Shoshana is SOOOO committed to EVERY single role that she has every played on Broadway. She is one of the most amazing people on Broadway. I absolutely ADORE and LOVE her....
It’s hard to say that a new person is better than the original. We all have a soft spot for Idina and Kristin and all the magic, heart and soul they brought to this show. Shoshana really had time to find new things about Elphie. And that has helped the character grow for new audiences. It’s so beautiful. Like LaChanze in the Color Purple. And how Cynthia Erivo really took it to another level.
She really sat in this role so beautifully. She committed 100% of herself into this role. Even when she was sick, she gave it her all. That Martha Stewart performance of No Good Deed?! WHEW! Thank you God for Shoshana Bean
I saw the show with Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty and thought they were both phenomenal. I'm sure the original cast was wonderful, but I truly can't imagine anyone being better than than these two!
You can hear so much of the difference in how she sings this in character on Broadway vs her concert performances. On Broadway she was restricted to the deep mezzo notes in the score vs in concert her true Soprano voice is really showcased.
I feel The movie producers really looked back at many Elphabas but in my view Shoshanas Elphaba really is who they are centering the movie to be. Shoshana had just about zero credibility with the General public prior to Wicked in 2004. Her general credits pre wicked were being a backup singer for a pop singer, being an understudy in 1 Broadway show, and playing herself in an off Broadway production of a low budget musical. This isn’t exactly the choice producers should make when choosing who to replace the Tony Award winning actress (who was selling out houses just to see her Tony winning performance) and still make sure the show doesn’t tank.. She was a financial risk PERIOD but .This is why Cynthia Erivo being casted as Elphaba says a few things about Wicked: Shoshana Bean was the trailblazer in securing the way they should cast the movie. Let’s go back: Shoshana was under 5 ft 3” which was the standard height for Elphaba. Shoshana was not tall and skinny like Stephanie, Idina, Eden and most of the Broadway Elphabas . Shoshana was a solid Soprano not a Belty Mezzo or Alto. What Shoshana did have is guts. This was a monstrous role and she embraced it all. Sold out houses continued to soar under her reign and the general public really wanted to see who this amazing talent was. That is precisely the kind of Elphaba who you’d want in the movie. They want someone that can sing and act their face off but still have guts enough to tackle this monster of a role that will either be career suicide or instant success. Cynthia has industry credibility but she will definitely face her own challenges. I’m thrilled to remember that this performance is in my opinion the inspiration for the movie’s Elphaba .
