All Elphabas in video: (in order of appearance) Idina Menzel Nikki Davis Jones Jemma Rix Willemijn Verkaik Amber Riley Lea Michele Kerry Ellis Rachel Tucker Stephanie J. Block Kristen Chenoweth
Willemijn!! There is a reason she was cast as Elphie in 3 languages and 4 countries: Germany (German), The Netherlands (Dutch) England and the USA (English)... I've seen her twice as Elphaba (in England and in the Netherlands, and she did defying gravity in the 3 languages at Musicals in Concert) and her voice is just amazing.
I'm not sure why we need to label a "Best" performer of any role...different people will connect with different performers for very different reasons...I've seen lots of different people playing this role and each one has had an impact...rarely have I been disappointed. Isn't that the beauty of live theatre? The connection is unique to each member of the audience and different every performance.
THIS. I was going to post something to this effect but you said everything I wanted to say. I have my favourite (Willemijn), but all of them are amazingly talented, and I feel like it isn't really fair to say one is "the best" as if it's a fact.
CaughellCentral Exactly. Everyone will preform a song or character differently based on themselves and the character or role they're playing. That's the beauty of performing, you put yourself into the story and the moment to give the best and possibly most personal and unique performance you can, bad or good. Some will love it, some won't. But who cares? :p
Okay. So, as glad as I am that you included the Glee version in this Supercut, I'm slightly disappointed you didn't include the season 1 version with Kurt. CHRIS COLFER IS FLAWLESS
Harlan Spinelli he didn't failed it, it is an another version! go to Defying Gravity Kurt solo (first and also fifth season) and you will listen it! :D
Recognised Kerry Ellis immediately. Cause when I was 10 I sat in the front row (thanks Wicked lotto) and saw her (and then accidentally shouted Ew when she started Wizard and I cause she was extremely nasal. And then she stared me dead in the eye. And I died inside.
kurayamidesu Willemijn has the worst voice out of all of these except for the one who sings the second line "Im through with playing by the rules" lol. Rachel Tucker doesnt get many clips in this but she is the best easily
WILLEMIJN BY FAR!!! Kerry, Stephanie, Rachael and Idina are amazing too but Willemijn is my favourite :D You can hardly argue with 3 languages in 4 countries. And she has the correct features for Elphie too :) and her manorisms are perfect, she just IS Elphaba! If you hadn't guessed, I ADORE her...
As amazing as Idina is, it was amazing to see Australia's very own Jemma Rix performing! What a voice! I want to see her take Broadway by storm one day!
My top four 1. Wilemijn Verkaik 2. Idina Menzel 3. Kerry Ellis 4. Jemma Eix The ultimate, the original, the most varied and the most unique. A good selection if I do say so....
Rahel Erki what about idina:( her Elphaba had true feeling and it was like she was Elphaba. In my opinion Idina was the best vocally and acting wise, and I love to stick with original.
Gaebrielle Russell I'm pretty sure Willemijn is the longest running in terms of number of shows - Willemijn played her 1000th show in June 2012 and Jemma only a few weeks ago (but who knows, Jemma may still overtake her) but I believe in terms of length of association with the show Jemma would be the longest-running as she started in 2006 in the Universal Studios Japan 30-minute version and Willemijn started in November 2007. I love them both too though - Willemijn is definitely my favourite Elphaba but Jemma is one of my other favourites! (and I really hope she goes to the West End one day)
My Top 3 Elphaba's 1. Jemma Rix!!!!!!!! She has such amazing riffs when she want to do them and can sing really high for an Elphaba, and her "Heroes Live Forever" At the Melbourne Cup is incredible. 2. Kerry Ellis when she had her Accident during Defying Gravity she pulled backed after screaming and LET ME OUT! and yelling at the orchestra to STOP! closing the curtains getting out of the lift and hit incredible notes! even after having a scare like she had! I think this is because she felt bad but accidents happen and she had some breathing time. 3. Willemijn Verkaik, She hits all the rights notes and sounds absolutely incredible!!!! I didn't copy this this is honestly the top 3 best Elphaba's.
