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Cast Update: San Francisco Production

SAN FRANCISCO:

The website has not been updated, however, Steven Skybell has taken over the role of Dr. Dillamond, a role he played for a good while on Broadway. Betsy Struxness is no longer with the cast, because she moved to the Broadway Production. Neka Zang will be the new understudy for Nessarose.

Cast Update: Broadway Production

BROADWAY PRODUCTION:

Katie Rose Clarke has replaced Erin Mackey as Glinda (Erin left on 01/10, Katie played her first on 01/14; standby for Glinda Laura Woyasz played the three shows between those dates).

Jenny Fellner has replaced Michelle Federer as Glinda (01/12/2010).

Brian Munn has replaced Anthony Galde as Swing; u/s Fiyero, Wizard, Dr. Dllamond, Witch's Father/Ozian Official.

Heather Spore (Ensemble; u/s for Glinda) is currently on leave from the show due to shoulder injury.

Betsy Struxness has joined the show in the ensemble. In Chicago and San Francisco, she understudied Nessarose, but that is not the case as of now according to the website.

Cristy Candler (former Nessarose) is currently with the cast as Witch's Mother; she is printed in the playbills and is performing but is not listed on the website; it is unclear how permanent this is.

Stephanie Torns to join Broadway Cast of "Wicked"

Stephanie Torns (current 1st National Tour Ensemble & u/s for Elphaba) will be joining the Broadway cast of "Wicked" in February. It is currently unclear whether this is a promotion to lead or standby or whether she is remaining in the ensemble, but the latter is more likely, because Chelsea Krombach (Ensemble & u/s Elphaba on Broadway) is departing the show to understudy Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda - original Broadway Cast) in "Promises, Promises".

Congratulations to Stephanie! You can read an exclusive interview we conducted with her in December here!

Gelb & BenShlomo to join the San Francisco Cast of "Wicked"

Jody Gelb and Etai BenShlomo will be joining the cast of "Wicked" in San Francisco on February 9, 2010. They will be playing the roles of Madame Morrible and Boq, respectively. Patty Duke (current Madame Morrible) and Eddy Rioseco (current Boq) depart February 7, 2010.

Rehearsal Blog

Click here to check out the blog run by Felicia Ricci (Ensemble/u/s Elphaba in San Francisco, beginning February 5). She offers wonderful insight into the rehearsal process behind the show!

Exclusive Interview: Jenny Fellner

We are pleased to host an interview today with Broadway's brand new Nessarose, Ms. Jenny Fellner. Ms. Fellner has previously starred in "Mamma Mia!" and "All Shook Up". She offers some insight into performing as Nessarose below. We thank Jenny for kindly agreeing to this interview!

What was your first professional acting job, and how did you get it?
My first professional acting job was at a place called The Black Hills Playhouse, in Custer State Park, SD. It was literally a theatre in the woods, and we stayed in cabins. Once after a show the entire audience and crew couldn’t leave the theatre because there was a buffalo standing outside!!! I learned everything I know about acting and theatre from working there for five summers.

What is your favorite role that you've played, thus far?
Oooh…tough one! I like playing parts that differ from whatever I just got done playing. For instance, this summer I played Irving Berlin’s first wife, Dorothy, in Tin Pan Alley Rag. A sweet, fun-loving, tough cookie in a pink dress. Immediately after that I played Lizzie Borden, the supposed double-murderess. I enjoy it all.

We saw that you have toured with "All Shook Up" - what are the advantages and disadvantages of touring life?
There are so many of both! One advantage is that you don’t have to make your bed, clean your room, or buy toilet paper or wash your towels! A disadvantage is the burdens of constant air traveling. It’s dry on airplanes, the climate is always changing, airports have become much more difficult to get through, and for me I had my dog, so a lot of money and effort went into getting him around. We had such an amazing group of people on the All Shook Up tour, that it made the nine months on the road fly by! I look back and some of my fondest memories were on that tour.

Has it taken a lot of work to get adjusted to the wheelchair in rehearsals?
Much more so than I expected! I’m sore in weird places, and it’s difficult adjusting to the raked stage. It became so that just wheeling in a straight line was difficult! I think I’ve gotten the hang of it now, and actually have grown to love all my little wheelchairs, each in their own way!

