I chose to start with Wicked for many reasons. Mostly because even though everyone has heard of it, people put it as far out of their reach as possible and don't think they can remotely fantasize about it.
Well, you can.
The show (and I'm not the one who told you this) can be found online. If you like it, try to support the show as much as possible! I know a lot of teens can't afford to go to the theater every chance they get, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the show AND support them!
Just last Thursday, July 10th, the cast of Wicked performed at Broadway In Bryant Park along with many others.
I was able to meet the cast personally and it was positively WONDERFUL! Those who work to run Broadway in the Park do a fantastic job, and I hope to get a closer look at the end of this year or next.
Anyway, the entire cast of Wicked were absolute sweethearts. Performing were Christine Dwyer, Jenni Barber, and Justin Guarini.
AND HERE COMES THE PUNK ROCK ASPECT OF MUSICAL THEATER!
As many of you know, in February 2011, Justin was Will in American Idiot on Broadway. He also was the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson in the first season of American Idol in 2002.
Anyway, they were all complete dolls, and completely talented! Jenni Barber brought a whole new style into the voice of Glinda during one of the most Popular songs, Popular!
I have heard the song performed many different ways. Every actress brings something new to it, and though no two versions are truly comparable, Jenni has definitely performed my favorite rendition of Popular. On top of this, she is an absolute doll. THe entire cast is so down to earth. Jenni made her Broadway debut in The 25th annual Putnam County spelling Bee in 2007. Since, she has acted in From Up Here, As You Like It, Cactus Flower, The Performers, The Nance, AND NOW PERFORMS SPECTACULARLY AS GLINDA.
She stopped and took photos and spoke to every fan individually, and formed connections with Broadway IN The Park go-ers that almost guaranteed that if they hadn't planned on it before, they are almost sure to see it now, if only to support such a wonderful woman.
In addition to Popular, the second solo performed was performed by Christine Dwyer. A perfect match to Justin in As Long As You're Mine, she excellently executed The Wizard And I. Like Jenni, she brings a new level to the role. It was also wonderful to watch her meet Jackie Burns, a previous Elphaba. She is absurdly full of love and talent. She is the kind of star you could picture having coffee with, or having a night in watching movies. She is completely down to earth and completely lovable. She has a wonderful aura that inflicts positive vibes around her, and it is evident to see when she was having such a lovely time with her cast mates, the cast of other shows, and her fans. Christine has also played Maureen in the RENT National Tour, as well as in Open For Me, New Hopeville Comics, and Gypsy.
It's casts like these that make you want to see these shows. Your cast can make or break your show. Even if you have seen it already, I recommend seeing it with this wonderful cast. I have a couple links of the performance below, as well as photos that these three lovely people took with me.
I hope to inform you guys more about Broadway In The Park as it comes up, assuring you guys a post every Thursday.
Anyway, the show has won over 50 major awards, including a Grammy and 3 Tony awards. "WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good." To see it on broadway, you can see it at the Gershwin Theatre. It's recommended for kids over 8.
This show has definitely changed my life, personally. In a busy world with everything going on, you can go to the Gershwin, sit in the dark for a little over 2 hours, and become a child again. You can enjoy yourself and forget the world. It's raw, it's enchanting, it's the most personal, and the most ornate show I have had the pleasure of watching in a long time. It stays with every little girl and grown women. It leaves a mark on every little boy, and every man. I have yet to meet someone who can't enjoy it's awe and wonder. If you could only see one show, I would recommend seeing this one. Don't live in New York? No problem! It's on a tour across America. CLick HERE to find the one nearest you.
Most importantly, they give back. That's what's truly important to me at least. The organizations they're included with are Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids, Broadway Green Alliance (get it? Green! *Ba dum tiss!*), Bully Bust, NRDC, The Trevor Project, and VDAY!
Stay Wicked My Loves,
-Celeste.
Jenni Barber Performing Popular
Christine Dwyer Performing The Wizard And I
Christine Dwyer and Justin Guarini Performing As Long As You're Mine
Note- I did not film or post these. I am merely sharing them for your viewing pleasure.
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