My Journal - Wicked

WICKED LA Experiences - Eden Week '07

Due to the fact that I would miss Eden Espinosa's last performance as Elphaba on Dec 30, 2007 I decided to go see the show as many times as my schedule and finances would allow the week before I left for my holiday vacation in Ohio - Dec 14 - Dec 22. This being Eden's second to last week, it was full of very special, entertaining and emotional performances. A perfect ending to an inspirational journey for me. Here are some highlights, from what I can remember: [Story spoilers abound!]

*Friday, Dec 14, 8pm - I planned to meet up with a friend to do the lottery, but she didn't get there till after they started calling names. However, an acquaintance of hers had entered as well as I, and she won. So I paid for her second lottery ticket and got to sit in the first row on audience right.

The performance was the best acting I'd ever seen from Eden. She was "possessed" by Elphaba that night. It was fascinating to watch... mesmerizing in fact. She's always solid in her characterization, but this night was something extraordinary. Eden was nowhere to be see. Just 100% Elphaba. Every moment sparkled with pure emotion and intelligence. Of course, on my part I was overly ready to see the show again, having last seen it a month prior, so the whole show had a magical quality for me that night. The only blip in Eden's performance was in her usual spot during "Popular"... while Megan did her "ball gown" antics, Eden gave a brief smirk/chuckle while looking away, but she kept control and the scene was flawless... as always.

A very memorable moment was in the castle scene. I was sitting at this incredible angle to view Glinda's decent on the staircase in the background, with Elphaba standing in the foreground - both facing me. A cinematic vision. I wish I could have taken a still photograph of it. It took my breath away. If Eden and Megan don't do the movie it will be a crime. Gorgeous!

Also of note: This was my first time seeing Marcie Dodd as Nessarose. As much as I marveled at Jenna's strong performances, I love Marcie's softer, younger approach to the role. Her first act Nessa was a young, eager, excitable sister, who depended on Elphaba's help. While she admired her older sister's strength and courage, she did not fully understand Elphaba's perspective or powers. I love Marcie's giddy, hand clapping exit with Elphaba after she told her sister she was going to the dance. Marcie and Eden had incredible chemistry - lots of sisterly love passing between them in those moments where they were not the focus of the scene, as well as those when they were. The way Eden knelt down to gaze so lovingly at her in their opening scene, as well as the "Dancing Through Life" sequence... beautiful. Eden and Marcie's rapport gained in momentum and beauty with each performance.

In Act II they created an incredibly moving "Wicked Witch of the East" scene. Marcie showed Nessarose's strength and vulnerability, often simultaneously, building to a powerfully emotional conclusion. My favorite moments include: when Nessa went to the table, where Elphaba was standing, after Boq told her he was leaving... unlike Jenna, who always shunned Elphaba's attempt at comfort, Marcie allowed Eden to stroke her hair and show her genuine concern for her little sister's pain. So beautiful. Then a few moments later, as Nessarose was about to cast her spell, Marcie stumbled over to Eden on her way to the book, where by Eden tried to give her support and stop her from going any further with her rage. There was a split second physical exchange between them before Nessa dove towards the book to cast her spell. And the way Eden shouted Nessa's name as she suddenly realized what was happening to Boq... heart-wrenching.

With Jenna's Nessarose, I always felt that she became the big sister to Eden's Elphaba by the end of the scene. I had little sympathy for Nessa when Elphaba left, as she had become quite mean and hard. With Marcie, Eden's Elphie was definitely the stronger and more mature sister. Her exit was stunning every time. I believed her pain when she said that she had done everything she could for her sister, but nothing would ever be enough. Elphie was devastated by the whole experience, but strong enough to leave and move on, while Marcie's Nessa was left lost and alone. Heart-breaking! There's no right or wrong in comparing Jenna and Marcie... they're just different interpretations, and both worked well with Eden's Elphie.