How long have you been in rehearsal for the role? During your rehearsal period, do you rehearse all day, five days a week or just sporadically?
I’ve been in rehearsal since Tuesday, Dec. 29. Early on we rehearsed six days a week, but once I learned the role I’ve only gone in sporadically. I’ve been watching and trailing the show, which is a great help. Our two dance captains are absolutely amazing, and have happily given their time to help me in any way. I am endlessly appreciative for them!

From rehearsals, what is your favorite scene or song to perform?
Well, it’s tempting so say my big scene in Act II, the Governor’s Mansion, although that scene is also extremely emotional and painful! So I get to do the most in that scene, especially as far as singing goes, but part of me just loves wheeling around in Dancing Through Life, where everything’s happy!

How do you feel about your debut this week - excited, nervous, scared?
I feel all those things! Mostly excited I would say…and I love getting nervous! I am able to feed really well off of nerves, and in some ways it makes me focus even more. Just watching the show lately, has really made me excited to be a part of it.

Is there any other role in "Wicked" you could ever see yourself performing?
I used to think so…obviously there is so much wonderful material in both of the lead women’s roles, I spent time and effort trying to fit myself into one of them, all the while overlooking sweet little Nessarose! After all is said and done, this is the role that I fit, and I love every dimension of her. I will say this…I get a little bit jealous of Dr. Dillamond’s costume…

Outside of "Wicked", what are some dream roles for you?
Well, ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to play Annie. It never happened, and I never got over it! There are so many good roles out there…I’d kill to play Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion.

Have you ever seen/been involved in any funny onstage mishaps you'd like to share?
Once I was doing a play at the Irish Repertory Theatre. It was a Shaw play called The Devil’s Disciple, and as it was a period piece, the men wore these clip-on ponytails under their hats. I guess it was an accident waiting to happen…anyway, during the big courtroom scene one of the guys had to come running in and remove his hat. Well he came running in, took off his hat, and the ponytail flew off and landed in the middle of the courtroom. It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen, and IMPOSSIBLE to stop laughing!

What advice would you give to aspiring performers?
You know, the best advice I can give to aspiring performers is to show up, do the work, stay true to yourself, and don’t let anyone get you down!

Andy Karl Confirmed as Next Fiyero on Broadway

Andy Karl (formerly of the Broadway production of "Legally Blonde") has been confirmed to be the next actor to play Fiyero on Broadway. He begins February 2, 2010. Kevin Kern (current Fiyero on Broadway) departs the show January 31, 2010.

Source

Media: Wicked in Philidelphia

Check out the following media items from the Philadelphia stop of the 2nd National Tour of "Wicked"!

A "Wicked" Nearly Equal to Broadway - Opening Night Review (*Carrie Manolakos as s/b Elphaba)

Crews Finish Preparation for "Wicked" in Philly

Get "Wicked" in Philly - VIDEO Interview with Heléne Yorke (Glinda) and Don Amendolia (The Wizard)

Exclusive Interview: Heather Spore

Check out this exclusive interview with Ms. Heather Spore, current ensemble member and understudy for Glinda at "Wicked" on Broadway. She's been with the show for four years - over half of the show's run on Broadway! Read the enlightening and entertaining interview below, courtesy of Ms. Spore. Thanks!

What was your first professional acting job, and how did you land it?

I would consider my first professional gig in Ft. Worth, Texas. I was Corie in Barefoot in the Park. I was still Non-Equity at the time, but it was the first non-community theater job I had. Since Texas is a Right-to-work State, you don't have to join the union to work at a Union theater. I didn't join Equity until I moved to NYC.

How did you come to audition for “Wicked” and what was the audition process like?
I auditioned for Wicked as a Glinda understudy, before the show was opened. Honestly, I did not understand what was happening in the scene for the audition (Cornfield/Fight Scene). After the show opened, I went in several times for both Glinda and Nessarose. My voice is much more suited for Glinda, but I went in everytime they wanted to see me. If the casting director sees you as a part of the Wicked family, they will find a place that is right for you. In my case, they just kept auditioning me for different slots until they found the right fit. I must have sang 14 times and danced 3 different times. I had a bit of difficulty learning the dance combo, so it wasn't until the third time that I nailed it! My final audition was for Stephen Oremus and Craig Burns of the casting office. I sang 16 bars with a high C. Got called back to dance, finally nailed it. Then got a call about an hour later that I would be joining the Broadway Company! My Wicked mantra is "Never give up"!

