And will continue to do so because the story is so relatable, and even though you're in this fantasy world, the themes are universally felt. And how lucky are you to be a part of that? Where else would you rather be? Ana Gasteyer Elphaba October —January AG: I think for any Elphaba, or any musical theatre performer for that matter, the biggest challenge is fatigue over the [eight-shows-per-week] grind.
When I was preparing for the production in Chicago, I spoke to Idina, and she was the first to say, "Sleep! This was oddly a huge challenge because I had a three-year-old. Also, we were welcomed with such fanfare in Chicago, which was really lovely but also meant the press schedule was pretty relentless. There was rarely a day off. My husband took a leave of absence to help out with my daughter because there was just no way to pull off those solo early mornings.
I will forever be grateful. AG: Again, I think this applies to all musical theatre performers, but there is no substitute for challenging your perceived limits in a daily way over a long period of time. Because I'd sung Elphaba sick more than once, I knew I could manage it. There are cues only you can learn about your own body, from experience. I also know what's too far now.
Like, oh yeah—if I do that benefit, feeling like this, with that big job coming next week I'll likely lose my voice. So I'll say no on behalf of my own ecosystem better than I used to. AG: Never assess yourself day-to-day. The grind screws with your self-perception. The cumulative effect of the vocal range, the physical demands, the smoke and fog and the constant emotional output are draining.
Eyes on the road and do what you were trained to do. You'll be proud in the long run. Mandy Gonzalez Elphaba March —January MG: I think the biggest challenge playing Elphaba for me was really in the preparation. You have to ready yourself both physically and mentally. You have to be ready, not only to sing an incredible score, but to do it in a dress that weighs 15 lbs. I immediately started a training regimen of running on a treadmill with weights while singing the songs.
It definitely worked! Finding the truth in a character that is so well known and so loved was another exciting challenge. Luckily for me I had a wonderful director and assistant director, Joe [Mantello] and Lisa [Leguillou], to guide me on my journey, as well as a fantastic company! MG: For myself and Elphaba we both learn that we are capable of many things!
It all starts with opportunity and a belief in yourself. MG: I would encourage future Elphabas to bring their own energy to Elphie. Find the truth and simplicity in the moments. Enjoy every minute! Lindsay Mendez Elphaba May —February LM: Just the size of it and the power of it. Always wanting to make sure you were able to deliver a performance worthy of how amazing that role and that show are.
LM: I think I learned how to maintain truth in a huge space. That was something I was worried about when I walked into the Gershwin and saw how big that theatre was. I had just come from doing Dogfight , which was in a super-intimate theatre, and I remember in my first rehearsals for Wicked , Joe and Lisa would tell me, "Play up, girl!
LM: Keep your dressing room door open! As Elphie, you are in your room getting painted from half-hour on, while the other cast members and crew are milling about the theatre and checking in with each other… If your door is open, you will get to connect with everyone else in the building, which I think is hugely important before you step out on that stage every night. Julia Murney Elphaba January —October JM: Discovering the limits of my stamina—very humbling, indeed.
However, when the planets align and you feel great and rested, it's super fun to get to be a rock star for an evening. JM: The biggest mantra I had to repeat whenever the aforementioned stamina issues came into play was that it's not about me not feeling well — it's about having this fabulous story to tell to a crowd of people you have to assume have never heard the story before. Even though there were times when I wanted to curl up centerstage and say I'm too tired to take one more step or sing one more note, it was my job to tell the story.
And then sometimes it was my job to shut my mouth and stay home — and that's even harder, in certain ways. JM: Don't forget to eat and hydrate and to sometimes give yourself a break — many women have come before you, and every one of them had to take shows off even though I hated doing so. And be kind to those around you — that fabulous cast and crew will help you through sometimes if you give room for them to do so and if you have already shown them how you have their back as well. Nicole Parker Elphaba January —July NP: There are so many challenges I guess overall, when you are first doing it, the challenge is very mental.
It's the closest this theatre nerd has ever felt to being an athlete. I've been known to hurt myself opening a box of cereal, so it was great to feel and look like an X-Man for awhile.