All week we stayed after each show to see the actors at stage door. This time, I was able to chat with them more than when I was by myself, previously. Marcie had just started her stint as Nessarose on Thurs, Dec 13, so this was her first weekend. She quickly developed a great rapport with both Eden and Adam (Boq) on stage, and she was so sweet at stage door, excited at being welcomed by the fans. We quickly became her "groupies" for the week. Adam was equally wonderful at SD. (More about Adam later.)

*Saturday, Dec 15, 2pm -My friend Terri and I met up with the gang for the lottery. Terri won, and she and I sat in the first row center, the perfect Eden viewing seats. This was also the time a bunch of the lottery gang got in as well. So there we were, all sitting in the first row, being very loud and supportive. It was thrilling!

This performance was quite surreal as Eden had the giggles throughout the entire first act. After the fact, we learned that it was something to do with one of the company member's wigs, but in our ignorance we watched in utter delight as Eden, who had been so amazingly focused the night before, was now totally distracted during this matinee. I was nearly falling off my seat with laughter. I'm sure having all of us loud fans in the first row, laughing at every little smirk, didn't help her maintain control. LOL! Surprisingly, with all her smirks and giggles, I believe this was one performance Eden kept complete composure during Megan's "ball gown" bit. Ah, the irony. I could tell it was a struggle, but she was so adorably determined.

Unfortunately, as high strung as Eden was, Megan was the complete opposite - very low energy... for Megan, which is a pretty normal energy level for everyone else.

But we, in the know, could tell she was not herself. Kris (Fiyero), on the other hand, was in fine form during this performance. He really started to stand out and impress me. I've always liked him, but I gained a greater appreciation for him during this long week of multiple viewings. He was also incredibly sweet to us at stage door.

I was fascinated to note that during this matinee the chemistry between Eden and Kris was electrifying. In the lion cup scene where they were kneeling down by the cage and she gestured towards his "scratch", Eden had the most intensely sexual energy going on. I'd never seen her like that before. And sitting there right in front of them as I was, made it that much more intense and noticeable. Equally so, their "As Long as You're Mine" was the most passionate I'd ever seen. Like I said, Kris was on fire that afternoon and Eden was obviously diggin' it.

Interesting that these focused moments occurred during one of Eden's most distracted performances. Hmmm.

*Saturday, Dec 15, 8pm - We didn't win the lottery, so we got half price tickets on audience right, row U. It was actually good for me to see the show from some distance. It had been quite a while since I'd had that perspective. It was wonderful to get back to enjoying the whole show and not just the girls. I began to watch the ensemble more - people who I'd met at stage door, or those who's performances stood out to me. They are an impressive group. This was a solid show all the way around, with only one glitch. Kris hurt his back and stepped out after the first act, so DJ (understudy/ensemble) stepped in to finish the show.

Megan was still holding back energy wise, and we feared she wouldn't make all performances that weekend. She was squeaking a bit during her dialogue scenes in both shows that day, yet she was hitting her Hilty high note at the end of "No One Mourns the Wicked". Admirable, but puzzling. Eden too held back slightly on her vocals in the evening show, but still managed some very interesting riffs I hadn't heard before, especially in DG. Both women gave solid performances.

John Rubinstein (Wizard) was rockin' during both shows that day - very creative and in the moment. I love John's Wizard! So adorable. And he and Eden had great rapport, especially in the "Wonderful" scene. He'd work so hard to convince her to give his way a chance, and she'd want so desperately to believe in him, only to be fiercely hurt by his betrayal. Which reminds me... Is Eden not the most gorgeous Elphaba? To me, she is the most attractive Elphie in the green make-up, and her Act II look is the most glamorous... that I've seen thus far. Wow!