Jemma Rix will always be my favourite Elphaba, her voice is flawless, every note is pristine and never jarring to the ear; which some renditions can often be :)
My top: Idina, Willemijn, Jemma and Rachel Tucker!!! Bring Jemma Rix to WIcked Broadway or West End!!! She is super awesome and amazing in the Australian production of Wicked!!!!
***** I've seen Rachel Tucker on Broadway as well. She was amazing, especially when she performed Defying Gravity, As Long As You're Mine and No Good Deed.
***** Ive seen Carrie St Louis as G(a)linda as well. She's one of my favourites alongside Kristin Chenoweth, Louise Dearman, Savannah Stevenson, Dianne Pilkington and Annaleigh Ashford.
It has to be Rachel Tucker. Her riffs are interpretation of the song is brilliant. Her performance at West End Live in 2011 is amazing. I love Kerry too, but not the rock version. Her growl and witchy feel add to the character of the song. TheaterMania please make another one with just West End or Broadway performances. (And plenty more of Rachel Tucker!)
Claire Edmondson Well, even Idina Menzel has Margaret Hamilton to thank for what became of Elphaba, since her iconic role as The Wicked Witch of the West is largely what begot Elphaba in the first place, since Wicked takes cues and influences from not only the original L. Frank Baum story but the beloved MGM film as well. The fact that there's only 3 witches in Wicked - Elphie, Nessa, and G(a)linda - instead of the original four (Tattypoo was the original Witch of the North, whilst Glinda the Good was the Witch of the South, but both the MGM film and Wicked merged Tattypoo and Glinda into one composite character) and the fact that Elphaba is done up ala Margaret Hamilton are but a couple of the influences taken from the film (as was the Poppyfield scene). But, even Margaret Hamilton would have Matilda Joslyn Gage, L. Frank Baum's suffragist mother-in-law, to thank, because it is she whom author Baum based his witches on, because though she was sweet and ladylike ala Glinda in private, she was often in public championing women's liberation in the same way that Elphaba fights for the rights of Animals, as both issues clashed with the biased traditions of the powers that be. Matilda's favoritism towards sleek black dresses coupled with her gaunt facial features - a big nose and jutting chin, among them - and a shrill screech of a voice all were what propelled Margaret Hamilton to be the iconic Wicked Witch, which in turn landed Idina Menzel the role of Elphaba in Wicked, a 2003 musical based on the 1995 novel, which was itself inspired by the 1939 film classic and the original story that was written in the early 1900's.
Im based because i will always love the original (Idina Menzel), but the one I like after that is Kerry Ellis :) No matter what though, Idina I think has that jawline locked down lol
Idina is so incredible and she will always be my Elphie.. I just saw the traveling show in Columbus and Emily Schultheis did amazing (understudy!!). Had actual tears when she came on stage as her! Beautifully played 💚
This should have only been Elphaba performances, no solo concert, glee, studio recording versions. Best Elphaba will always be the original...Idina Menzel.
It would have been difficult to restrict it to the performances because not all Elphabas were filmed in the performance setting. The special circumstances were live performances such as at the Tonys or on the Today show. I liked that they included Stephanie J. Block because she was another very notable Broadway performer who took on the role of Elphaba.
Agreed Donna is queen! I've never seen a video of Eden in wicked but if her performance in rent is anything to go by she is a powerhouse 👌. Still love idina though...
No hate or anything!But I really don't get why so many people are saying that Indina Menzel is the best Elpheba and I know that everybody has different opinion but I think that the other Elphebas are much better just as singing this song!(no hate,I just want to know)
Well, some are probably not basing it on just the one song or the many songs sung. It's probably based on the whole performance throughout the musical. What they felt and experienced in it. I, personally, think Willemijn Verkaik was the best Elphie overall. Her looks and portrayal were pretty much spot on with how I think Elphie should be. But again, as you have stated, everyone has their favourite. ;)
It certainly isn't based on her singing ability. Everytime I hear her sing it is like nails going down a chalk board. I just don't understand this obsession with Idina? She is a sweet woman and is a good actress, but vocally she screams and is very loud and flat with her notes, no soul or vibrato, just loud and holds a very flat note. I'm not trying to be mean, just truthful. I like her in the character, but she was not the best vocal performance by a long shot!
