There is less than a month to enjoy one of the more thrilling performances currently on The Great White Way: Mandy Gonzalez as the green-faced, misunderstood, not-so-wicked witch Elphaba in the Broadway production of the hit musical Wicked. On Wednesday I had the pleasure of catching Gonzalez’s take on the role created by Tony winner Idina Menzel, and the former In the Heights star is simply sensational. Her vocal work is extraordinary, her powerful alto a perfect fit for the Stephen Schwartz score. In fact, her rendition of “No Good Deed” may be the fiercest I have encountered on my many trips to the Gershwin Theatre, and she brings similar magic to “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity.” The Obie winner’s acting is also top-notch, offering audiences an honest, moving performance as she makes the journey from the hopeful, but questioning young student to the self-possessed woman who discovers the meaning of her powers and the power of love. She is well matched by the Glinda of Katie Rose Clarke, and their second-act duet of “For Good” is truly touching. Earlier this week I had the chance to chat with the down-to-earth singing actress, who seems as lovely offstage as she is on. Gonzalez spoke about her latest role, the final performance of In the Heights as well as her upcoming projects; that interview follows:

Question: Before we get to Wicked, were you able to attend the final In the Heights performance?
Gonzalez: Of course! [Laughs.]

Question: What was that night like?
Gonzalez: It was incredible. Oh my gosh, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was excited to see the show for the first time, to see all my friends. It’s such a huge part of my life, so it was a really big night, and it was so incredible. I sat with my best friends, and I watched my best friends on the stage and I cried, I laughed, I screamed. It was amazing. It was an incredible closing night.

Question: Was there anything that you picked up as an audience member that struck you in a different way?
Gonzalez: Oh, definitely. My character, Nina, wasn’t in certain numbers, so I was able to watch those numbers but I was never able to really put all the pieces together. Just to see some of those performances … was incredible, and I can see why it was so loved. I mean, I felt so proud, and I was kind of speechless, I have to say. [Laughs.]

Question: Was it at all strange seeing someone perform the role that you created?
Gonzalez: Not at all, no. I felt just very proud, and it brought back so many memories and thoughts of when those songs were actually created, and sitting in a living room with Alex Lacamoire and singing through changes of lyrics, and to see it up on the stage, it wasn’t strange at all. I just felt very proud. The whole evening, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Question: Was it a difficult decision to leave the show to go into Wicked?
Gonzalez: You know, I don’t think it was a difficult decision. After I did the first workshop of In the Heights, I was offered to go and do Wicked, as Elphaba, and at the time, I was waiting to see if the show — In the Heights, which I loved — was going to go Off-Broadway, or what was going to happen. At the time, I was offered the two things, and In the Heights was so a part of my heart, and I just had to take it. It’s one of those amazing things that happen when you actually get offered two amazing projects at the same time. I was so happy with my decision but at the same time, I was like, “Oh, I so want to play that part, and now it’s never going to happen.”

I was with In the Heights for a long time, through all the workshops and everything, and after two years on Broadway, when they came and they offered me the part for Wicked again, I felt it was the right time. And, everybody at In the Heights was just so excited for me and proud; I just felt that I had all of their support. And, they all came to my opening night at Wicked. My closing night of In the Heights, it was very hush-hush that I was going to play Elphaba and everything was kind of kept on the low-down. And then, for my final bow … Alex had arranged this amazing orchestration for Wicked, and then Lin [-Manuel Miranda] came out in a witch’s hat and a green shirt [laughs] and handed me flowers. I don’t know, it just kind of seemed like a smooth transition.

{Via Playbill.com Read complete inteview here}

Mandy Gonzalez is currently starring in Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre through Jan. 30; she will be succeeded by Teal Wicks.

“Wicked: The Musical” is on its way to becoming the biggest money making franchise in theatre history. Its success is well deserved, as demonstrated at it’s opening in Tucson at UA’s Centennial Hall. However, this popularity is due not only to performing talent, but also to a level of quality control and product improvement.

“Wicked” is the imaginative backstory of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and her friendship with good witch and fellow student, Glinda. Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” used both L. Frank Baum’s original stories and the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz” as starting points. Maguire described a complex and violent history of events prior to Dorothy’s cathartic arrival from Kansas.

About Wicked Musical – Story:

Opening with a visitation by Glinda just after the death of the Wicked Witch, the story is told in flashback, including Elphaba’s conception and birth. It then jumps to their meeting and accidental pairing as roommates in college, where Glinda is empty-headed and popular and Elphaba is a smart, talented loner, though not necessarily by choice.

Glinda does a self-serving favor for Elphaba’s crippled sister (who will become the Wicked Witch of the East), leading Elphaba to get Glinda her first training wand.

After Elphaba’s radicalization into an animal rights activist and her confrontation with the Wizard, she is branded a terrorist. Glinda, by serving the state in its repression, is officially labeled, “the Good.”

The story of Glinda and Elphaba’s wary friendship, growing gradually into lifelong love and respect, is another dimension, as is Elphaba’s transition from outcast girl who desperately wants in, to empowered woman.