John was very sweet to me at stage door. After one show, I asked that a picture be taken with the two of us. I wanted to give it to my Mom for her birthday. I explained that my mother loves him (I do as well, of course). She was so thrilled to hear he was in this production. He asked if she'd seen the show. I explained that she's in Ohio, to which he exclaimed, "Well, fly her out! We'll be here a while." I didn't argue with him, but knew that she would not be coming out here for quite some time, so the picture would have to suffice. Mom loved it, btw.

*Sunday, Dec 16, 1pm - I won the lottery! It was so exciting, especially as we were sitting in the exact same seats that Terri and I had sat in the matinee before. This show was special for me as it was my first time seeing Emily (standby) as Glinda. Just as we had suspected the day before, Megan was having voice troubles (and had been throughout Dec) due to the dry weather. Not knowing whether this would be her last performance with Eden or not, Emily was very emotional in the second act... lots of tears were shed. Her "For Good" with Eden was especially moving. I cried along with them. Eden's Elphie worked very well with both Megan and Emily's Glinda. She adjusted little things as needed in the moment, and obviously enjoyed working with both women. However, her connection to Megan was clearly unique.

I really liked Emily. She's very different from Megan, more subtle in her humour, but equally adorable in her own way. She has a lovely voice and a wonderful personality for the role. Some of her character choices are inspired, as in her imitation of Carol's Morrible at the end of the show. Hilarious. At stage door after the show, I gushed over Emily, apparently way more than my friend expected. She teased me thereafter, saying I was cheating on Megan. LOL! I would never cheat on my Glinda, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate other people's talents as well.

I look forward to seeing Emily again sometime.

*Sunday, Dec 16, 6:30pm -

I won the lottery again!! Twice in one day, I couldn't believe it. This time we were on the very end of the first row, audience left. The worst seats in the house! But we didn't care, for this was one of the best shows of the whole week. Megan was back, and she and Eden were on fire! It was unfortunate that Kris wasn't back yet to share in the excitement. DJ is a very nice guy and does well with the part, but he's less polished and experienced than Kris. However, that was of little consequences with Eden and Megan dominating the stage.

Eden was riffalicious and Megan was outrageous.

In fact, the energy was so high that Eden completely lost it during "Popular"... the worst I've ever seen. With Megan out for the matinee, I think Eden was anticipating the worst from her rejuvenated co-star and cracked herself up. All Megan had to say was, "I'm going to transform your simple frock into a magnificent ball gown. OooOoo!" Eden took one look at her and busted out laughing, to such an extent that she immediately brought her arms up to cover her face. Not just her hands, mind you. She actually pulled up her arms and crossed them in front of her face. I was stunned. Being at such a side angle, we could see Eden's face. She was completely over taken with hilarity. It was so over the top, the audience went wild with laughter and applause, which only exacerbated the problem, to the point where Megan couldn't continue without stepping out of her wand prep stance and adlibbing. She leaned over to try and see Eden's face through her folded arms, then said, "Are you ready? This is serious," which sent the house into more gales of laughter. As Eden tried to compose herself, Megan continued, "Okay. Here we go"... Her wand waving and "ball-gowning" were playful and teasing, and after Megan giggled a bit on her "Is this thing on?" the scene continued with normalcy... of a kind. Eden was obviously glad to have Megan back.

It's clear that the wand bit became their moment of pure Eden/Megan play time - Elphaba and Glinda who? It's also the place where Eden was almost guaranteed to crack up, though not to this extreme before. The first time I saw Eden lose it (in August) she showed some effort to keep from breaking character. It took time to build to out and out laughter, with the growing encouragement of the audience, of course. It also lasted a bit longer in recovery, with Megan eventually losing it, too. This Sunday's performance is the only time that I saw Eden give in so quickly and completely. Too funny!

More "Popular" fun during the week included Megan almost pushing Eden off the bed during "...all. about. MEEEEE!" As well as the time Megan mis-flung her wand. It landed at her feet behind her, instead of flying through the air with the greatest of G-force into the wings. LOL!