Kerry Ellis is my favourite Elphaba. Even though she did kinda ruin Defying Gravity by rushing the end of it because she was uncomfortable with the flying part.
I find it strange, that No one ever argues about who is the Supreme glinda, glinda is almost synonymous with Kristen Chenoweth, yet everyone bickers about who is the best elphaba
It's amazing how people can comment a rude statement that says to not put studio or glee in it. Number one these girls are phenomenal. Number 2 Kerry Ellis played Elphaba. Think before you say.
7 for Idina Menzel 6 for Jemma Rix 5 for Nikki Davis-Jones, Kerry Ellis, and Stephanie J. Block each 4 for Willemijn Verkaik 2 for Rachel Tucker 1 for Amber Riley and Lea Michele each
Kerry Ellis was my favourite live Elphie by far, her vocals are out of this world and her characterisation great too. I also liked Rachel Tucker very much, really powerful performance. Still love Idina of course !
ACK. These women are so talented! I can sing this song about once or twice in a month and do good while sitting on the couch in a shirt and sweatpants but they sing it almost every night consistently in green makeup wearing a heavy dress and high heels with a probably uncomfortable hat running around stage with smoke and strobe lights and being lifted up on a podium and STILL nailing the notes. If anyone gets the chance to see Wicked, it’s worth it, trust me! I’ve only seen it once, but it’s COMPLETELY worth it! Okay let’s just face the truth I wrote this comment just to rant about how amazing anyone that plays Elphaba in Wicked is.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
Who is your favorite Elphaba?
theatermania IDINA
Jessica Vosk
theatermania Wilemijn Verkaik
Idina and jessica vosk
Jackie burn
I have one thing to say......WHY IS THERE NOT A MOVIE YET
supposed to come out 2016
Christopher Johnson That will be the worst thing to happen to the world of theater
I don't know, mamma mia was good
Christopher Johnson Baz Luhrmann was supposed to make one!
Nadège Driss OH GOD.
ROMEO + JULIET FLASHBACKS!
can't believe they left out chris coffer...
Right!? He was awsome.
He amazing and cute
He's also a good author
CuteSeamus exactly omg 😩😭
Ikr and Lindsey Mendez
i see some glee people here, y'all better put kurt in too
edit: HEY WHERE TF IS KURT??!
Omg yes
Yes!
OMG Kurt's not there?????? He deserves to be...
Eso mismo pensaba
All Elphabas in video: (in order of appearance)
Idina Menzel
Nikki Davis Jones
Jemma Rix
Willemijn Verkaik
Amber Riley
Lea Michele
Kerry Ellis
Rachel Tucker
Stephanie J. Block
Kristen Chenoweth
Neko ねこ Kristen isn't elphaba
I know but she was singing too
+김승주 Thank you so much
*kristen is Glinda / Galinda
*kristin
Willemijn!! There is a reason she was cast as Elphie in 3 languages and 4 countries: Germany (German), The Netherlands (Dutch) England and the USA (English)... I've seen her twice as Elphaba (in England and in the Netherlands, and she did defying gravity in the 3 languages at Musicals in Concert) and her voice is just amazing.
she has the perfect voice and looks.
