Almost seven years after its premiere in 2003, Wicked continues to mesmerize sold out audiences with its unique perspective of the classic story, The Wizard of Oz.
Based on the novel by Gregory McGuire, Wicked is presented from the perspective of two young women: Elphaba, the forthcoming wicked witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch of the North.
The production has prolonged its first nationwide tour and returned to its permanent home in San Francisco—for good reason.
After remarkable reviews, 10 Tony nominations, and a Grammy for best musical album, Wicked has not only lived up to its soaring expectations, but has reintroduced a generation to the phenomenon of the musical spectacle.
When I attended the show at the Straz theater for my second time last Thursday, not only was I awestruck once again, but I also recollected how the show had drawn me in a year before.
As I took my seat in the packed house for the company’s second performance in Tampa, I opened my program and began down the cast list, stumbling across a few familiar names.
I recognized Donna Vivino, who played the lead role of the wicked witch, Elphaba, and who originated the role of young Cosette in the first Broadway production of Les Misérables at the age of eight.
Then there was Richard H. Blake as Fiyero, who derived the role of Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde: The Musical on Broadway back in 2007.
And playing the role of the wonderful Wizard of Oz was Richard Kline, best known for his work on Three’s Company. Needless to say I was in for quite a stellar performance.
Before I could continue reading, the lights dimmed and the orchestra began the overture.
I was immediately transported back to my first time seeing the show, when I was yet unaware of this additional story aside from the movie I grew up watching.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to witness this exhibition, the best way I can describe Wicked is as a series of deleted scenes from the movie.
While I have not read and, therefore, cannot truly argue McGuire’s intentions for his written story, I feel there is an instant continuity between the original 1939 movie staring Judy Garland and his production.
It’s literally as if you left Dorothy and took a different journey down the yellow brick road.
While I don’t intend to ruin the show for those of you who have not attended a performance, I hope you have the chance to see it in the near future.
From the costumes to the music and visuals seen in the production, the quality of the musical blends seamlessly with that of the movie.
It is certainly a must-see show for any fan of the movie or theater lover.