For my birthday, Jeff surprised me with tickets to see Wicked, the broadway musical based on the novel Wicked: The LIfe and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Two years ago when we went to New York to see Kathy & Mo, we stayed at a little hotel that happened to be across the street from the theater in which Wicked was playing on Broadway. It was relatively new then, but tickets were impossible to come by. Ever since, I’ve been saying how I’d like to see that show. Finally, it’s touring, and made a brief 10-day stop in town…and the dates just happened to coincide with my birthday. So thoughtful Jeff jumped on the opporunity and it was an awesome gift.
As we found our seats in the Orpheum, I noticed the curtain was a map of Oz, with the emerald city glowing magically in the center. Little did I know that it would be only a hint of the wonders we would experience over the next three hours!
For those that don’t know, the story dovetails with the classic story we all know about Dorothy and her experiences in the land of Oz. But it’s from another perspective…that of Elphaba, the Wicket Witch of the West. We learn of her origins and her relationships with some familiar and some new characters not mentioned in the famliar story. It weaves in quite well, and provides some very interesting perspectives. While being entertained, we are challeneged to re-think our perceptions of good and evil.
As for the production itself…it was amazing! From scenery and lighting to costumes to choreography and vocal performance everything was stunning. Combined with the story and the music, it may very well be the best show I’ve ever seen! I would highly recommend anyone that enjoys theatre in the least make an effort to see this show if they can possibly do so!