I can't believe she doesn't get mentioned much in comments. She is absolutely fantastic. Unbeatable by my ears! 👌🏼
SAME
0:00 Idina Menzel (Broadway, London)
0:08 Nikki Davis-Jones (UK Tour, London)
0:16 Jemma Rix (Melbourne, Sydney, Asian Tour, Autralasian Tour, Australian Tour)
0:25 Willemijn Verkaik (Stuttgart, Oberhausen, Scheveningen, Broadway, London)
0:31 Idina Menzel
0:40 Amber Riley (Glee Version)
0:46 Lea Michele (Glee Version)
0:52 Kerry Ellis (London, Broadway)
1:00 Nikki Davis-Jones
1:06 Willemijn Verkaik
1:12 Jemma Rix
1:19 Rachel Tucker (London)
1:24 Idina Menzel
1:30 Stephanie J. Block (1st US Tour, Broadway)
1:41 Kerry Ellis
1:48 Jemma Rix
1:55 Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda, Broadway)
2:07 Stephanie J. Block
2:14 Willemijn Verkaik
2:20 Nikki Davis-Jones
2:26 Kerry Ellis
2:32 Stephanie J. Block
2:40 Jemma Rix
2:46 Rachel Tucker
2:51 Kerry Ellis
3:00 Idina Menzel
3:06 Stephanie J. Block
3:11 Jemma Rix
3:14 Nikki Davis-Jones
3:18 Idina Menzel
3:24 Jemma Rix
3:40 Kerry Ellis
3:46 Nikki Davis-Jones
3:48 Stephanie J. Block
3:50 Willemijn Verkaik
3:52 Idina Menzel
Favs for myself are Willemijn, Nikki and Stephanie :)
Evan Dixon THANK YOU FOR THIS
+Evan Dixon My favourite are Willemijn and Shoshana Bean, bit disappointed she was left off the cut!
+Evan Dixon My favorite were Rachel Tucker and Kerry Ellis! :D
*skipped to all of Willemijn's parts*
Macie Goodspeed I know right? :P
Willemijn Verkaik & Idina ♥
Julia Koep Sabrina Weckerline
Hi Julia
Hi Julia!!I love your voice, you would be a wonderful Elphie ;)
I really feel like the glee clips don't belong in this video.
ikr??? 😞
Yeah but they are still good
They should only include lea given her background on theatre
MAD FACTS B
Yes, 'Cause the glee cast are way better than these unknown people.
who else was disappointed they didn't put Chris Colfer in the glee section?
Idina ♡
Idina Menzel hands down for me she can't be beaten
Emma Hatton is FANTASTIC
+newxromantic Emma Hutton is my favorite!!!
I've never really heard a good vocal performance from her though lol she is overall awesome. I love Rachel and Eden 😍
The same
same
I'm not sure why we need to label a "Best" performer of any role...different people will connect with different performers for very different reasons...I've seen lots of different people playing this role and each one has had an impact...rarely have I been disappointed. Isn't that the beauty of live theatre? The connection is unique to each member of the audience and different every performance.
THIS. I was going to post something to this effect but you said everything I wanted to say. I have my favourite (Willemijn), but all of them are amazingly talented, and I feel like it isn't really fair to say one is "the best" as if it's a fact.
CaughellCentral Exactly. Everyone will preform a song or character differently based on themselves and the character or role they're playing. That's the beauty of performing, you put yourself into the story and the moment to give the best and possibly most personal and unique performance you can, bad or good. Some will love it, some won't. But who cares? :p
Okay. So, as glad as I am that you included the Glee version in this Supercut, I'm slightly disappointed you didn't include the season 1 version with Kurt. CHRIS COLFER IS FLAWLESS
Also, no Mitch Grassi?
i thought the same tbh
David German exactly
Kurt was in the other version too (and that time he didn't eff up the last note) they just chose not to include it
Harlan Spinelli he didn't failed it, it is an another version! go to Defying Gravity Kurt solo (first and also fifth season) and you will listen it! :D
I just can't choose one :'v But my favorites are Idina Menzel, that blonde girl, and Mitch Grassi
Mitch! They left out Mitch!
Kerry Ellis is "that blonde girl". I agree.
They left out Mitch!!! How could they?
+HiMyNameisPeter IKR! He totally nailed it ❤
Mitch really does kill this👍👍
WickedFan I told every single one of my friends about this comment. How about that?
Recognised Kerry Ellis immediately. Cause when I was 10 I sat in the front row (thanks Wicked lotto) and saw her (and then accidentally shouted Ew when she started Wizard and I cause she was extremely nasal.
And then she stared me dead in the eye.
