#Addaperle is SUCH a fun character

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Catching up on posts for things I have seen recently —

The Wiz at the Pantages Theatre in February:

(My memory of this show is a bit fuzzy so comments are kind of vague)

I was looking forward to this show since it's a well-known show that somehow I have never seen in any form, so I have no comparisons except the other adaptations of The Wizard of Oz. It was often campy and over-the-top but once I got a feel for the tone, I didn't find it overbearing. (For comparison, examples of fun shows that nevertheless felt like a little too much: Moulin Rouge! and Beetlejuice.)

There were three things that worked in sequence to get me on board with the show:

The orchestra

The orchestra sounded great and set the tone with the overture. Sometimes I want to leave as soon as possible after bows but in this case I also stuck around to hear the exit music.

Addaperle's escalating series of jokes about Evamene

The show had jokes that I actually found funny (!) which is not something I expect in comedies, because humor is subjective, etc. etc. (I sometimes brace myself for disappointment going into comedic shows. Little worried about Shucked next year.)

The repeated iterations of "Ease On Down The Road"

The riff that opens the song is cool and catchy and full of anticipation. As a viewer who is familiar with source material and characters, seeing the band of travelers built up one by one with a joyful & hopeful song is really enjoyable setup. Each of them has great individual moments (particularly liked Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion) but it is most fun to see them all together.

(Honorable mention: the "Emerald City" dance sequence that opens Act II)

The audience was very responsive and I think it really improved my viewing experience. One couple to my right seemed to be on a date night and were evidently having a great time; they got "RIP Evamene" t-shirts at intermission. (I do wish the guy hadn't sung along to part of "Home" but oh well.)

Several of the songs were familiar to me outside the context of the show, and in this case seeing them as part of the show was a pleasant surprise (contrast with "Don't Rain On My Parade" in Funny Girl).

Projections worked reasonably well in Oz to illustrate a mood; the semi-realistic landscapes that represented Kansas were a bit anticlimactic after all the wonder of Oz. It still felt like a touring show more so than a Broadway show, possibly due to sets that felt scaled down. Would that be less of an issue in a significantly smaller Broadway theater?

Overall, performances were good, I had a good time, and I was glad I didn't miss it.

[toiletpotato]

the casting directors of The Wiz and Wicked have an opportunity to do the most thing imaginable

[what-if-rpg]

Welcome to the family, TORI! Your application to MERCEDES JONES was accepted. I am really happy to have you around! Make sure to read the beginners checklist, and remember, have fun! I can’t wait to roleplay with you! Have fun!

IN CHARACTER

CHARACTER NAME: Mercedes Amelia Jones. CHARACTER AGE & DATE OF BIRTH: 2/12 - 28 SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER: Bisexual/Female HOMETOWN & CITY WHERE LIVES NOW: Lima, Ohio || Los Angeles POSITIVE TRAITS:Kind Hearted, Loyal, hardworking, determined. NEGATIVE TRAITS:Sarcastic, Sassy and Stubborn CHARACTER QUOTE & LYRIC: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ANYTHING ELSE: Aesthetically Mercedes looks as she did on glee with the long flowing hair, her style is pretty much the same as well. She doesn’t over do it with the makeup and is damn proud of her curves.

HEADCANONS

Mercedes Amelia Jones was created for greatness. She knew it, her family and friends knew it, and anyone who has spent five minutes alone with her knew it. She had determination, motivation and the skills to succeed, but she also had the drive to be the best.

Mercedes is a Diva and has been one since she first stepped foot in Glee Club, it allowed her to truly be herself. She views it as an honor when others call her such and make her feel as accomplished as she is. She is very hard working, strong, and confident as well as fiercely loyal, though she is stubborn and sassy, she truly loves to be there for her friends. Always around to help them when they fall or need it.

Mercedes may be headstrong but she is also very sensitive, she has always wanted a forever love, someone who wouldn’t hinder her or hold her back but push her forward. She believes she has found that she just doens’t know what to do about it..

While on Tour with Beyonce’, Mercedes learned a lot that she will carry with her on her way to stardom. She also spent her down time from the tour, writing her songs for her second Album.

Touring was everything Mercedes dreamed of and more, she even worked out a deal where she and Beyonce’ did a cover of Mercedes favorite Aretha Song “Chain Of Fools.” It was supposed to be a fun project that they did on their down time, but the producers and writers loved it so much, they bought the rights so Mercedes and Beyonce could record it. It reached #1 on Itunes overnight. Between the touring and her duet with Bey, Mercedes’ name grew into a household name. At the end of the year Mercedes was cast to play the role of Addaperle in the Live NBC event The Wiz, while she wasn’t sure she should, it was a great way to meet others in the industry such as Neyo, who after seeing her perform, agreed to help her with her Second Album.

A year and a half after her Album Park and Bark, Mercedes released her second Album called “Pieces of Me” which featured Pharrell, Ne Yo and Boyz II Men.  While it Debuted at 29 on the Charts it only took five weeks for it to reach number one. She won four Grammys after her second Album was released. Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Song of the year. With her apparent overnight success, she started doing guest spots on shows such as Empire and Chicago Med and even competed on Dancing with the Stars in which she won. In May of 2016 she left for her very first US Tour.

