Wicked: A Broadway Blockbuster
On August 1st, I was lucky enough to see Winnie Holzman's Wicked at the Gershwin Theater. The last time I saw Wicked I was young (like, 7 years old young). Wicked was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and although I haven't religiously devoted myself to it as some have, it will always have a special place in my theater kid heart. From 7 to 20, a lot has changed, so I'm going to write about my thoughts on the musical and how they've changed since the last time I saw it.
Firstly, I have to share a funny story before my write-up. It's really embarrassing, so if you're an actor or theater-goer I apologize in advance. When my parents took me to see Wicked at 7 years old, they did their best to explain theater etiquette to me. The seats in front of ours were left empty at the beginning of the performance, however, about 20 minutes into the production a family entered the theater and took their seats. Unfortunately, every member of this family was over six feet tall, completely obstructing the view of myself (under 4 feet). At this, I exclaimed "you've gotta be kidding me!" Embarrassing. I know. Really embarrassing. The actors kept on acting as if nothing happened, but I still think back on it and feel horrible for being distracting.
Anyway, my 20 year old self walked into the Gershwin Theater thinking she knew everything about this play. However, my young memory was not as good as I had anticipated. (Spoilers ahead!) All I remember was feeling devastated when the soldiers took Fiero out to burn in the field, so naturally I assumed that Wicked had a sad ending with Elphaba losing her love and then dying at Dorothy's hands. Wrong! I was trilled at the Wicked's ending. It tugged at my heartstrings, which made the ending all the more satisfying. I think the plot is the show's strongest aspect. I think the writers (Gregory Maguire's plot from the Wicked novel and Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz's stage adaptation) did a fantastic job. The plot itself was moving and makes audiences support one of America's most infamous villains. I also love the overall idea of staying true to yourself and going against the grain. Elphaba's "Defying Gravity" starkly contrasts Glinda's "Popular," as Elphaba would rather be on her own and doing the right thing than being popular with the wrong crowd. The most redeeming aspect of the show itself is certainly the story and the clear messages which can be taken away from it. Also, I loved how many Wizard of Oz allusions and jokes were written into the musical. Obviously the plot ties into the L. Frank Baum's story, but I loved the added lines which every Wizard of Oz fan in the audience understood. Baum, Maguire, Holzman, and Schwartz's combined talents led to a thoughtful and intentional story which was expertly written.
While I was very impressed with the writing, I have mixed thoughts on the music. Featuring many songs which can only be performed by the most talented of singers (you know I'm thinking of "Defying Gravity") the music clearly showcases the actors' talent. Alyssa Fox wowed the audience as Elphaba, giving an honest and awe inspiring performance which left me stunned. McKenzie Kurtz was also fabulous as Glinda (or GAlinda, with a ga)! The standard for Broadway acting is high, and all of the performers soared above the bar and immersed the audience into Oz and the story which unfolds within it. I also thought John Dossett was simply wonderful as the Wizard and the message of his song "A Sentimental Man" rings true just as much today as it did when the show first premiered in 2003. The Wizard shares how history is seen through the lens of the powerful. This message is especially clear because it is being conveyed by a powerful individual who knowingly bends truth and reality to whatever makes him look best.
Anyway, the one thing that I found to be good rather than great was the music itself. Keep in mind, I'm comparing Wicked to my favorites Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, where every song is memorable, elicits strong emotions, and is purely a hit. While I liked many of Schwartz's songs, namely "For Good," "Defying Gravity," and "As Long As You're Mine," I wasn't thrilled with any of the ensemble songs. I found that, while the musical's ending was so strong, I was hoping to get an ensemble song which tied it all together. Maybe that's because I'm biased with the Les Miz finale featuring a powerful variation of "Do You Hear the People Sing," but I thought the Wicked ensemble was so strong and I wished that they could have gotten to a sing a "staple" song.
Besides the music, I was honestly thrilled with every other aspect of the performance. The costumes and set were simple to die for, and it is clear how much effort has gone into building the world of Wicked. I especially liked the flying monkeys' costumes and thought that the actors did a fabulous job (the acrobatics were stunning!). The dragon, the clock, the bubble, the gears, the vines, the bridge, and the skrim all contributed the magic. The tech crew did a great job!!!
Aside from the show itself, our experience was great overall. There was plenty of leg room, the staff was very helpful, and I really enjoyed the Theatre Hall of Fame! I wonder if there's a way to see it without having a ticket to Wicked. Anyway, my experience at the Gershwin was truly wonderful and, if you're looking to take a trip to NYC, I highly recommend seeing their blockbuster Wicked!!!!