And I died inside.
oh no
Josie Alyvia 😂
😂 it’s okay. We all have those moments.
Eww
🤣
Idina Menzel: best acting and most iconic
Willemijn Verkaik: best vocals and technique
i agree with this. I saw Willemijn Verkaik perform Defying Gravity as part of the Olivier Awards on a balcony and she was amazing
@@timsamanthony she really is. She also played the part in like three different languages (dutch, german and english)
My favorite Elpaba is Willejimn Verkaik. Its amazing how she did Wicked in 3 different languages, including accents. And she is just so talented!
my top 3:
1. Willemijn verkaik
2. Willemijn verkaik
3. willemijn verkaik.
What about Willemijn Verkaik?
Idina??
Agree ;D
tahra hamid What about Idina?
tahra hamid ahaha yes !! 😂 mine it's Willemijn and Idina 😍
My top 2
Indina Menzel
Mercedes
Idina, Willemijn, Rachel, Kerry😍😍
My top 3:
1.Idina Menzel(original is the best)
2. Willemijn Verkaik
3.Jemma Rix
J. Block was actually the first Elphaba, but Menzel was the first Broadway Elphaba.
KatyCatDan Willemijn is original
Jazzy A lol no
I absolutely LOVE Willemijn. I know it sounds silly, but it's less her voice and more of her appearance that makes me think that she's truly Elphaba.
kurayamidesu Willemijn has the worst voice out of all of these except for the one who sings the second line "Im through with playing by the rules" lol. Rachel Tucker doesnt get many clips in this but she is the best easily
+nezkeys79 willemijn is the best elphaba in the world. so bye feliciaaaa
Me too. I love Willemijn verkaik
+nezkeys79 LOL. green with envy?
nezkeys79 Willemijn has the best technique of all of these people. That’s why Willemijn isn’t screaming the song.
i love Willemijn Verkaik!
Idina Menzel and Donna Vivino are my favourites!
idina menzel is my fav elphaba
Same! She is awesome!
WILLEMIJN BY FAR!!! Kerry, Stephanie, Rachael and Idina are amazing too but Willemijn is my favourite :D You can hardly argue with 3 languages in 4 countries. And she has the correct features for Elphie too :) and her manorisms are perfect, she just IS Elphaba! If you hadn't guessed, I ADORE her...
Idina will always be my favourite Elphaba
Nikki Davis Jones for life! She was Elphaba the first time I saw wicked and she is flawless! Perfection!
Willemijn Verkaik is the very best! Have seen her once and will never forget about it! Love her
‘Something has changed within me, something is not the same’
1 sec later: *changes face, body and voice
You were saying?
As amazing as Idina is, it was amazing to see Australia's very own Jemma Rix performing! What a voice! I want to see her take Broadway by storm one day!
Agreed
Idina Menzel to me is the best Elphaba ever in wicked
Willemijn Verkaik
charguigou d
charguigou idina
#IdinaForever
She will always be the best!!!
My favourite Elphie is Willemijn, I saw her in the Dutch version of wicked and personally I think she sang 'Ik lach om zwaartekracht' even better😍💕
Idina is still my favorite -- but I like SJB, Jemma, Eden, Shoshana, Kerry, and Rachel.
I saw Wicked yesterday and Emma Hatton is phenomonal
Yep, she's perfect! ❤
Yes she amazing!!!
She's amazing
I've just seen it
Saw her in Wicked and Freaky Friday!! Amazing
Willemijn Verkaik! I LOVE HER! She is by far my favourite Elphaba!
Cant wait for the movie!!!!
Idina always... she has the contrast, the subtlety, the choices that everyone else tries to emulate.
1-kerry ellis
2-stephanie j.block
3-idina menzel
4-willemijn verkaik
They are the most perfects elphabas ever
doctors: you have 4 minutes and 2 seconds to live
me:
My top four
1. Wilemijn Verkaik
2. Idina Menzel
3. Kerry Ellis
4. Jemma Eix
The ultimate, the original, the most varied and the most unique. A good selection if I do say so....