How long and how difficult was the initial rehearsal process for the show?
The standard rehearsal process for a new replacement in our show is 2 weeks. Keep in mind I was not a Glinda understudy right away. We started with fittings for shoes and costumes. Then came vocal rehearsals, and watching the show every night. Then came dancing/blocking. It was just me and the dance captain, Kristin Gorski in the rehearsal room for the entire 2 weeks. I didn't work with another actor, until the day before my put in. That was for 30 min to do lifts. I wasn't sure it would all work out. I ate and slept Wicked. It haunted my dreams! The Thursday before I was to make my Broadway debut on Tues, was my put in. The put-in is when you get to do the whole show with the entire ensemble. Once. You are in costume, acting and singing full out, and everyone else is in street clothes. Not that you are thinking about anything but doing all your stuff right. In retrospect, it is a very funny event!

What was your first show like? What emotions were running through you?

My first show in Wicked was 4 years ago! It was a complete out of body experience. I could not tell you how I felt. I do remember backstage right before the ballroom crossover, Ben Vereen came up to me and introduced himself. I don't remember anything else besides that! I was so busy thinking like a computer about what was next that I did not have time to take it all in.

What is your favorite costume in the ensemble and as Glinda?

My favorite costume in the ensemble is my One Short Day dress. I could do without my wobbly hat, though. I do believe that I got motion sickness from it once when I felt ill! The front flap just continually flaps in your face the entire time. Many people think that it was a broken hat. Nope, that is how it is supposed to be!

My favorite costume as Glinda is the Second Act Thank Goodness outfit. I feel so regal in it! Love the wig for that scene also and the cute little hat!

How was the initial rehearsal process for Glinda, and what was your first performance like?
I became a Glinda understudy when Megan Sikora, our Glinda understudy at the time, went away for the out of town tryout for Curtains. I learned the show rather quickly and started blocking with the Stage Manager. Once I was off-book, we started running the show with music--me and the Stage Manager up in the rehearsal room. The next step was an understudy rehearsal on the stage with the other understudies but focusing on the Glinda scenes. The next step was a full run through with the understudies which was to be a put in with costumes. That never happened! I had not yet run the show from start to finish with the other understudies, when I was called to go on. This was the Sunday before my Thursday put in. Glinda hurt her foot and the Standby was out. I was not nervous a bit. I felt very prepared with the songs and the lines due to the amount of homework I did. I was called to come in at noon before the 3pm show to run the technical bits of Glinda. I had no time to think of what a big deal it was, because there was so much to go over. Luckily, I trailed the Glinda the night before, so the backstage stuff was fresh in my mind. My dresser and hair person were invaluable to keeping me calm.

Do you have any onstage bloopers or mishaps you’ve been involved in or witnessed you’d like to share?

One onstage blooper that I will never forget. Once during the Ozdust Ballroom right before Madame Morrible comes out to give Glinda her training wand, one of the dancers lost her wig. It landed CENTER stage, Down near the conductor. Madame Morrible had to step over it to get to Glinda.

Also after the ballroom crossover, I walk dramatically offstage. It was very smoky that night with the fog. There is a moving tower that passes in front of me for the Wizard's Chamber scene. My new ballgown was so poofy and beautiful. Unfortunately, I misjudged how much space I had and got caught in the tower. I was being dragged onto the stage! Several stagehands had to cut me out of my dress very quickly. Sometimes you forget how dangerous our show is. So many things can Kill you! Thought for a moment that I was going to be the Wizard's little slave girl for the entire scene. That would have been a sight!

Which is more exhausting: all of the dancing and heavy singing of the ensemble or the intensive acting and singing of Glinda?