"What Is This Feeling?" was another number that had it's EE/MH moments of playfulness, sometimes beyond the norm, where they would actually try to crack the other up (something normally relegated to "Popular"). One night, when the two came face to face for the first time ("for your face" "your voice" "your clothing") Eden did this little knee bend to make herself shorter than Megan for a split second. I have no idea what she was doing or why, though I'm guessing she was trying to get a rise out of Megan. It didn't work, but it was adorable seeing Eden so mischievous.

In addition to all of the frivolity Sunday night, Eden was the most riffy I'd ever heard her... in ALL her songs, from "The Wizard and I" (achieving her legendary "feeling things I've never felt" riff, which I hadn't heard in a while) through to "For Good". She was doing some unbelievable riffs, some I'd never heard before, including ones in "Defying Gravity", a song I hadn't heard her riff much for some time. However, with "No Good Deed" she pulled out all the stops and rocked the house as never before. And that's saying something, since she always rocked the house with NGD. I've said it before and I'll say it again. NGD is Eden's signature number. There is no one to compare. Her commitment, passion, emotional depth... layers and layers... all coming at you at such velocity. Yet she waxes and wanes with stunning skill that even the subtler, quieter moments are fraught with pain and anguish, frustration and desperation. On this night, especially, her riffs (most notably the final "again") were so organic and raw, my mind was in a daze by the end. Everyone screamed their fool heads off in amazement and awe. Eden got a lot of screaming reactions from audiences all week at the end of this song. More so in many ways than for "Defying Gravity", which always gets a wild reaction.

One thing I noticed in NGD this week, something that never stood out to me before, was that the electric guitar player always echoed her "supply" riffs at the end of that musical phrase. And since that is one of her favorite riffing spots, there were a couple nights when she went to town on that word, making the guitar player work extra hard to match her. He never failed though. Impressive!

Other memorable Eden moments: Throughout the weekend she did "I'm Not That Girl" just the way I like it. Sometimes she would play it where Elphie was more saddened by losing out with Fiyero, while other times she was more resigned to her singleness and happy for her best friends good fortune, despite her own misfortune. Eden made both choices work, but I always felt that the latter was more true to my vision of Elphaba's character. And with Eden's beautiful vocals, it always made me cry. Eden was the master at riding that delicate balance between vulnerability and strength of character. I got a similar feeling during the dance sequence, when Elphie stood her ground and showed her metal against adversity. This made Elphie's budding friendship with Glinda all the more touching, as they were then able to lean on each other and support one another... Leading to utter devastation when they were ultimately separated and had to go it "solo"... only this time they had the added strength and understanding gained by their friendship. What an amazing story! So many layers. This is a major reason I have returned to see it time and time again.

Eden and Megan's "For Good" throughout the week was especially moving... some performances more tearful than others. This Sunday in particular had both of them sniffling and teary eyed. So much so that they could barely get through their last phrase, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." I can't remember if it was this night or not, but at least once during the week Megan had to wipe tears from Eden's cheek. Another time Eden wiped her own tears away. And always, it was a strange moment for the audience as the song ended. It never quite seemed right to applaud after such a beautifully intimate moment. I would get so engrossed in watching them that suddenly the song would end and I'd feel like a voyeur. Very strange experience.

*Wednesday, Dec 19, 8pm - I won the lottery AGAIN! Unbelievable. We sat 3 and 4 seats in from the far left end, seeing surprisingly more than we did on the two end seats Sunday evening. The main problem with that extreme left side section, though, is that I got way too much of Eden's back in Act I. Part of my enjoyment in watching Eden's performances is seeing her face. She's beautifully expressive, especially in her eyes. Regardless, the show that night was stellar! As we discovered at stage door, the producer, Marc Platt, was there, and everyone was on their best behavior (Eden was completely dead pan during the "ball gown" bit) and in peak performance. Kris was back (yeay!), and Eden and Megan were in good voice. The energy was not as firey as Sunday night's, but it was strong enough for a truly magical show.