Idina and Willemijn 🖤
I just watched a video with Donna Vivino as Elphaba and am very impressed. VERY close second to Idina Menzel IMHO
I like to watch how all the Elphabas all took Elphaba as a character it’s really cool how many of them have Elphaba a twist
Willemijn is and always be the best Elphaba.
Agreed
YES!
TRULY THE BEST!!!
her no good deed (gutes tun) was and still is the best display of vocal talent in the world
Rahel Erki what about idina:( her Elphaba had true feeling and it was like she was Elphaba. In my opinion Idina was the best vocally and acting wise, and I love to stick with original.
NightOwl_ Games she has emotions but where are her vocals...
Ummm they forgot Donna vivino
And Hannah
and Lindsay Mendez and Eden
Justyn I feel betrayed. These are my favourites!
And Shoshona Bean
Willemijn's my favorite! Saw her live in 2013 and it was a life changing experience.
My Fav is Willemijn, she is Elphie! for me. Elisabeth is Pia Always and forever
Willemijn as Elphaba and Pia as Elisabeth ^^ perfect !
Jemma Rix is by far the best! Her voice is phenomenal! But a very close second for Idina Menzel
Jemma is amazing. Also the most capped Elphie with over 800 performances!
Anthony Emery
Willemijn Verkaik has almost 1400 performances as Elphie....
Roos van Bommel Really? I'm in Australia - trust our press to overstate our girl - haha :-)
Anthony Emery
Haha, I understand :) They mentioned it in one of the speeches at Willemijn's last West End performance, so that's how I know..
Gaebrielle Russell I'm pretty sure Willemijn is the longest running in terms of number of shows - Willemijn played her 1000th show in June 2012 and Jemma only a few weeks ago (but who knows, Jemma may still overtake her) but I believe in terms of length of association with the show Jemma would be the longest-running as she started in 2006 in the Universal Studios Japan 30-minute version and Willemijn started in November 2007. I love them both too though - Willemijn is definitely my favourite Elphaba but Jemma is one of my other favourites! (and I really hope she goes to the West End one day)
Always Idina in my heart 💚💚
Idina's acting is so good!
Idina will always be the best. No question. no competition.
My perfect Elphaba is Lindsay Mendez. She is so incredible and has so much talent.
I love Wicked and Idina Menzel, and though I would've loved squarely Elphaba performances, I REALLY liked the blonde girl. She was INCREDIBLY strong.
The blonde girl is Kerry Ellis - she was Elphaba in London, and also spent some time performing in the Broadway version :)
She was the best of all the singers
My Top 3 Elphaba's
1. Jemma Rix!!!!!!!! She has such amazing riffs when she want to do them and can sing really high for an Elphaba, and her "Heroes Live Forever" At the Melbourne Cup is incredible.
2. Kerry Ellis when she had her Accident during Defying Gravity she pulled backed after screaming and LET ME OUT! and yelling at the orchestra to STOP! closing the curtains getting out of the lift and hit incredible notes! even after having a scare like she had! I think this is because she felt bad but accidents happen and she had some breathing time.
3. Willemijn Verkaik, She hits all the rights notes and sounds absolutely incredible!!!!
I didn't copy this this is honestly the top 3 best Elphaba's.
I like 1st and 2nd girls from glee
Yes jemma rix is the best
Hayley456 Glad you agree! :):):):):)
Connie Fitzgerald lol
Jemma Rix will always be my favourite Elphaba, her voice is flawless, every note is pristine and never jarring to the ear; which some renditions can often be :)
No one can be Elphaba the way Idina Menzel can! She will always be my Elphaba as well as my Elsa!
Im so happy i found this again
Idina will always be number 1 in my heart. ALthough I just watched Donna Vivino's portrayal, and i must say she killed it
My top: Idina, Willemijn, Jemma and Rachel Tucker!!! Bring Jemma Rix to WIcked Broadway or West End!!! She is super awesome and amazing in the Australian production of Wicked!!!!
where is mitch grassi
LMAAAO
Idina is the one who stands out for me!
Idina is the best
Eughh, cringing at the fact auto-tuned glee ''stars'' are in this.... they are not Elphaba's!
