Donna Vivino Steals the Show as "Elphaba"
By: D. Kevin McNeir
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| The smash Broadway musical Wicked continues to cast its spell on audiences around the world entertaining and inspiring viewers with its magical tale of life in the Land of Oz before Dorothy's unprecedented arrival.
The show has returned to Miami after breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2007 and if the crowd of adults and children who are packing the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center each night is any indication of its popularity, then Wicked is a must see for anyone - eight to 80-years-old.
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Produced by Broadway Across America and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, Wicked is a "cultural phenomenon" - winner of a Grammy and three Tony Awards, along with 23 other major awards.
It is the story of how two very different girls met in Oz and how these two unlikely friends become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It's a tale of drama, disappointment and victory and with enchanting songs penned by Stephen Schwartz and exciting dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott, this production is, in a word, spectacular.
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Donna Vivino gives a breathtaking performance in the role of the much-aligned Elphaba, smart, headstrong but destined to suffer isolation and rejection because of her emerald-hued skin. She is a Broadway regular whose voice is nothing short of amazing and she rules the stage with songs like "No Good Deed" and "I'm Not That Girl."
And while Chandra Lee Schwartz (Glinda) lacks the pipes of Vivino, she is an outstanding actress and when paired with her green-skinned pal, the two are a most impressive duo.
If you have never witnessed the wonders of Wicked, you will be amazed by the many twists and turns that unfold from start to finish as we discover the surprising truth behind the origins of Dorothy's friends, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. And then there is the tragic reality of how Elphaba evolves from a promising young witch to the land's most hated villain. |
Courtney D. Jones (pictured above), 28, is a Houston native who joins the cast for the first time as a dance ensemble member. She talks about the obstacles she has faced not only because of this being her first time in this physically challenging production but because she is an African-American actor in a profession where roles are often limited.
"This is my first professional musical and at first I felt like a fish out of water but we have a great support system with folks like Carolyn Arrington who was part of the original tour," Jones said.
"When I watch the other more seasoned actors on stage I am in awe of their talent and this continues to be a great learning experience for me.
In terms of the play itself, I can't get over the fact of how much people love this show. Since I joined the cast a year ago I have come to realize that this is something much bigger than me and the other actors."
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Jones adds that while there are fewer roles for African Americans in shows like Wicked, she believes that the opportunities still exist - with the proper attitude and preparation.
"Sometimes when you watch shows like American Idol and see that many young hopefuls believe that it's easy to become a star overnight," she said. "But I still believe that the way to make it in this business is with training and developing the proper technique.
I have been dancing and performing since I was a little girl and while my parents were concerned whether I would be able to take care of myself after college, they always supported and encouraged me.
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I just hope that today's parents are taking their children to classes instead of rushing them off to auditions. It's not an easy industry and most of us have to begin at the bottom.
"We do the show eight times a week and believe me - sometimes it gets overwhelming and tiring. But then you meet the fans - some who are here for their very first time and others who have seen Wicked a dozen times and you know that what we do each night on stage really matters. It may be "wicked" but it feels a bit like heaven."
Wicked runs through Sunday, March 21st. For ticket information go to Arst Center.
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