Only 24 hours later, and I’m already going through withdrawls. The Playbill sits sadly on the kitchen table as my iPod blasts only the best from the show that has been touted as the musical of the decade, Wicked.
Set in the Land of Oz, Wicked is the story of two young girls who meet at school and through a story of befriendment, work together to ultimately become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. While ‘The Wizard of Oz’ portrays Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West–more affectionately known as Elphaba in the stage show as enemies, Wicked reveals a story of two friends who fight for each other until the end when their fate is decided.
Sitting twelve rows beyond the stage the night of the show, I couldn’t wait to see how the performers would make this show come alive. The orchestra bellowed and the curtain rose, and soon enough I was enveloped in the Land of Oz. Every character, big or small, popped off the stage with talent and charisma. Every chord, every movement was done so with enthusiasm and enchantment.
One of the first major dance numbers, “Dancing Through Life”, is a ten minute production which explores the idea of not taking life so seriously. With all the moving set pieces and intricate choreography, this number was splendid. The peak though was the Act One finale entitled “Defying Gravity” where Elphaba and Glinda just kill it on the vocals. It doesn’t hurt that Elphaba is lifted into the air with every gleaming light shining on her as she belts out the most recognizable riffs in the production.
I had gone into this performance never once having seen the show, but having listened to songs on the album for years. That being said, I had higher hopes for songs such as “As Long As You’re Mine” and “For Good”, arguably two of the bigger songs in the show. These two particular songs occur toward the end of the show, and it was clear that the cast was run down from their grueling schedule. Still, with such a well-written musical. it was hard to dislike those numbers.
After waiting for years to see this show, I was so glad I got the chance to go while Wicked was in town. Most students involved in theaters activities at our school have heard of, if they haven’t already seen it, but for those of you who aren’t theatrically inclined, I still thoroughly recommend this show as it is a beautiful prequel to a timeless movie, ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Currently on stage at the Orpheum, Wicked is running through October 27 in downtown Minneapolis with performances every night excluding Mondays.