Review: WICKED at The Music Hall at Fair Park

The Broadway blockbuster WICKED is easily one of the most popular musicals of the past several decades, and I write that without any pun intended. The tale of two famous witches becoming unlikely friends has somehow resonated not only among proud theatre geeks, but in the mainstream conscience, as well. For those who may not have heard of this musical (where have you been?!?), WICKED is the story of what happened before the WIZARD OF OZ. However, WICKED makes Oz fans rethink what they know about Dorothy and the Emerald City. The tragic tale of the green girl (Elphaba)'s struggle to fit in and be understood is echoed by virtually everyone who has been through any great personally challenge...such as middle school.

Like most theatre enthusiasts, I've seen WICKED on more than a few occasions. No matter how many times I hear Stephen Schwartz' epic score, it's still quite a thrill to see that green face fly high above the stage while belting out the final notes of WICKED's most popular anthem, "Defying Gravity." This time, the enthusiastic audience on opening night celebrated every moment at the tour's current stop at The Music Hall at Fair Park, yet some magic seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the yellow brick road.

Leading this touring cast (titled "The Munchkinland Tour") are Emily Koch, Amanda Jane Cooper, and Jake Boyd as Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero, respectively. Although it's virtually impossible to not root for Elphaba as she journeys through Oz, Ms. Koch's aggressive approach and monotone speaking voice made it difficult at times to connect with her character. In her most vulnerable scenes, Koch's only emotion was anger. Any humor or warmth the role usually brings to the story was lost in her dry, dispassionate delivery. Although Koch hit all of the same notes and marks as the Elphabas before her, she seemed to lack any fire. As Glinda, Ms. Cooper fared better than her co-star, and even found a refreshingly new twist on some of Glinda's many jokes, but she still never seemed to command the large Music Hall venue. Both ladies recently joined this tour (with plenty of room to grow); however, neither actress is new to the WICKED franchise: Koch recently played the role on Broadway, and both have previously performed their roles on earlier touring engagements. New WICKED star Jake Boyd has the right looks and voice for the dashing Fiyero; his chemistry with both Koch and Cooper provided some greatly needed warmth. Not to be left out, the vocally strong, energetic ensemble carry the show.

In spite of any current shortcomings, the true star of WICKED is WICKED itself. With a fire-breathing dragon above the stage, soaring witches, flying monkeys and a lofty score, WICKED is an exciting, family-friendly spectacle from start to finish.

WICKED performs with Dallas Summer Musicals at The Music Hall at Fair Park through May 22nd. For tickets and more information, visit www.DallasSummerMusicals.com.

Photos by Joan Marcus