwin Theater on the rain-soaked night of November 19, 2003, drenched to the core. My shoes were wet, my friends were a bit late and I was cranky. Even worse, I saw that one of the two main stars, Kristen Chenoweth, would not be appearing (she had a cold, I read later). I was an inch away from turning in my ticket and heading home to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. BOY, am I glad I stayed. The night proved to be one of the most amazing I have ever had in the theater. The show and Stephen (Pippin) Schwartz"s songs, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, just continued to get better as the night went on. The show involves friendship, betrayal, romance, being different, gutless politicians, balancing ideals against desires, and about a dozen other things. It's genuinely affecting and well-staged without the sugary aspects that can turn a lot of people off to musical theater. The main theme is what's really good and what's really evil? "Wicked" is largely seen from the point of view of Elphaba, the green-skinned "witch" of the east who arrives in the Emerald City full of hope and promise, well before Dorothy blew into town.
Melissa Bell, the woman who was substituting as Glinda, the "good" witch did a very nice job. The rest of the cast, including Norbert Leo Butz as the prince were extremely talented. But nothing prepared me for Idina Menzel, who plays Elphaba the "wicked witch" of the east. I'd heard her before on the "Rent" cast album. But I guess seeing someone live is a different experience. This lady not only has a beautiful voice, she gives a performance that betters almost anything I've ever seen on Broadway. This is a superstar turn that lifts the audience out of its collecive seats. Whether it's a ballad like "I'm not that Girl," or the roof-raising "Defying Gravity" number that closes the first act, Ms. Menzel held the audience in her spell. She spins you between touching moments and thrilling ones, with a lot of help from the show's creators who have wisely created showcase numbers for both stars.
Listening to the wonderfully-performed cast album this week, I finally had a chance to hear Kristen Chenoweth. She sparkles as much as Ms. Menzel in her numbers. The giddy "Popular" where she gives Elphaba a make-over is probably her strongest turn. I've had the chance to see her on stage in NYC (On A Clear Day You Can See Forever). I'm going back to see the show again on Jan. 13th and am looking forward to hearing her crystalline voice (from the back of the theater this time :(
But for me, "Wicked" is always going to remind me of the night I learned about a new and budding superstar - Idina Menzel. Trust me on this. If you're going to be in NYC, get yourself a ticket to this show! If you can't make it to NYC, buy the cast album. If you even remotely like musical theater, you'll enjoy it a lot.
I looked Ms. Menzel's recordings up on Amazon after the show. Aside from the theater, she apparently cut a CD back in 1998. It's out of print now. But you can bet it'll get re-released soon.
Free Music Review: Wickedly Entertaining
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought this cd because my friends had been raving about it so much. When I put it on, at first I didn't know what to think. To help, I looked up the storyline of the musical, and then I got the songs. By knowing the story, I could actually hear the charcters joys, triumphs, and pains. And I feel in love with the music. This soundtrack is one of my favorites, thanks to the amazing score and the talent of these singers. I was lucky enough to see Wicked a few weeks ago, and I was even more memorized. I recommend the show immensely, but if you don't get to the show, buy the soundtrack! Here are the songs reviewed:
1. No One Mourns the Wicked 6/10: A great opening number, but unless you see the show it may seem a little random. It does show of Kristin Chenowith's amazing vocal range.
2. Dear Old Shiz 3/10: An ok song, but I like how they say Shizzzz in it- funny!
3. The Wizard and I 10/10: An amazing song! Our first glimpse into Elphaba, and Idina Menzel just sings her heart out!
4. What is This Feeling 9/10: I love how they have two choruses singing as one in this song. It's hilarious in the play, with Galinda and Elphaba venting about their feelings.
5. Something Bad 5/10: listen to this song once in a while, just to remember what's happening. I also love the dangerous undertones in the music.
