Wicked The Musical - A Review

Wicked The Musical - A Review

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Posted 2015-05-14 by Shelley Macfollow

Sun 03 May 2015 - Sun 28 Jun 2015

WICKED tells a tale that signifies things aren't always as they seem. It is the untold story of the Witches of Oz. With twists and turns and insights into peoples' actions and motives, WICKED really gets you thinking, and feeling, and ultimately questioning……. what is wicked?

No wonder Time Magazine praises WICKED for having brains. heart and courage.



Broadway's #1 show, WICKED has been seen by over 40 million people worldwide.

It opened in Perth in early May and the season has been extended through until June 28. (For more information on the Perth performances see the article Wicked The Musical- Crown Theatre, Perth )

There was great excitement on opening night as theatregoers embraced the theme of the Emerald City by dressing with a touch (or more) of emerald and sparkle.



The Story

So what is WICKED all about?

Firstly, let me tell you what it's not- It's not about Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Lion or the Scarecrow, although clever references are made to link in with the original Wizard of Oz. But WICKED is about Elphaba (the Wicked Witch), Glinda (The Good Witch) and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In fact, the story is really about Wicked, Good and Wonderful and how people can earn these titles.



The show starts with a musical and visual bang with the celebration, in Oz, that the Wicked Witch is dead. But the story line really begins with the poignant question asked of Glinda, the Good Witch ….. "How does wicked happen?" The story then tells of the previously untold story of the lives of the Witches of Oz, including the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda who went to school together at Shiz University.

The Creators

The musical is based on the novel written by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Maguire said after watching the movie "The Wizard of Oz", his impressions of the Wicked Witch were a mixture of "adoration and fear and something a little like moral confusion." He was moved to write the novel, "Wicked- The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West", where he "wanted not so much to explain the Wicked Witch of the West as to deepen her mystery."

And deepen the mystery he did. Elphaba is different, misunderstood and passionate which begs the question…... Is she wicked because of the way she is treated and her circumstances? In fact, is she really wicked? And furthermore is Glinda as good as everyone thinks or perhaps just self serving? It turns out there is more to Glinda, than her surface bubble and fizz. Who would have thought she had another deeper sensitive side.

WICKED has won over 90 major awards including the Grammy Award, three Tony Awards and seven Helpmann® Awards and has sensational music and spectacular scenery and effects.

Added to these strengths are the characters who get into your heart. You can really relate to their journey, feeling their highs and lows, and agonising with them over decisions. All of this makes it an unusually powerful musical. Stephen Schwartz recognised "the story's comic potential would serve as a counterpoint to Wicked's more serious intentions." and it has plenty of comedy peppered throughout. I don't know if Glinda is "good" but she sure is funny.


The Cast

The Perth production is superbly cast with outstanding performances from Jemma Rix as Elphaba and Suzie Mathers as Glinda. Lead roles are played by Australian favourites Simon Gallaher and Maggie Kirkpatrick and the witches' love interest, Fiyero, is played by Steve Danielsen.

[BREAK]

WICKED is playing in Perth at the Theatre Perth (inside Crown Perth)/@-31.959726,115.895274,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xf9920d24fca16991 Crown Theatre from May 3 to June 28

Tickets to the show Entertainment Weekly boasts is "The Best Musical of the Decade" can be booked through TICKETEK or at www.wickedthemusical.com.au

Prices start at $69.90

Note: Recommended from 8 yrs and up

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!date 03/05/2015 -- 28/06/2015
%wnperth
199734 - 2023-06-16 04:52:45

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