Wicked Withdrawals

I last saw the show on May 5th and am having major withdrawals. Am I really having withdrawals or something else? Recently, I ran into Jason who I haven't seen in two years. The last time I spoke with him was right after my mom had passed away. Running into Jason sparked something in me, problem is I didn't know what it was. Did it spark memories of the good times we had together and all the traveling we did or did it bring on a reminder of my mom's passing a year ago on May 31st. After sleeping on this, I realized how much I love and miss my my mom. At least I will be in a sound frame of mind when we remember my mom on May 31st with family and friends.

In light of all this, I bought a ticket for tonight's performance. I'm hoping Teal Wicks will perform tonight as Elphaba but if not, I know I'll still enjoy the show. I'm sitting in Orchestra, row J, seat 126, cost $99 purchased at the box office. To the right, mom holding Joshua, dad holding Jazmin and Jared.

Vicki Noon on again!

When I heard Teal Wicks had returned from her leave of absence earlier than expected, I was hoping to see her in last night performance. However, Vicki Noon took the lead role of Elphaba. As much as I like seeing Vicki Noon grow in the role and continues to get stronger after each performance, I really wanted to see Teal Wicks.

Though I was disappointed that Teal Wicks was not on, Kendra Kassebaum did not disappoint. This was one of her best performances I have seen as Glinda. Deedee Magno Hall had also returned and once again delivered another outstanding performance as Nessarose. Nicolas Dromard is starting to grow on me as Fiyero. His duet with Vicki Noon "As long as you're mine" was his best performance I have seen so far. Alexander Selma assumed the role of Boq, replacing Eddy Rioseco. Though Eddy Rioseco acting abilities are far superior than Alexander Selma, Alexander has a better singing voice. David Garrison delivered his usual stellar performance as well as Patty Duke.

This is the 15th time I've seen the show and I haven't gotten bored yet. I'm looking forward to the day of Teal Wicks arrival, till then, I'll continue to enjoy the show with Vicki in the lead.

Teal Wicks back!

I just read on http://www.witchesofoz.com/wicked_boards/index.php?showtopic=32500&st=640&start=640 that Teal Wicks officially came back on May 2.

I am definitely going Tuesday to see her for myself. Vicky Noon has been an excellent replacement for Teal and has had tremendous growth in the role.

I took my sister Mercy to see Wicked on April 8 (my birthday) as a present for her birthday. I was shocked to see both understudies come on for Teal and Kendra Kassebaum.

I saw it again on April 14th with my friend Speros and on April 22nd with my friend Joe. I am really excited about seeing it Tuesday with Teal back in the lead.... so it will be the 15th time I've seen the show.. 8th time in San Francisco!

Where have I been?

It's been a while since my last blog and I've only seen the show twice since then. It seems as though Teal Wicks is having health issues. Vicky Noon is now on until Teal is able to return. More on that later... I'm seeing the show again tonight with my friend Joe (another first timer).

Again!

I saw Wicked for the 11th time last Wednesday, February 25th. I tried the lottery for both matinee and evening performance with no luck. Frustrated, I ended up buying a ticket for the evening performance. I was seated in the front Loge, row A, seat 8, total cost $88.

Vicky Noon, the understudy, performed as Elphaba. This is the second time I've seen her in the title role. She played Elphaba as a wide eyed, impressionable, and naive girl who grows into a formidable woman. This was a vast improvement over the last time I saw her. She was the one who stood out more than anyone else.

I'm going to try again Thursday, March 6 for the lottery. If I don't win, I might buy another full price ticket full, but this time I want to see it from the orchestra section, center of course.

No One Mourns The Wicked

"Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"

That's a really good question asked in the opening scene. I ask myself: 1) Who I am? 2) Am I on the path I'm supposed to be on? 3) Is my life predetermined?

"And of course, the minute she was born, she was, well, different."

I knew I was different when I was 4 years old. My mom would take me along to drop Ernesto off at school. Every time we walked passed a certain teacher, my mom would say to me "stop acting silly". I knew being different would cause problems for me. I hid my true identity from everyone. I became extremely good at hiding who I was, my feelings, and especially the things I was doing the past few years. Exposing the real me to everyone, I realize I still have my family and friends.

The next two months I'll have plenty of time to reflect on what's really important in life. I can either wallow in self pity or use this time constructively to help myself, family and friends, and those less fortunate.

"Now at last, there's joy throughout the land. And goodness knows, we know what goodness is."

As I keep myself focused on the good things life has to offer, I'll have the ability to discover every treasure, every wonder, and every joy the world has to offer. If I can concentrate always on the present, I'll be a happy person. I will discover who I am all over again. Life is the moment we're living right now.

"So you see, it couldn't have been easy."

Happy Birthday Scott!

Today is Scott's 35th birthday! Doesn't he look great? Well, he could probably use a tan in the picture to the left. Sun, Scotty, not shade!

Last night, I took Derrick to see Wicked. It was his first time and wants to see it again. Teal Wicks did an amazing job. She is getting stronger and more confident as she continues to grow in the role of Elphaba. Kendra Kassabaum, Glinda, seemed a little off, but was still spectacular. Deedee Magno Hall, Nessarose, continues to deliver amazing performances. Carol Kane and David Garrison delivered another great performance. As for Nicolas Dromard, I still like his acting but his vocals aren't up to par for the role of Fiyero. I was disappointed with "As Long As You're Mine". Eddy Rioseco performance as Boq is starting to grow on me. As for the hat toss in the cornfield, Dan was right. It's part of the performance I haven't noticed till a few weeks ago.

I was pretty disappointed in the crowd. This is the first time in 10 performances I have seen, no one applauded when Glinda or Elphaba appeared on stage. It didn't stop me from applauding for them. My next scheduled time to see Wicked is on April 1. Since I have a lot of free time the next couple of months, I'm sure I'll see it a few more times.