Wicked Cast – Top Performing Stars:

The stars of this production, Vicki Noon as Elphaba and Natalie Daradich as Glinda, are electric, especially in their numerous scenes together. Prior to being selected for this national touring company, they were both standby’s for their respective roles in the show’s 2009 San Francisco production. They were also both in the show’s Los Angeles cast.

Vicki Noon brings an incredibly powerful and assured voice. She commands the stage during her solos: giddy and hopeful in “The Wizard and I,” simultaneously vulnerable and courageous in “I’m Not That Girl,” and openly terrifying in “No Good Deed.” She also deftly handles her physical transition from awkward/angry schoolgirl to supernaturally empowered witch.

Actresses playing Glinda have a more difficult character arc, going from comic blonde to tragic leader. Daradich proved herself a master of physical comedy with her annoying perkiness, adroit dancing (both serious and goofy), giggles and girly leg flicks. Leaving the show, groups of girls were laughing as they re-enacted the “hair toss – toss – flutter” moves that she tries to teach Elphaba. As happiness eludes her, Daradich completely sells her tragic aspects with depth and nuance.

Natalie Daradich also well-voiced, though her character requires her to use more nasal tone and an excessive vibrato to undercut any potential seriousness. She demonstrated in the emotional final duet with Noon, “For Good,” that any affectation to her singing was a controlled professional choice.

The other cast members, they all do exemplary jobs in their respective parts, but their roles are numerous and minor in comparison to the two leads. However, the overall ensemble deserves mention for their outstanding singing and dancing.

As good as the “Dancing Through Life” scene was, it was dwarfed by the color and extravagance of the Emerald City number, “One Short Day.” The finale, when they have returned to their surrealistic Les Miserable mob style of the opening scene, singing what can only be described as the “Wicked” chord, is as perfect and memorable as an ending gets.

“Wicked: The Musical” has been shrewdly marketed – the franchise practically owns the color formerly known as “chartreuse.” Its quality control is formidable. Casting for all the productions is handled by a centralized company. Costuming, choreography, and set design are standardized. The only concessions to local variance are the venue’s requirements and the inclusion of nine area musicians to augment the touring company’s in-house band.

Wicked Musical will be a Big hit in Tucson AZ, performing through January 23, 2011. Tickets are still available for few shows. Buy Wicked Tucson Tickets Online and Save $10 on Wicked Ticket Orders over $350! Use Code AFF$10.

Anne Brummel will take over the role of Elphaba in the second North American tour of the hit musical, Wicked, beginning with the Wednesday, January 26 performance in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Anne Brummel has spent the past year as the Elphaba standby on the tour. She has also toured the U.S. and Canada with Cats, Scarlet Pimpernel, Funny Girl and Evita.

She joins a cast that includes Natalie Daradich as Glinda, Marilyn Caskey as Madame Morrible and Tom McGowan as The Wizard. The company also features Zach Hanna (Boq), Michelle London (Nessarose), Martin Moran (Dr. Dillamond), David Nathan Perlow (Fiyero) and Christine Dwyer (Standby for Elphaba) with Kerry Blanchard, Michael Drolet, Jeremy Duvall, Peter C. Ermides, Ryan Patrick Farrell, Samantha Farrow, KC Fredericks, Todd Hanebrink, Laurel Harris, Lauren Haughton, Courtney Iventosch, Ryan Jackson, Lauren Linville, Lesley McKinnell, Robert Pendilla, Rachel Potter, Casey Quinn, Don Richard, Tory Ross, Billy Harrigan Tighe, Daniel Torres, Erin Wilson, Justin Wirick and Lindsay Wood.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked features a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The production is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento.

Wicked is currently performing on tour in Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago-IL and Centennial Hall, Tucson-AZ.

Get $10 OFF on Wicked Ticket Orders over $350! Code AFF$10

The leads of the best musical Wicked, Natalie Daradich as Glinda and Vicki Noon as the green-skinned Elphaba carry the play effortlessly, singing gorgeously, discovering rich drama as well as comedy. Noon makes the transition from earnest student to witchiness with assurance. Fabulous Performance.

Wicked is currently playing on tour in Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago and Murat Theatre, Indianapolis.

Wicked is currently playing on tour in Indianapolis-IN through January 1, 2011 and Chicago-IL through January 23, 2011.

Wicked second North American tour of welcomes David Nathan Perlow as Fiyero on Monday, December 27 in Indianapolis, IN.

Perlow has spent the past year in Broadway’s Tony Award winning production of La Cage Aux Folles. Other credits include La Jolla Playhouse, Long Wharf Theater, North Shore Music Theater, Pre-Broadway workshops of White Noise, Clueless, YANK! and Kinky Boots.

Perlow joins a cast that includes Vicki Noon as Elphaba, Natalie Daradich as Glinda, Marilyn Caskey as Madame Morrible and Don Amendolia as The Wizard.

