Wicked is off and running in four major citites; critics are stunned with performances

“Wicked,” the Broadway musical that sky rocketed off New York’s stages and has been transplanted into theaters across the country - Chicago and Los Angeles to name a few - as well as internationally in London, is doing a knock-up job with its extensive and diverse cast that is on tour through next year and is continuing to receive stunning reviews from critics and audiences - young and old alike. In a review by the Chicago Sun Times, a staff writer gushes: “…the show’s themes - the rewards and trials of friendship, outsiderness vs. popularity, courage in the face of an oppressive system - have struck a deep chord in theatergoers.”

The story, centered in the land of OZ, chronicles the lives of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the East and the unlikely friendship they form while away at sorcery boarding school together. The result turns rotten when the two have a falling out over differences in personality, which is played out hysterically by a cast that mirrors Glinda’s snobby and often petty attitude in contrast to Elphaba’s condescending and mostly cynical attributes. While some may question the appropriateness of this play for children, it has been said by most to be enthralling for all age groups. The whimsical characters are easy to laugh along with and audiences will both laugh and cry at the series of ups and downs the two women go through as they try to find themselves in the far-away land, long before Dorothy ever drops into the picture. For “Wicked” tickets, visit Stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on August 24, 2007 - Post a comment