Megan came out after every show, so it was easy to give her lots of love and support, especially with her bouts of vocal troubles. After Saturday's matinee, she was visibly low key. When I asked her about Eden's giggle-fest, she didn't seem to know what I was talking about. That's how out of it she must have been that afternoon. After Wednesday night's show I gushed over her and Eden's performance, to which she gushed back, "Eden's amazing!" I persisted in noting that the two of them are perfection together. She confessed, "I don't know what I'm going to do without her." *sob*

*Thursday, Dec 20, 8pm - I kid you not... I won the lottery for the fourth time in a row!!! I almost fainted. I was shaking when I went up to buy my tickets. Unreal. We were back in the 3rd and 4th seats from the left end, so more of Eden's back. Ugh. This was also a solid show. Nothing stands out in my mind about it, other than the usual brilliant consistency. What was outstanding was that at intermission my friend leaned over and whispered a secret to me that would prove to become the climax of my entire week. More on that in a minute...

*Friday, Dec 21, 8pm - We didn't win the lottery, but we got half price tickets on the right side, row W. As before, it was wonderful to view the bigger picture of the show... and a chance to see Eden's face more fully in Act I. Yeay! At intermission, another friend informed us that there were two empty seats behind her in the left of center section, around row H, I think. Naturally, we moved, for not only were they closer, but the left is my friend's favorite side for Act II. Another solid show was presented that night. At this point in the week I was less inclined to keep notes, and details about each show were starting to blur together in my memory. However, I do recall that Eden was wonderfully riffy that night. Not quite Sunday night riffy, but still fun and interesting.

What made this evening so special was in regard to what my friend had whispered to me the night before. As it turned out, arrangements had been made for us to get a back stage tour after Friday night's show. What a thrill!! My buds were so good to me re: this being my last week with Eden. They kind of pushed me into the foreground throughout the tour, since they had all done back stage tours before (although with bigger groups, so they were thrilled to get a bit more attention themselves, this time around).

As the crowds made their way outside, after the show, we were let through to the actual stage door, waiting for the stage manager to come get us and take us back. First stop was Megan's brightly lit dressing room with humidifier blazing. I entered first and got a big hug from the petite blond. She hugged everyone as they entered, and we thanked her for agreeing to do this. She was terribly gracious with us - signing programs, magazines and photos, and taking pictures with all of us while we wore her Glinda tiaras (Megan's suggestion). She let us look around and note all the lovely fan gifts she has displayed everywhere, as well as her little silver Christmas tree decorated in pink... too cute. Finally, she showed off a couple of her costumes, including the big, heavy "Glinda the Good" gown and the pink "Popular" number. Her favorite, though, is the yellow "One Short Day/Defying Gravity" dress. That's my favorite as well... No. Really. There was a bit of chit-chat regarding the Deal or No Deal show on which Megan appeared. With a horrified expression on her face she enthusiastically agreed that the sister of the winner was "scary". Too funny.

After we bid farewell to Megan, the stage manager lead us over to Eden's dressing room, across the hall. Eden was there, all cleaned up, cap on head, waiting for us. She seems to be a rather quiet, shy person, as compared to bubbly, chatty Megan... at least with strangers. While Megan has a small lounge area that leads into a large dressing room, Eden has a larger lounge area leading into a smaller dressing room. I was told later that in previous back stage tours my friends attended, Eden kept everyone in the lounge, but on this night, with only 5 of us, she ushered us back into her changing room. She quickly apologized, "Sorry about the mess. I'm packing." *sniff* It really wasn't a mess per se. It just wasn't all displayed with her fan gifts/pictures/etc. as Megan's is.

