I feel I need to premise this review by letting you know I had seen the last National Tour through Boise 2 years ago. Twice. I own the CD (2-disc) and I have watched the Tony performance by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (the original G[a]lind and Elphaba). I have also read the book by Gregory Maguire on which Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman based this story.
I must say, I am impressed. I do not know what came over me but this time through- I was practically in tears the whole time, starting at the overture. The seats were almost center on the floor and they were fantastic. I have sat around the Morrison Center and have not sat in a bad seat yet. Although, I have wanted/needed my opera glasses.
After my experience with the story, I thought I knew the characters G(a)linda and Elphaba, however Kara Lindsay (G[a]linda) and Laurel Harris (Elphaba) have shown me new characters. Their singing and acting styles have put two new characters on stage that haven't been seen before. I would have been happy to have these two introduce the characters to me, as it was, I enjoyed them showing me another side of each character.
The other main characters in this production also showed me new ways to see them. Fiyero the dashing captain who stole a heart or two was played by Jonathan Shew.The Wonderful Wizard of Oz portrayed by Gene Weygandt kept very much to a facsimile of a vaudevillian/carnie he is. Kathy Fitzgerald as Madam Morrible was as horrible as her name sounds. And poor Doctor Dillamond, John Hillner was a sympaaaaaaaathetic character.
In school you learn that plays usually rely on only a few things, with one being the main focus: spectacle, plot, language or character. Wicked has them all, in spades. The set is large, elaborate, and mechanized. It has a steampunk vibe due to the important Dragon Clock. The costumes are also steampunk inspired and blend between the set and the costumes of G[a]linda and Elphaba.
The spectacle that is WICKED: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WITCHES OF OZ is a story that will challenge you to define what "wicked" really is and wondering: which witch is the wicked witch?
Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.