Rachel Tucker is my favorite😍😍😍
I can't find her
Rachel Tucker first appears in this video at 1:19. She's the one who sings the line "Well if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost."
***** I've seen Rachel Tucker on Broadway as well. She was amazing, especially when she performed Defying Gravity, As Long As You're Mine and No Good Deed.
***** Ive seen Carrie St Louis as G(a)linda as well. She's one of my favourites alongside Kristin Chenoweth, Louise Dearman, Savannah Stevenson, Dianne Pilkington and Annaleigh Ashford.
+LizzyBell I saw Carrie St. Louis as G(a)linda and she was AMAZING and so funny!
It has to be Rachel Tucker. Her riffs are interpretation of the song is brilliant. Her performance at West End Live in 2011 is amazing. I love Kerry too, but not the rock version. Her growl and witchy feel add to the character of the song.
TheaterMania please make another one with just West End or Broadway performances. (And plenty more of Rachel Tucker!)
Idina Menzel. The original Elphaba, nobody can beat her.
Claire Edmondson Well, even Idina Menzel has Margaret Hamilton to thank for what became of Elphaba, since her iconic role as The Wicked Witch of the West is largely what begot Elphaba in the first place, since Wicked takes cues and influences from not only the original L. Frank Baum story but the beloved MGM film as well. The fact that there's only 3 witches in Wicked - Elphie, Nessa, and G(a)linda - instead of the original four (Tattypoo was the original Witch of the North, whilst Glinda the Good was the Witch of the South, but both the MGM film and Wicked merged Tattypoo and Glinda into one composite character) and the fact that Elphaba is done up ala Margaret Hamilton are but a couple of the influences taken from the film (as was the Poppyfield scene). But, even Margaret Hamilton would have Matilda Joslyn Gage, L. Frank Baum's suffragist mother-in-law, to thank, because it is she whom author Baum based his witches on, because though she was sweet and ladylike ala Glinda in private, she was often in public championing women's liberation in the same way that Elphaba fights for the rights of Animals, as both issues clashed with the biased traditions of the powers that be. Matilda's favoritism towards sleek black dresses coupled with her gaunt facial features - a big nose and jutting chin, among them - and a shrill screech of a voice all were what propelled Margaret Hamilton to be the iconic Wicked Witch, which in turn landed Idina Menzel the role of Elphaba in Wicked, a 2003 musical based on the 1995 novel, which was itself inspired by the 1939 film classic and the original story that was written in the early 1900's.
great edit!
CANT WAIT FOR THE MOVIE ON NOVEMBER 22 FINALLY
2 words: Idina Menzel
Two even better words: Rachel Tucker
agreed ***** HAHA but they are all amazzing
i totally agree, no one can replace Idina, SHE WAS THE ORIGINAL!!!
JTC29 I got to see Rachel Tucker live in London back in 2010, simply AMAZING
Two syllables Over-rated! I still love her though
They are all so talented that it would be impossible for me to choose one besides the "original" one. Love them all!!
Willemjin is so Amazing..😍
Im based because i will always love the original (Idina Menzel), but the one I like after that is Kerry Ellis :) No matter what though, Idina I think has that jawline locked down lol
Idina is so incredible and she will always be my Elphie.. I just saw the traveling show in Columbus and Emily Schultheis did amazing (understudy!!). Had actual tears when she came on stage as her! Beautifully played 💚
This should have only been Elphaba performances, no solo concert, glee, studio recording versions. Best Elphaba will always be the original...Idina Menzel.
It would have been difficult to restrict it to the performances because not all Elphabas were filmed in the performance setting. The special circumstances were live performances such as at the Tonys or on the Today show. I liked that they included Stephanie J. Block because she was another very notable Broadway performer who took on the role of Elphaba.
Anthony Martin I thought 1:10 was the original???
Yes I agree with you! I'm seeing Wicked this Thursday and I'm really excited!
broadway! I can't wait! its my first time seeing it
oh ccoool! People say that the singing is really good
My favourite will always be either Donna Vivino or Eden Espinosa! Their voices are so powerful!