But it's the unknowns: Will I have stamina for eight times a week? What happens if I get sick? You don't know what to expect. When I did it on tour three years later, it was so great to not have those fears. Another challenge is that it is very intimidating to step into a long line of so many epic divas who have truly dominated that role. I was the first girl on Broadway that hadn't had previous experience with the show in a different venue, and having to find my way in the role for the first time on that particular stage is still a thought that makes me stressed.
Lastly, interacting with fans of the show who really wanted to communicate how they felt about my performance was challenging because sometimes that can affect you negatively and you can get very in-your-head. People care a lot about this role, and you're not going to please everybody. It can make you feel very vulnerable to feel like you must live up to so many expectations.
The challenge in that case is to remember your job is to do your job and tell the story and know that it will reach people. NP: I truly learned I was capable of more than I thought. I could push further than I had. There's not one girl who has donned the hat and done the show that is not a total badass. I'd like to think I am, too. I've definitely done shows since then that were challenging in their own ways, but my experience with Elphie made them easier.
I definitely think Funny Girl was much more manageable for me thanks to Elphie. What if Elphie met Fanny? NP: Be nice to yourself. Be nice to everyone else. Remember that this job is awesome—it helps when you're tired. And "Dancing Through Life" is pretty much your last chance to pee, so just make sure you take advantage. Teal Wicks Elphaba February —September TW: Getting though an eight-show week! I loved the role so much and she felt like such a natural fit in my voice and body, so in the beginning I just wanted to let her rip every night!
I did, and it was a blast, but after months of that I was getting burnt out. So I really had to learn how to pace myself throughout the show and not blow it all right out of the gate, which is easy to do when your first solo is written like an 11 o'clock number.
TW: I really learned what my strengths and weaknesses are as a performer. I quickly realized I needed to be far more disciplined. In everything! Talk a little less outside of the show, skip that next glass of wine, remember to warm up my body as well as my voice, figure out what my A, B and C shows will be.
I also learned so much from my co-stars. I had some incredible actors to work with! I had the best time watching them and playing with them onstage every night. TW: Everyone will have an opinion about how you play her: directors, cast member, friends, fans, etc.
And I guarantee you, they will compare you to the ladies who have come before you. You can't worry about any of that. Trust that your point of view is like no one else's and that there is no vocal riff that hasn't been done.
And drink lots of water, get lots of sleep, take advantage of massage and physical therapy whenever you can Oh, and have fun. Block Photo by Joan Marcus. Caroline Bowman in Wicked Joan Marcus. It was sort of a test for me, as an actor. I mean, I always like to say that I find something of the characters within myself, or try to insert something endearing or relatable and real about the characters, and I found that with her.
Did you watch the movie and take some of the way it was played, or do you approach it as completely separate? I remember the movie is beautiful. I also remember it being really sad. So I just knew that it was going to be different.
Do you have a different opinion of the actual [ Peter Pan ] story? TW: Yeah, when I saw it before I just loved the fantasy of it all. I wanted to fly, I wanted to hang out with pirates and mermaids and Indians on this magical island where there are fairies and all this stuff. Cry in the happy-nostalgia way. Do you sense that? Does it have a feeling of female comradery? TW: Yes. I think so.
One thing I absolutely love, no matter what happens with the show, is the company of people. We are like a little family.
Everybody has really great souls, really lovely hearts, and came into the show with lots of passion and really appreciating the show and everybody involved. And that was really special.
And I think that actually has to do with our director, Diane [Paulus]. She seeks out talent and intellect, but I think she also found people that all clicked in together. TW: I try to be. TW: I always wanted to. I fell in love with it when I was little. I took dance, and my parents always took me to the theater and to any sort of live performance, and I fell in love with the stage. When I realized that that was a career path, I knew that was what I wanted.
Was it for you always? TW: I would love to do other things. I would love to do film, or at least try film. So where does this New Yorker go once the curtain drops? But since we were seated in a coffee shop in the Theater District, Wicks was nice enough to share her favorites in this neck of the urban woods. I have a punch card that probably about every two weeks I get free coffee. For a good dinner in the Theater District, Teal Wicks enjoys Bocca di Bacco Ninth Avenue for its selection of delicious Italian dishes, including antipasti, cured meats, cheeses, pastas, and large plates.
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