With her name and stardom rising, Mercedes was offered a chance of a lifetime to fulfill a dream of hers. She was offered the role of Effie White in the London Stage production of Dreamgirls at the West End. After talking it over with her family, she hopped a flight to London where she would spend the next 12 months. Dreamgirls was a way to make an international name for herself. Everyone who saw her perform wanted her album. For her stint as Effie White Mercedes earned an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Even though she was asked to stay on past her contract, Mercedes felt it was time to get back to working on her next Album.

As of right now Mercedes is in Los Angeles, and planning on her next step. This year like the last has brought a lot of great things, such as wrapping up her fourth Album and starring in a few movies and shows. With the success of her first, second and third Albums, The Wiz, Dreamgirls, and her tours, she knows you are only as good as what you have already done. She tries not to put pressure on herself but her success can be taken away  as fast as it came.  She plans on releasing her new single “Someone you loved” in the next few weeks.

The one thing she has always wanted to do and is planning on doing is a USO Tour to support and thank the troops for all they have done.  Being in LA for over ten years and living her dream for so long, Mercedes knows she is truly blessed in life and love, so if she can help others to reach the heights she has, she will, but the thing she is looking most forward to is someday settling down so she can start her family.

[what-if-rpg]

Welcome to the family, THUNDA! Your application to MERCEDES JONES was accepted. I am really happy to have you around! Make sure to read the beginners checklist, and remember, have fun! I can’t wait to roleplay with you! Have fun!

IN CHARACTER

CHARACTER NAME: Mercedes Amelia Jones. CHARACTER AGE & DATE OF BIRTH: 2/12 - 27. SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER: Hetersexual/Female HOMETOWN & CITY WHERE LIVES NOW: Los Angeles POSITIVE TRAITS:Kind Hearted, Loyal, hardworking, determined. NEGATIVE TRAITS:Sarcastic, Sassy and Stubborn CHARACTER QUOTE & LYRIC: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ANYTHING ELSE: SECONDARY CHARACTER CHOICE: The name of another character you’d feel comfortable portraying if you don’t get your first choice. Please only put down a character you’d actually want to play.

HEADCANONS

Mercedes Marie Jones was created for greatness. She knew it, her family and friends knew it, and anyone who has spent five minutes alone with her knew it. She had determination, motivation and the skills to succeed, but she also had the drive to be the best.

Mercedes is a Diva and has been one since she first step foot in Glee Club, it allowed her to truly be herself. She views it as an honor when others call her such and make her feel as accomplished as she is. She is very hard working, strong, and confident as well as fiercely loyal, though she is stubborn and sassy, she truly loves to be there for her friends. Always around to help them when they fall or need it.

Mercedes may be headstrong but she is also very sensitive, she has always wanted a forever love, someone who wouldn’t hinder her or hold her back but push her forward. SHe believes she has found that in Sam, they found each other after years of on again and off again, though the distance does give her pause.

While on Tour with Beyonce’, Mercedes learned a lot that she will carry with her on her way to stardom. She also spent her down time from the tour, writing her songs for her second Album. Touring was everything Mercedes dreamed of and more, she even worked out a deal where she and Beyonce’ did a cover of Mercedes favorite Aretha Song “Chain Of Fools.” It was supposed to be a fun project that they did on their down time, but the producers and writers loved it so much, they bought the rights so Mercedes and Beyonce could record it. It reached #1 on Itunes overnight. Between the touring and her duet with Bey, Mercedes’ name grew into a household name. At the end of the year Mercedes was cast to play the role of Addaperle in the Live NBC event The Wiz, while she wasn’t sure she should, it was a great way to meet others in the industry such as Neyo, who after seeing her perform, agreed to help her with her Second Album.

A year and a half after her Album Park and Bark, Mercedes released her second Album called “Pieces of Me” which featured Pharrell, Ne Yo and Boyz II Men.  While it Debuted at 29 on the Charts it only took five weeks for it to reach number one. She won four Grammys after her second Album was released. Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Song of the year. With her apparent overnight success, she started doing guest spots on shows such as Empire and Chicago Med and even competed on Dancing with the Stars in which she won. In May of 2016 she left for her very first US Tour.

With her name and stardom rising, Mercedes was offered a chance of a lifetime to fulfill a dream of hers. She was offered the role of Effie White in the London Stage production of Dreamgirls at the West End. After talking it over with her family, she hopped a flight to London where she would spend the next 12 months. Dreamgirls was a way to make an international name for herself. Everyone who saw her perform wanted her album. For her stint as Effie White Mercedes earned an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Even though she was asked to stay on past her contract, Mercedes felt it was time to get back to working on her next Album.

As of right now Mercedes is in Los Angeles, and planning on heading to Lima and then NYC to see her family and friends as she often tried too. This year like the last has brought a lot of great things, such as wrapping up her fourth Album and starring in a few movies and shows. With the success of her first, second and third Albums, The Wiz, Dreamgirls, and her tours, she knows you are only as good as what you have already done. She tries not to put pressure on herself but her success can be taken away  as fast as it came.  

