Michelle Federer was the original Nessarose.
No one matches Idina overall for me. And it wasn't the vocal pyrotechnics, it was her wonderful, soulful performance of "I'm Not That Girl" that really won me over. I've seen a lot of powerfully-sung Elphabas since, but no one matched the combination of rawness and honesty that Menzel brought.
I absolutely loved Erin Mackey in the role of G(a)linda. I saw her on the tour and in the Chicago sit-down. She found every bit of the comedy and pathos in the character and sang wonderfully. Of course, there was an effervescence to Chenoweth that no one else matched, but Mackey was glorious. |
