WICKED taps into people's love for all things OZ-ian, but also presents a thinly veiled defence of non-conformity that has managed the seemingly impossible these days in becoming an across-the-board popular hit.   

The national tour launched in Toronto in March 2005 with a sell-out engagement. Now it's back for an extended stay (until December 31) with Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty as the two warring witches elevating the star power and sending the production skyward.  

With so much going for it, it seems churlish to pick away at the show's weak points but despite the fervent support of fans blinded by the spectacle, WICKED stops short of greatness.  The first act is lumpy and sags notably during the lengthy "Dancing through Life" sequence, which is saddled with some uninspired choreography. Then too, many of Stephen Schwartz's songs do not delve deep enough into the darker subtext. Winnie Holzman's book introduces a number of themes that are only partially explored, but it does balance the more serious moments with some sparkling comedic exchanges. The lyrics, however, never reach the same level of wit, and only in the final song "For Good" do the music and words create the proper emotional punch.  

These are vital flaws in a piece that wants desperately to be the world's greatest musical. The fact that it doesn't reach that level has not deterred the musical's many fans. They were near delirium opening night when Shoshana Bean started "Defying Gravity" radiating enough power to light up a dozen stages. 

Vocally, Bean's voice was showing signs of strain, which is understandable given the demands of the score. It's equally tough on Megan Hilty's lilting operettish soprano, yet she navigates the notes with ease and still manages to enunciate the lyrics with clarity. 

The two leading ladies play well off each other. Their catfight in Act II is deliciously funny, yet they bring touching compassion to their final scene together.  The chemistry between the two prevents this from becoming a one-note show. Bean seems to enjoy tossing off Elphaba's self-deprecating lines, which never quite mask her wounded heart.  Hilty nails the flightiness of G(a)Linda and makes the story as much about her as it is about Elphaba. 

The rest of the cast is equally superb. Clifton Hall makes a dashingly handsome Fiyero, nailing the high notes with ease. Alma Cuervo is a splendid Madame Morrible and P.J. Benjamin brings a sadly seedy dignity to the Wizard.  In the thankless role of Boq, Josh Lamon manages to create something f a believable character even though the script gives him little to work with. Much the same can be said of Jennifer Waldman's take on Nessarose, which allows her only a few scenes which she manages to make the most of.  The ensemble of Ozians, flying monkeys, students and denizens of the Emerald city play with great energy and help keep the longish show moving.  

This touring production replicates as closely as possible the design elements and staging of the original with Kenneth Posner's lighting design brilliantly highlighting Eugene Lee's unique set.  

The opening night audience was effusive in applause and cheers and rose en masse when the stars took their curtain call.  No one will be disappointed with this production.  

SHOW: WICKED 

Written by: Winnie Holzman,Stephen Schwartz 

Directed by: Joe Mantello 

Theatre: Canon Theatre 

Dates: October 6 – December 31
Performances:  Tue to Sat @ 8pm, Wed, Sat, Sun @ 2 PM
Tickets: $54-$110 ($25 lottery tickets on day of performance) available at www.mirvish.com or phone at 416.872.1212  

A WICKED LOTTERY!