The one thing she has always wanted to do and is planning on doing is a USO Tour to support and thank the troops for all they have done.  Being in LA for almost ten years, Mercedes knows she is truly blessed in life and love, so if she can help others to reach the heights she has, she will, but the thing she is looking most forward too is someday settling down so she can start her family.

[what-if-rpg]

Welcome to the family, RED! Your application to MERCEDES JONES was accepted. We’re really happy to have you around! Make sure to read the beginners checklist, and remember, have fun! We can’t wait to roleplay with you! Have fun!

IN CHARACTER

CHARACTER NAME: Mercedes Ari Jones CHARACTER AGE & DATE OF BIRTH: 2/12 - 31 OCCUPATION: Singer, actress FACE CLAIM: Amber Riley HOMETOWN & CITY WHERE LIVES NOW: Lima, Ohio || New York || Los Angeles SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER: Bisexual/Female RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single - baby on way POSITIVE TRAITS: Kind-Hearted, Loyal, hardworking, determined. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Sarcastic, Sassy, and Stubborn CHARACTER QUOTE/LYRIC: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ANYTHING ELSE?: Aesthetically, Mercedes looks as she did on glee with the long flowing hair; her style is pretty much the same. She doesn’t overdo it with the makeup and is damn proud of her curves.

HEADCANONS

Mercedes Ari Jones was created for greatness. She knew it, her family and friends knew it, and anyone who had spent five minutes alone with her knew it. She had determination, motivation, and the skills to succeed, but she also had the drive to be the best.

Mercedes is a Diva and has been one since she first stepped foot in Glee Club; it allowed her to truly be herself. She views it as an honor when others call her such and make her feel as accomplished as she is. She is very hardworking, Astrong, confident, and fiercely loyal; though she is stubborn and sassy, she truly loves to be there for her friends. Always around to help them when they fall or need it.

Mercedes may be headstrong, but she is also very sensitive; she has always wanted a forever love, someone who wouldn’t hinder her or hold her back but push her forward. She believes she has found that she just doesn’t know what to do about it.

While on Tour with Beyonce’, Mercedes learned a lot that she will carry with her on her way to stardom. She also spent her downtime from the tour, writing her songs for her second Album. Touring was everything Mercedes dreamed of and more; she even worked out a deal where she and Beyonce’ did a cover of Mercedes's favorite Aretha Song “Chain Of Fools.” At the end of the year, Mercedes was cast to play the role of Addaperle in the Live NBC event The Wiz;. At the same time, she wasn’t sure she should; it was a great way to meet others in the industry, such as Neyo, who, after seeing her perform, agreed to help her with her Second Album.

A year and a half after her Album Park and Bark, Mercedes released her second Album called “Pieces of Me,” which featured Pharrell, Ne Yo, and Boyz II Men. While it Debuted at 29 on the Charts, it only took five weeks to reach number one. She won four Grammys after her second Album was released. Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Song of the year. She started doing guest spots on shows such as Empire and Chicago Med with her apparent overnight success. She even competed in Dancing with the Stars, in which she won. In May of 2016, she left for her very first US Tour.

With her name and stardom rising, Mercedes was offered a chance of a lifetime to fulfill a dream of hers. She was offered the role of Effie White in the London Stage production of Dreamgirls at the West End. After talking it over with her family, she hopped on a flight to London, where she would spend the next 12 months. Dreamgirls was a way to make an international name for herself. Everyone who saw her perform wanted her Album. For her stint as Effie White, Mercedes earned an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Even though she was asked to stay on past her contract, Mercedes felt it was time to get back to working on her next Album.

Mercedes just dropped her 7th Album, her made-for-TV Christmas movie is set to drop in a few weeks, and she just found out some life-changing news. After 15 years in the business, Mercedes has known a lot of things, including success. Having success in her career has made her love life impossible. Being always on the road, always in different cities and countries, made it impossible to settle down. So after filming her Christmas Movie, she left for Hawaii to stay at Quinn’s home there. She took that time to really look at herself, her life, and there met someone who definitely made an impression.

Using a fake name, Mercedes went around to actually be a tourist; she met a guy who took her out of her shell; they spent two weeks trying new foods and new things. By the end, she really liked him. But then he just vanished. No letter or forward address. She thought about him a lot and realized that he gave her things she wanted which was an opportunity to be someone else. But he also gave her a little gift, in the form of a baby as she is currently 2 months pregnant. Now she has to figure out what exactly the next steps for her would be because, in truth, she was scared out of her mind.

CONNECTIONS

PARENTS: Richard and Amelia Jones: Richard is an award-winning Dentist for the East Coast, and Amelia is a District Attorney. Mercedes and her family may have started off rough when she left for LA. However, he has since changed his tune and is her biggest fan. He and his wife are so proud of her. And she appreciates them.

SIBLINGS/OTHER IMPORTANT FAMILY: Mercedes is very close to her siblings and adores them.

BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND: Will be added once I make connections if that is okay.

CLOSE FRIEND: Quinn Fabray and Rachel Berry, and Mercedes are very close. Mercedes wouldn’t be where she was without them and would do anything for them.

OTHER: More added once I make connections