Today I am writing the first of a series of articles entitled: Where Are They Now? I plan on looking up some of the people that have performed with Clay Aiken and sharing what they are doing now. How many articles will be in the series depends of a lot of things:
- How long we go before we get up-to-date news about Clay
- If readers like or dislike the idea
- Up-to-date information is available to write an article.
So…here we go!!
Do you remember the song, Whatever Happened To My Part (The Diva’s Lament)? I will never forget hearing that song at the Shubert Theatre in New York when Hannah Waddingham took to the stage during Act II of Spamalot. Yes, the character had been on stage during Act I, but this song was a highlight and really showed the power and musicality of Hannah. The role was not new to Hannah. She originated the role in London and received an Olivier Award nomination for her efforts.
When Hannah left Spamalot in New York, she returned to her home in London and has been busy the entire time.
On November 22, 2008, Hannah Waddingham starred as Desiree in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory. The production started out at a small theatre, but was so popular, it moved to a larger theatre. Hannah received amazing reviews from all the critics and was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2010 as nest actress in a musical or entertainment for her performance in A Little Night Music.
During August and September of 2010, Waddingham portrayed The Witch in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods at London’s Regent Park Open Air Theatre.
I was lucky enough to see The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Regent Park Open Air Theatre a number of years ago. It was an amazing experience even though my mother, sister and I sat in Trash bags in the rain so we wouldn’t miss a minute of the play.
Again, Hannah received rave reviews for her performance of the Witch and it took hours for her to get into her make-up and costume!
Currently, Hannah is starring as The Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch in the new Andrew Lloyd Webber production of The Wizard of Oz.
According to Broadway World:
“We’re off to see…”
The most magical adventure of them all.
Follow the yellow brick road over the rainbow and into The London Palladium, the capital’s home of the family musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that delighted audiences of all ages with their recent London Palladium revival of The Sound of Music.
Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay this new production contains all the much-loved songs from the Oscar winning movie score, all the favourite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.
Again, Hannah is receiving rave reviews for her role in The Wizard of Oz. This talented lady seems to fit into whatever role she tackles. At this time, Hannah is scheduled to leave The Wizard of Oz in about 2 weeks. I hope she has a chance to take a vacation and relax for a few weeks.
It was obvious that Clay and Hannah enjoyed each others company and became good friends. It has been reported that Clay has visited Hannah in London. I would think that they would have a great time talking about the “business” and I bet that they would help each other when needed!
I have the recording of Clay and Hannah singing David Foster’s The Prayer at The Easter Bonnet Competition. It is amazing, even with the laughter for the roller skater!
Hannah has certainly had a successful career on both the stage and on the screen, and her current role will surely raise her profile even further. Watch out at the next awards ceremony!
I am including two videos of Hannah. The first is the amazing performance of The Prayer with Clay Aiken. The second is the sjow stopping song that Hannah performs in The wizard of Oz.