Agreed Donna is queen! I've never seen a video of Eden in wicked but if her performance in rent is anything to go by she is a powerhouse 👌. Still love idina though...
Idina Menzel will always be my one and only favorite Elphaba GO IDINA MENZEL!
My favorites are Idina Menzel and Willemijn Verkaik
Idina is just hits different! The best !
Willemijn Verkaik is by far the best Elphaba!!! So proud to be dutch! But idina menzel is also very good
No hate or anything!But I really don't get why so many people are saying that Indina Menzel is the best Elpheba and I know that everybody has different opinion but I think that the other Elphebas are much better just as singing this song!(no hate,I just want to know)
Well, some are probably not basing it on just the one song or the many songs sung. It's probably based on the whole performance throughout the musical. What they felt and experienced in it. I, personally, think Willemijn Verkaik was the best Elphie overall. Her looks and portrayal were pretty much spot on with how I think Elphie should be.
But again, as you have stated, everyone has their favourite. ;)
It certainly isn't based on her singing ability. Everytime I hear her sing it is like nails going down a chalk board. I just don't understand this obsession with Idina? She is a sweet woman and is a good actress, but vocally she screams and is very loud and flat with her notes, no soul or vibrato, just loud and holds a very flat note. I'm not trying to be mean, just truthful. I like her in the character, but she was not the best vocal performance by a long shot!
I agree with you guys, Idina is not the best Elphaba. There are so many out there better than her, Wilemijn Verkaik and Rachel Tucker to name a few
Kerry Ellis is my favourite Elphaba. Even though she did kinda ruin Defying Gravity by rushing the end of it because she was uncomfortable with the flying part.
No one can beat Willemijn! She has an unbelievable voice!
Donna Vivino and Rachel Tuckee are my favourite! I also love Emma Hatton as I got to see her at the beginning of this year
My Fav is Willemijn
Willemijn is the best! She can sing it in three languages and I've never heard her hit a flat note live! She is amazing
I find it strange, that No one ever argues about who is the Supreme glinda, glinda is almost synonymous with Kristen Chenoweth, yet everyone bickers about who is the best elphaba
That. Was. Amazing. My favorites have to be that blond girl's version and then of course Idina.
It's amazing how people can comment a rude statement that says to not put studio or glee in it. Number one these girls are phenomenal. Number 2 Kerry Ellis played Elphaba. Think before you say.
My favorite is Idina Menzel! She rocks it! Especially the one in LIVE: Barefoot at the Symphony.
7 for Idina Menzel
6 for Jemma Rix
5 for Nikki Davis-Jones, Kerry Ellis, and Stephanie J. Block each
4 for Willemijn Verkaik
2 for Rachel Tucker
1 for Amber Riley and Lea Michele each
Shad Wilde is 7 best or worst?
Rachel is my FAV
@@osahju914 how many shots there are
Kerry Ellis was my favourite live Elphie by far, her vocals are out of this world and her characterisation great too. I also liked Rachel Tucker very much, really powerful performance. Still love Idina of course !
Rachel by far, her voice is goals.
ACK. These women are so talented! I can sing this song about once or twice in a month and do good while sitting on the couch in a shirt and sweatpants but they sing it almost every night consistently in green makeup wearing a heavy dress and high heels with a probably uncomfortable hat running around stage with smoke and strobe lights and being lifted up on a podium and STILL nailing the notes. If anyone gets the chance to see Wicked, it’s worth it, trust me! I’ve only seen it once, but it’s COMPLETELY worth it!
Okay let’s just face the truth I wrote this comment just to rant about how amazing anyone that plays Elphaba in Wicked is.
My Elphaba fave is 4 ever Willemijn Verkaik ♥ She is so amazing.
Willemijn Verkaik and Indina Menzel are by far my favorites
*STEPHANIE J BLOCK*
Emma Hatton will always be my favourite!
Omg Jemma Fix is my favorite, not only voice wise, but also appearance-wise too!!! 😍😍😍