To get it out of the way, she sat down and signed all of our stuff. The final thing being a program I had been getting signed by various people, upon which John Rubinstein had signed his name on Elphie's hat - a location normally left for Eden (or presumably the respective Elphaba). Since we made such a big deal about getting out "the program" for her to sign, she was a little cautious at first, not knowing what would make a program so special. After I handed it to her, she looked at it a moment, not quite registering the significance. Then she tilted her head and said, "He signed my hat." We all burst out laughing. She had been signing with a green, metallic pen we'd given her, so she signed above the title with it, making her signature stand out properly, despite it's mis-location.

After all the signing was out of the way, we moved into the waiting room for pictures. Someone asked if we could wear THE HAT, and she said, "Of course." So we each took turns. When it was my turn, I discovered that the hat was way too small for my enormous head. I had to just set it on top and not move, so it wouldn't fall off. At one point, it was mentioned that this was my last weekend. Eden looked curiously at me, so I explained that the next day (Saturday) was my last time seeing her in the show. I got all choked up, especially since I was standing right next to her, gazing into those gorgeously soulful eyes of hers. I turned my face away, insisting, "I'm not going to cry!" to which she exclaimed, "Please don't. Or I'll cry and I won't be able to stop." *sniff* Instead, we both turned to the cameras and smiled for our picture. I then handed her a letter I had written to her, saying this was for later, "Just some thoughts." She looked at me with such tender gratitude, "Thank you."

After everyone got their pictures taken (some more comical than others) and a bit of chit-chat (a nice distraction from my emotions), we thanked her again and got ready to leave. Someone asked her if she would be doing stage door at some point, as she hadn't come out all week. She said she would be out Saturday and Sunday evenings that weekend. Then she looked directly at me, held my letter up to her heart, and with a sweet smile said, "I'll see you tomorrow." *sniff* I smiled back, "Okay."

We left her room and into the general back stage area, where Adam Wylie (Boq) was waiting for us. He gave us a very long and enjoyable tour of the ensemble dressing rooms (including his own, which has his Tin Man costume - so cool)... the costume/wig rooms... the pit orchestra area (with the NGD lift)... on up through the lengthy journey (backwards) Elphaba takes to get from the stage to the NGD lift... the prop shelves (including picture taking with the green baby!)... the side wing areas where all the set pieces are stored (including the DG lift)... the stage area itself (with trap doors galore)... finishing with a spectacular magic show of card and coin tricks (one of which he used me as a hiding place for a coin) at the stage door before we left. Adam is one talented, entertaining, adorable young man. He left the show the same day as Eden, so this was to be his last tour. We had a blast! I will miss him.

This was A Night to Remember!

*Saturday, Dec 22, 2pm - My last Eden day arrived. I had bought tickets for the Mat and Eve shows in advanced, just in case we didn't win the lottery. We didn't win for the matinee, so I sat in a very good aisle seat in the Mezzanine, viewing the show with binoculars. My first pair was broken, so I viewed the first act one eye at a time. Very awkward. At intermission I got a different pair and viewed the second act uninhibited. Lovely. I teared up quite a few times during the matinee. Every thing had new, poignant meanings for me. All week I would have moments of melancholy as I'd think about Saturday being my last day to see Eden's Elphie, and maybe more importantly, to see Eden and Megan together in these roles. However, I didn't let it get in the way of enjoying each performance and all the extended experiences surrounding them.

Nevertheless, come Saturday, I was very depressed most of the day. Thank goodness the matinee was a great show - very solid and moving - though I think it was more about what I was bringing to my viewing experience, than the show being something other than what it always is... outstanding. At curtain call, I saw Eden shielding her eyes to see into the audience. Because of my magical evening prior, I imagined she was looking for me. My fantasy, I know... but it was fun to think that she might have been thinking of me at that moment, knowing that it was my last day. Only she knows who she was really looking for.

*Saturday, Dec 22, 8pm -

My very last performance with Eden and Megan together. I was praying fiercely for the opportunity to see the show one last time, front and center, but none of us won the lottery that day. However, a friend generously gave me her second row center aisle ticket. I must have been so pathetic in my teary, silent mourning, that she took pity on me. I'll never be able to repay her. Ever!

