‘Wicked’ is Wickedly outstanding;
Hottest ticket in town, and the performance
merits the excitement

By Daniel Hines
Publisher
www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

So this is what really happened in Oz!  The wicked witch really was a kind, loving environmentalist (even to the extent of PETA-style), the Good Witch was originally a bubble-head (perhaps that is why she always entered and left in a bubble), and there was a romance behind the story with a surprise and charming twist at the end (which we won’t share with you since it will detract from your enjoyment).

Seriously, if you have ever wondered why the Wicked Witch was green, how Glinda became so good, and how the tin man, scarecrow and lion came to be what they were, this will answer all your questions. 

Of course, you have to suspend belief a bit—but why not.  If you can believe in magic, witches, houses falling from the sky and a host of other unforgettable characters in the first place, this show is a ‘must-see’, as evidenced by the full house at opening night.

 It is the hottest ticket in town—even across the country.  That’s a huge burden to bear, but this production carries it off flawlessly.

Here’s the basic concept.  It’s the story of what happened before Dorothy literally dropped in on Oz.  Gilinda That’s not a typo, folks…that was the original name of the Good Witch before she make the sacrifice to changed her name to Glinda as a ‘sacrifice’ to show her dismay over the political infighting within the academy where she and Elphaba—the soon- to- be wicked witch—are sent for training.  Of course, Elphaba, the green-skinned older daughter of the governor of Munchkinland, is there only to provide protection and assistance for her younger, normal, beautiful, but tragically crippled younger sister. 

G(i)linda is played by St. Louis native Kendra Kassenbaum with a delightful air-head, ‘Legally Blonde Oz’ approach that literally bursts upon the stage.  She is funny, air-headed, conceited, and self-centered, but still loveable.  Go figure.  

Elphaba, played by the equally impressive Stephanie J. Block, is everything that G(i)linda is not. She is tall, dressed in black (it goes well with green, G(i)linda notes), green skinned, but kind, caring and loving towards her handicapped younger sister (who is plagued by misfortune ranging from her unfortunate birth to a bad choice in men to having a house drop on her).   

You wouldn’t think that this combination would have anything in common and their first impression is one of mutual loathing, that somehow (magically?) evolves into mutual respect, even affection.  

The Oz in which the two grow up is an enchanted place where animals speak, or do at least until they are caged and forced to lose their powers of speech.   

Always one to look for some hidden message in a production, I thought it especially timely that the reason for the captivity was that the animals were different.  And therein lies another story, because as Elphaba sets out to save the animals and defy the Powerful Wizard, the authorities portray her as the ‘Evil Witch’ because it is always easier to unite people when you can give them an enemy to hate.  If that makes Oz sound a bit like life today, just set it aside and enjoy the show. 

This is a magnificent production, bursting with imaginative and colorful stage sets.  The various supporting cast members all do admirably at making their characters set the stage for the increasingly intriguing story of the relationship between Block and Kassenbaum.  This includes Derrick Williams, who provides the love story angle and has to prove by the end of the show that being in love really does mean never having to say I’m sorry.  (I’m sorry folks, but if that bad play on words upsets you, be prepared, because throughout the evening some of the best lines are the references to some highly familiar lines and situations from the movie).    

The Wizard, played by David Garrison, is a true con artist, and, as we discover, is really not so loveable after all, and actually is responsible for what is wrong with Oz.   

Carol Kane is delightfully evil as the schoolmistress who hovers in the background of all that is happening like a Lady Macbeth.  Logan Lipton is appropriately shallow as Bog, who loves G(i)linda , but ends up with Elphaba’s handicapped sister (What a heartless man he is—and that’s the only clue you get about what his just desserts are.) 

But this is a show made for Kassenbaum and Block.  And, they rise to the occasion, filling the big Fox stage with their presence.  It’s a bit like sweet and sour, sad and happy—contrasting forces that just seem to go together.   

Fortunately, each also has the opportunity to showcase their talents individually.  Kassenbaum is hilarious with ‘Popular’, in which she describes just how beloved she really is.  For me, the highlight of the show was the first act closing number, ‘Defying Gravity’, which combines the commanding presence and voice of Block with the truly outstanding stage set, resulting in unforgettable imagery. 

It’s a truly outstanding and enjoyable performance, especially the second act with its many twists and turns.  It is as though the first act is dedicated more to character development, likely necessary to help us overcome our memories of the movie.  The second act then is more of a real story line that gives the newly developed personalities to do their thing…and tell us the real story of Oz.

 I’d say this is a must-see, but that is obvious by the large audiences.  Tickets, if available, are likely scarce and hard to come by—unless you believe in magic.  The Fox is holding a night-of-performance lottery for two tickets each night.  Click here for details.