The company also features David de Vries (Dr. Dillamond), Zach Hanna (Boq), Michelle London (Nessarose) and Anne Brummel (Standby for Elphaba) with Kerry Blanchard, Michael Drolet, Jeremy Duvall, Christine Dwyer, Peter C. Ermides, Ryan Patrick Farrell, Samantha Farrow, KC Fredericks, Todd Hanebrink, Lauren Haughton, Courtney Iventosch, Ryan Jackson, Lauren Linville, Lesley McKinnell, Robert Pendilla, Rachel Potter, Casey Quinn, Don Richard, Tory Ross, Billy Harrigan Tighe, Daniel Torres, Erin Wilson, Justin Wirick and Lindsay Wood.

Buy Wicked Murat Theatre Tickets Online.

Emmerdale actress Suzanne Shaw has revealed she would love to return to the West End at some point in the future, with Wicked high on her list of ideal shows.

The former Hear’Say singer has already appeared in Summer Holiday and Chicago in London since the reality TV pop group split in 2002, but she told the Mirror she would never say no to treading the boards again if the opportunity arose.

“I love trying different things out,” she enthused. “I’d love to do Sweet Charity or be Glinda in Wicked.”

Sweet Charity recently closed in the West End following a successful run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, but Wicked is still going strong at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

However, the producers recently announced that Louise Dearman will continue to play the role of Glinda after renewing her contract, so Shaw may have some time to wait if she wants to step into those particular shoes.

{ Via UK Theatre Tickets }

Jackie Burns to Join Wicked Tour as Elphaba July 8 in Houston Texas

The company of the first North American tour of Wicked welcomes Jackie Burns as Elphaba on Thursday, July 8 in Houston, TX.

Burns was most recently seen in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Hair, where she was part of the ‘Black Boys’ trio and understudied and performed the role of Sheila. Off-Broadway she was part of the original company of Rock of Ages and the award-winning Unlock’d for NYMF.

Burns joins a cast that includes Chandra Lee Schwartz as Glinda, Randy Danson as Madame Morrible and Richard Kline as The Wizard.

The company also features Richard H. Blake (Fiyero), Justin Brill (Boq), Tom Flynn (Dr. Dillamond), Brynn O’Malley (Nessarose) and Mariand Torres (Standby for Elphaba) with Terra Lynn Arrington, Antonette Balestreri, Al Blackstone, Aaron De Jesus, Emily Ferranti, Dominic Giudici, Courtney D. Jones, Spencer Jones, Renee Lawless-Orsini, Philip Dean Lightstone, Kourtni Lind, Marissa Lupp, Sterling Masters, Kevin McMahon, Jeremy McQueen, Christopher Russo, Adam Sanford, Carla Stickler, Brandon Tyler, Shanna VanDerwerker, Bud Weber, Betsy Werbel, Lauren Ashley Zakrin and Jared Zirilli.

The Houston engagement of Wicked is currently running through July 25 at the Sarofim Hall Hobby Center. Tickets are available online.

Buy Wicked Sarofim Hall Hobby Center Tickets.

Wicked Broadway praised by Entertainment Weekly – “The best musical of the decade.”

Here is the complete cast and creative team details:

Wicked’s resident good witch Glinda, Katie Rose Clarke, is so low maintenance that she had her castmates decorate her dressing room. Take a look at her backstage space at the Gershwin Theatre.

Broadway.com visited the low-maintainence star (seriously…she had her room decorated by castmates simply because she was more concerned with doing the show than going all Martha Stewart!) for a glimpse at a few of the things that make her room special. Check them out!

“I used to have a chair that did not swivel or have wheels. This was one of the Elphaba chairs and they were going to get rid of it. It’s a perfectly good chair! Now I have a chair that swivels—and it’s got Idina [Menzel] green on it, so it’s special.”

“This is a letter from [previous Elphaba] Dee Roscioli. She left the show after we had done it together for a few months. When I got it it was rolled up and just really pretty. It’s her handprint, which is something the Elphabas do—leave their green hand prints in their dressing rooms. So sweet.”

“Oh, the picture of the duck. What can I say about this? My boyfriend colored this for me. It’s a blue duck! It just makes me smile.”

“This picture is of Wicked’s John Riggins and Jason Daunter. They decorated my dressing room for me. I didn’t have anything in here for the longest time!”

“These Olba’s Pastilles/lozenges are something I use every show. I’m kind of addicted to them. They’re strong! It’s a lozenge with vapor action I can keep in my cheek. Hey, it’s the little things!”

Buy Wicked Tickets Online.

Playbill.com has learned that Kendra Kassebaum — who is currently playing the curly locked Glinda in the San Francisco production of Wicked, a role the actress has also played on Broadway — has been cast in the world premiere of the new musical Leap of Faith, which begins performances at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre in September.

As previously announced, four-time Tony nominee Raúl Esparza and Golden Globe Award nominee Brooke Shields will star in Leap of Faith, which will be directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford. Previews will begin Sept. 11 with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 3; performances will continue through Oct. 24.

Esparza will play Reverend Jonas Nightengale, the consummate flim-flam man, and Shields will be Marva, the small-town woman and single mother who challenges everything he believes in. Kassebaum will play the role of Sam, the Reverend’s sister and sidekick.

Get your Wicked Tickets to See Kendra Kassebaum in San Francisco CA.