We kept to ourselves during dinner, as I was feeling way too emotional for a crowd. When we got back to the theatre I wasn't thinking and went straight to my seat. I normally hit the restroom beforehand, just in case. This was an omission I soon regretted. Sitting there, waiting for the show to start, I had a hard time keeping my tears at bay. By the time the show started I was wiped out, emotionally... and I discovered I had to seriously go to the restroom. But it was too late, the show had begun, and the last thing I wanted to do was leave this of all shows! However, I knew I couldn't make it to intermission, so during the first classroom scene, when the action was upstage and no one was looking out front, I slipped out to the side, ducking in front of the first row, up the side wall aisle, through the curtains and up to the lobby restroom. Coming back, I went in the same way, ducking down again in front of the first row, side section, and into my seat. Thank God I was in that aisle seat and not my mid-row Q seat. That would have been disastrous under these circumstances! Luckily, I was so quick, the same scene was just finishing, and I didn't miss much at all... and I'm pretty sure no one significant noticed.

I was tear free until the end of "Popular". Megan cracked up for a change during the "ball gown" moment, making it a memorable scene for me, as I had never seen her do that before. Suddenly, I thought, this is the last time I'll ever see Eden and Megan do this, my favorite EE/MH scene together. I burst into tears. I teared up a little here and there for the rest of Act I, but sobered up for most of Act II. I was so exhausted - emotionally numb... until show's end. The bubble was malfunctioning that night, so Glinda didn't end in the bubble as normal. She stood stage right with the book in hand, looking bravely out at the audience, while Elphie did her ending bit, standing stage left, also looking out into the audience. So there they were, Eden and Megan, essentially standing next to each other, singing their last phrases together, and I'm balling my eyes out! It was a beautiful, deeply moving image I'll never forget. All during the curtain call I sobbed.

The only disruption to my experience was seeing two unbelievably rude men in the front row waving and leaning over the orchestra pit, reaching up in Eden and Megan's direction, acting like children. It was embarrassing, especially as both of them had walked out and back in again at different times during the show, in full view of everyone. This was a clear sign of what was to come...

Stage door was insane! Throngs of people were there, all of whom waited after the security guards took the barricades away and closed the gates. Therefore, when Eden and Megan came out together, there was pandemonium, with nothing standing between them and all these people. The girls were immediately surrounded by several large groups who all wanted pictures with them. They hardly ever came out together, so as wonderful as this opportunity was, it made the energy that much more maddening. Added to the excitement, of course, was this sense of urgency, since this was Eden's second to last weekend.

We tried our best to position ourselves at the end, away from the chaos, but all the regulars came and joined us, to where we became a part of the mass group experience too. All I wanted to do was thank them for Friday evening and to get Eden to sign my green baby picture (a silly idea, certainly not a necessity, but something I thought would be unique). Instead, we had group pictures taken and everyone demanding their attention at once, so the girls were completely overwhelmed. I too was overwhelmed and just wanted to run away. The energy was gluttonous, and I wanted no part of it, so I backed off as best I could. I caught a glance from Eden, who gave me this sweet, sad smile. I don't remember my reaction to her, though I hope I smiled back. I just remember feeling so empathetic for these two exhausted women, who were doing their best to please everyone and make everyone happy.

It's one thing to give and receive praise and gratitude in a brief one on one encounter, especially within the normal controlled environment of their stage door set up. It's another thing to demand their attention from all sides and engulf them with chaotic energy. My fear is that much of that energy was being sucked out of them (when they didn't have much to begin with) and into the crowd, with very little, if any, being given back to them. Of course, on the flip side, I pray that from their perspectives, they felt lots of love from the crowd, for all their efforts. I'm so glad Eden and Megan were there together for support. They certainly are troupers! What a job!

