Saturday, 28 July 2012
Dutch Musical Wicked review
Dear
readers,
On Saturday
the 14th of July I went to the musical Wicked with my parents. I had really
been looking forward to this show as I had some raving reviews on the West End
version. Needless to say, the Dutch version would undoubtedly be a little
different, but usually the Dutch adaptations are very good as well.
When you
enter the room you are confronted with the following decor:
(sorry for the bad quality: I took this picture with my phone)
I really
thought it was highly impressive and it immediately grabs your attention. The
rest of the decor that is used during the show is subtle without too many embellishments.
The plot of
the musical relates the story on how the girl Elphaba became the Wicked Witch
of the West. I really do not want to give anything away on the plot, because it
is very well thought out and because I think people will be able to enjoy the
show more if they do not know the entire story. Just prepare yourself for a few
very interesting twists! :D Though I would strongly advice against taking
children under 9 years old to this musical, as some parts are rather frightening.
The Dutch
cast did a very good job. On Saturday Celine Purcell, the understudy of Chantal
Jansen, played the part of Galinda (or later Glinda). A few years ago I watched
her perform the part of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and was not at all
impressed. I really did not think she was a convincing Eliza and her singing
was lacking in many respects. So needless to say I was a little weary when I
discovered that she would fulfill the part. I have to admit that I was
pleasantly surprised. She really grew in both her acting and her singing. Not
once did I detect that she missed a note or anything of the sort. So I expect
to see more things from her.
Another
member of the cast was Jim Bakkum. He took second place in the first season of
Idols here in Holland. To be honest, I did not really like his voice as I
thought it was too nasal and with that too boy-band-ish. However, here too I
was in for a surprise. His voice has greatly developed: it is far less nasal
and has moved much more towards the deeper, rounder musical voice which we all
love. He is not entirely there yet, but he sure is getting there. So I look
forward to seeing him develop in further musicals.
Last, but
definitely not least, there was Willemijn Verkaik who played the wonderful
Elphaba. My gosh that woman can sing!!! She leaves all the other cast members
to bite her dust. It is definitely the best Elphaba that I have heard so far
(yes I have been searching youtube to listen to the song lol). Unfortunately,
the Dutch producer has decided not to bring out a cd of the Dutch musical
version (*shakes fist at Joop van de Ende* HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US FANS!!!!
T_T), so I have added a youtube video which shows her performing the song Defying Gravity (in Dutch: Ik lach om zwaartekracht) at
the Musical Sing-a-long, which is an event that takes place once every year
during the Uitmarkt (a cultural event).
So yes I
would definitely recommend this musical to anyone who likes musicals. Though be
warned all you men out there: it is a bit of a chick musical ;).
Love,
Blacky
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1 comments:
I totally agree with your review! And I very much like the way you give credit to Céline and Jim.
And Willemijn... tja, gosh what a voice.
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