Idina Menzel- The Wizard and I (June 13, 2004)

[themehstorm]

Had any of you "Idina has asthma" sayers bothered to crack a medical text, you would find that rapid gasping breaths, like these, are triggers for asthma attacks, ESPECIALLY when coupled with the amount of work she's putting her lungs through singing this song. It's called asthma exacerbation. If she had asthma she'd probably fall down on the stage dying at around "I'd be so happy..." 'cause she couldn't breath. The gasping breaths she takes are just her way of getting enough air to belt.

[dknmoz]

@Alex98R Idina is gasping in this because she is sick. She does gasp a bit when singing, but it's called a 'catch breath'. It has nothing to do with poor breath and support technique. It's actually the opposite. It's just that hers is more vocal then *some* others.

[toriandtai123]

WAIT!! then i read the description.. nvm its probs not acting then :)

[toriandtai123]

The gasping is not asthma its acting. She's being dramatic..or it could be breathing but im guessing its acting. Idina is the best elphie ever ! :)

[Alex98R]

@toriandtai123 Idina does not have asthma, her gasping is entirely the result of poor breath and support technique.

[tillyboos]

This is why she is my FAVORITE Elphaba....she's a trooper! Nothing about this performance sounds like she's ill...unless of course, you pay attention to the gasping -- maybe she had an asthma-related thing happening that night -- who knows? She's just BRILLIANT as usual!

[bwayguy22089]

I've heard her DG from this night and it sounds like a completely different performance. She really only started going downhill towards the end of the first act. The end of DG is really messy, but still powerful... and Eden was incredible during act 2.

[jcwelover]

does someone have the recording of her defying gravity from this night??

[jcwelover]

was she ill?? wlee god she is sooooooo goodd!!

[SpringAndSummer27]

could you post defying gravity?!

[bmax231]

she's a true performer to go on sick she loved this role and performing! and she did amazingly for being sick but she is an awesome performer. hats off to all performers who go on sick and still kick ass

[bigbrightbernly]

She was never ment to go anyway. This was understudy night

[12bmills]

The first picture is funny!

[12bmills]

WOW! I loved this performance. She is a true Elphaba.

[WickedlyFlying]

She was definiely ill and her breathing was quite bad and she wasnt hitting the high notes so that she wouldnt crack. Was this the same show as her defying gravity crack

[atumelekanahmen]

Yes

[anacrislima]

Does anybody have that?

[pianomandwil8]

damn, for being sick, she rocked!

[degeorgetitanic]

you can tell she was afraid to hit the high notes. Esp the "team" "and I" parts. But still a good performence