I, too, was surprised about the left out Wicked reference. But perhaps they wanted to leave it as a surprise on stage?
As for Sutton belting, I actually don't think she does too much belting here. I Know It's Today has some, but the rest of the score (at least for Fiona) is belt tame. I actually found myself really liking the tone of Sutton's voice when she doesn't belt - the bonus track is extremely lovely (And I'm one that never got the Sutton fuss myself, even after seeing her live twice).
Yeah, I've heard so much about the Defying Gravity bit that Farquaad does, but I've never been clear on exactly what it is. Can someone please explain?
In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy
The end of the What's Up Duloc playoff has Farquaad singing "and no one's gonna bring me down" followed by a falsetto wail very similar to the Elphaba riff/yell/thingy at the end of Defying Gravity.
Staging wise, he rises up in his elevator and is washed with green lights.
Yeah, I wish they kept the DG reference. The note hit by Sieber deserves to be recorded for posterity. =) But I still love "What's Up, Duloc?"
I wish they kept the Seattle ending to "Who I'd be" but its still one of the best songs, along with "I Know it's Today." The younger Fionas really do a great job.
John Tartaglia is amazing how he can hit those high notes while maintaining his character's voice. Gingy is great too, and I love the "Girl, work it out!" in "Freak Flag." So funny! I also love how tender Shrek's voice is in the Big Bright Beautiful World reprise. Brian D'arcy James conveys the emotion so well.
These (as well as "Morning person" and "Story of My Life") are the highlights to me, but overall, I'm not sure I like the score so much. That's not even half the songs.
which young fiona is on the cd? I saw the show sunday and loved it! I absolutely loved the costumes as well. I thought this was one show where the ensemble totally stood out and actually looked like they were enjoying their job.