6. Dancing Through Life 8/10: Such a fun one to sing to! Fiyero's voice just soothes the soul.
7. Popular 8/10: Galinda's ballid. And by that, I mean a wonderfully shallow, bubblegum pop anthem.
8. I'm Not That Girl 7/10: You can literally hear Elphaba's heart breaking in this one. It's a beatiful, simple song that shows off Menzel's mid-level range.
9. One Short Day 6/10: Much better to see visually. But it's fun to listen to on the soundtrack.
10. Sentimental Man 5/10: Very short, with nothing really great to make it worth listening to.
11. Defying Gravity 15/10: I know that's not possible, but it's just that good! The best song on the soundtrack, and the best scene in the play.
12. Thank Goodness 8/10: A song that I listened to over and over again. You can also hear Glinda finally growing as a person.
13. Wonderful 6/10: The best of the Wizard's songs. Fun tempo to it.
14. I'm not That Girl (reprise): Good, but more of a prelude to the next song.
15. As long as you're Mine 10/10: A great love song. Fiyero and Elphaba sing great together.
16. No Good Deed 10/10: So sad, because you know that Elphaba has decided to be Wicked. But I just love how Menzel sings this.
17. March of the Witch Hunters 7/10: Not a stand out, but the intensity of the chorus is great.
18. For Good 9/10: A tearjerker. Glinda and Elphaba saying goodbye to each other
19. Finale 9/10: A great way to sum up the musical. When you see it live, it gives you chills.
Well, there you have it. Now go buy Wicked!
Free Music Review: Jameson Thottam and a Wickedly good CD
Hit: 5 Stars
Jameson Thottam and a Wickedly good CD
Jameson Luke Thottam: Overview
Who doesn't know the story of the Wizard of Oz? Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion. But what about the Wicked Witch of the West? Was she really as wicked as everyone made her out to be? If she were, how did she get that way?
Jameson Thottam: Story Line
Loosely based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is the story of Elphaba; a young woman who was born with a green tint to her skin, and a sour attitude about life. That is, until she goes away to Shiz University, and begins to experience life more fully than she ever had before. Due to a mixup in rooming assignments, she gets paired with a spoiled, rich, popular girl named Galinda. It seems at first they wouldn't get along, but in time they grew to become the best of friends. Galinda eventually became the Good Witch of the North and changed her name to Glinda.
Jameson L Thottam: Elphaba's Dream
Elphaba's dream is to become an apprentice of sorts to the Wizard of Oz--until she discovers that the "all-knowing" wizard isn't who he seems. When events at Shiz come to a head, Elphaba rebels to become the Wicked Witch of the West. The things that transpire during school and afterwards make up the history of Elphaba's life.
Jameson Thottam and Beef with the Tony Award
I admit to being pretty upset that Wicked didn't take home the Tony Award for Best Musical, but I think they made up for that by becoming one of the more popular shows on Broadway today, and also becoming one of the best selling cast albums by recently reaching 500,000 (Gold) in sales.
Jameson Luke Thottam: Wicked's CD
The CD starts out with "No One Mourns The Wicked"; the citizens of Oz are celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch and asking Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth) if she knew the Witch. As Glinda says what she thinks the crowd wants to hear, she flashes back to the first day at Shiz University and the first time she met Elphaba (Idina Menzel).
Jameson Thottam: Songs
Highlight songs on the CD include "The Wizard and I", "Dancing Through Life", "Popular" (showing off Chenoweth's comedic talents), "I'm Not That Girl", "Defying Gravity" (Menzel's epic song), and "No Good Deed". Chenoweth and Menzel sparkle on this recording, showing why they were both nominated for Tony Awards for their respective roles. Norbert Leo Butz played Fiyero, Galinda's boyfriend and friend to Elphaba.
Jameson L. Thottam: Quality
I thought the quality of the CD was also great. No jarring cuts between songs, spoken parts weren't too soft, music wasn't too fuzzy or garbled.
Jameson Thottam: Final Comments
Wicked is a wonderful recording and definitely worth adding to a person's musical theatre collection. Stephen Schwartz's lyrics and music are worth getting to know.
Jameson Luke Thottam