Needless to say, it was not a glorious ending to one of the most wonderful weeks of my life, but I refuse to let that one upsetting stage door experience ruin my memories of Eden and Megan, and their magic on stage. There will never be a pair like them. The depths they were both able to reach in their respective roles, creating the most magical and believable friendship on stage, the power that each exuded in stage presence and performance quality... no one will ever match it, to my mind. Their emotional connection was breath-taking and inspiring. Eden and Megan made me love this show far beyond a hit musical or an evening of entertainment. They stole my heart and made me see things in a whole new way. Possibilities undiscovered. Soulful beauty that electrified the stage far brighter than the Emerald City lights. They are forever my Elphie and Glinda.

Wicked LA will never be the same again. Not better, not worse, just different. And that's okay. Yet, for me, the most amazing duo to ever grace a stage has parted. As much as I mourn my own feelings of loss, I can't help but feel 10 times worse for them as, professionally, they go their separate ways.

Thank you ladies, for 16 remarkable performances and an evening back stage I will never forget!! I look forward to seeing what you have to offer next.

~S

Found these comments I wrote the morning of Sat, 12/22/07 - Eden and Megan are both having voice issues, due to the dry weather, so Eden is being more protective of her vocals... in hopes of lasting through the 30th, I suspect. And yet, she always manages to pull it all off - through serious crying spells (already!), a coughing spell on Thurs in the train station scene, etc. I actually enjoy seeing how she'll sing each song, cause it's always different, as she must maneuver through with caution, yet still come through for those much needed and anticipated power moments.

Thurs. night she did do her "things I never felt" riff, again. It was thrilling! And last night she sang parts in TWAI that she normally speaks, as well as some lower riffing that was fun to hear. And Megan has been doing her high note all week. Interesting.

As for Marcie... I think everyone knows by now how much I love her. She and Eden are fantastic together!

All in all, a fine week of performances, with Sunday night being killer vocally for Eden. She Rocked the House! And yet, because there is a lot of brand new viewers coming for the holidays, they don't know the differences and are beyond thrilled with everything Eden and Megan are doing. I heard countless women at intermission just amazed at Eden's voice. I sat next to a sweet lady the other night who commented, "She really puts her heart into this, doesn't she?" YEP! Repeat viewers, like me, may know changes and adjustments being made, but all everyone else hears and sees are two thrillingly brilliant performances by Eden and Megan. And I have to agree with them. The acting alone has been so solid and beautiful this week (with a few adorable giggle fits from Eden over the weekend. Hee), but it's the passionate singing audiences will remember, especially by Eden.

Today's my last two shows with Eden as I'm flying East tomorrow for the holidays. *sniff* I pray I win the lottery, the girls continue winning their battles with the dry weather, and I can actually see the show through my tears.

~S

*Weds, 12/26/07 - Notes from Vacation:
While on vacation in Ohio, my cousin Laurie saw my Wicked lottery pin, that I had left on my jacket, and her eyes lit up. She said she saw the show in NY with Kristin a few years ago. But the other lead, who played the "green witch" (Idina, obviously; Laurie didn't know her name), was out that night and they were very disappointed... until the "understudy" started performing. She said she was amazed that this was the understudy (i.e. standby) and not the principle actress. She couldn't imagine why this actress wasn't doing it full time.

I asked her if she remembered her name. She didn't. I said, "Eden Espinosa?" and she said, "Sounds right. She looked like an Espinosa." LOL! "She really looked the part, too." It had to be Eden, as she was Idina's standby during Kristin's run. Laurie was blown away by her! She was so impressed, as was the whole audience, when it was announced that this was her first time performing the role. Kristin even pushed her out of the curtain call line to take a solo bow. The audience went nuts. Laurie was impressed with Kristin for doing that, though she said the praise for Eden was well deserved. How awesome that my cousin saw Eden's very first appearance as Elphaba!! I'm so jealous.

If only I had gotten to see her last. *sniff*

~S