It seems that the dancing on that rake starts to take it's toll on your body. Your body should never be on a slant for that long of a time. Everything starts to go out of whack! The dancing takes its toll, but after several years, my body is so used to the expenditure. That is why they say you need to change up your exercise routines. Your body gets used to it. When I go on for Glinda the emotional drain is incredible. The singing is right in the pocket of what is comfortable for me. It is the emotional journey that exhausts me the most. You are fighting for so much as Glinda. Your loss of Boyfriend and Best friend are so great that it is hard as an actress to go through. Since our company has a Standby, the understudys rarely go on. We never seem to develop a stamina for the role. I give all out when I get the opportunity. You never know when it will be your last!

Are there any dream roles you’d like to play one day?

hmmm Dream roles. You mean besides Glinda? I would love to play Guenivere in Camelot. I would love to do more plays. Maria in West Side Story was always a Dream role...mostly because I would be dreaming if I thought I could get cast! Her journey is such a beautiful one. One that I would love to take. Unfortunately, I could not look less the part!

What advice would you give to aspiring performers?

Advice...I think it is imperative to be prepared. The sooner you prepare, the quicker your dreams will come true. If you need to learn to dance, do it. If you need to lose weight, do it. If you need to lose your accent, do it. If you need to save money, do it. If you need to research, do it. You have to be prepared when your chance comes or else you may miss it!

Once again, we here at "Innuendo, Outuendo" thank Heather for her kind comments. Unfortunately, she will be out for a few months with a shoulder injury, but we wish her the best as she recovers and are absolutely thrilled that we got to have her as a visitor to our blog!

Cast Update: 1st National Touring Cast

The First National Tour of "Wicked" has added a few cast members. They include:

Kevin Jordan (swing; u/s Chistrey) has been replaced by former cast member Phillip Dean Lightstone, who is also a dance captain and understudies Witch's Father/Ozian Official.

RJ Marshall (Ensemble) has been replaced by Jeremy McQueen.

Blake Whyte (Ensemble; u/s Fiyero) has been replaced by Bud Weber.

Broadway Buzz Interview with Katie Rose Clarke

Broadway Buzz, an interview section of www.broadway.com, has conducted an interview with Katie Rose Clarke (current Glinda on Broadway). Check it out here!

Coming Soon For "Innuendo, Outuendo"

We will soon be moving over to innuendoandoutuendo.com and being run by WordPress Blogging Software. This move will not affect you as a reader, but it will be nice for me as the editor, which is necessary with this site's growth. Our number of hits has quickly grown over the last few months, which I really appreciate. Keep watching for updates in the next week or so- no downtime should occur, and all old posts/comments should be moved over.

This move is made possible by the ads you see at your right - please at least check them out, and support them if you can - when you support them, you support us.

Thanks for everything!

Interview with Don Amendolia

Click here to read a wonderful interview with Don Amendolia (The Wizard; 2nd Ntl. Tour) from The Philidelphia Inquirer. It also contains a proshot picture of him as The Wizard.

Felicia Ricci to take over as SF u/s Elphaba

According to her official website, Felicia Ricci will be beginning performances February 5, 2010 in the ensemble and understudy for Elphaba in the San Francisco production. Congratulations to Felicia! It is unknown at this time whether Angel Reda will be moving on to another show or being promoted.

Rachel Tucker & Louise Dearman Confirmed as the next London Elphaba and Glinda

Some of the wonderful fans of "Wicked" in London discovered the next Ozmopolitan newsletter by changing the end of the link from "60" to "61" - that being the issue number. Said Ozmopolitan confirmed Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Louise Dearman as Glinda. Congratulations to our newest team!

Video Footage: Jemma Rix sings "The Wizard and I"

The footage below is of Jemma Rix (Sydney Elphaba - currently sharing the role with Pippa Grandison) singing "The Wizard and I" at the Ethnic Business Awards. As always, she gives an incredible performance. The video is embedded below for your convenience.

Video Footage: Broadway Production Donates to Coat Drive

The Broadway cast members of "Wicked" have donated twenty coats to the Good Morning America Coat Drive. Cast members Dee Roscioli (Elphaba) and Katie Rose Clarke (Glinda as of Thursday 01/14) appeared on the show to donate the coats. Check it out here!

Remember that Time...?: Rondi Reed

Remember that time when Rondi Reed (current Broadway Madame Morrible; past Chicago Madame Morrible) forgot her lyrics in "Thank Goodness!" and made up completely new ones....that actually made sense?!