Wicked

If you were ever intrigued about the life of fictional characters in the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, the musical Wicked provides some answers. Based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked tells the story of how two unlikely friends, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda, (later Glinda) Good Witch of the North, met in the Land of Oz. Told from the witches' perspective, we see their adolescent development and why they became Good and Evil. However, the storyline of Wicked seems to be more sympathetic to Elphaba. Born with emerald-green skin, we learn about her being unaccepted from birth, her ostracized insecurities, and dealing with the cruelty of her teen life. 

She develops a friendship with Galinda when they are both in the same boarding room. Galinda, the popular child in Oz, tries to help Elphaba (nickname Elfie by Galinda) but ultimately can't overcome her egotistical desire to be loved by all. Yet, Elphaba's life in Wicked isn't all bad; in fact, the evil witch from the west falls in love and even survives her watery death from Dorothy.    

Historically, The Wizard of Oz was considered a political allegory with many insensitive references to Native Americans( The Flying Monkeys). Wicked also uses political satire about animal rights, mechanization, bureaucracy, and corrupt government. 

The odyssey of Wicked is an awe-inspiring narration that begins with Glinda floating between the Munchkins to reveal Elphaba's past. Elphaba's mother had an affair with a traveling salesman while her father, the governor of Munchkinland, was away. As a result, she gave birth to a girl with green skin, whom her father rejected at birth ("No One Mourns the Wicked"). Her powers are discovered when others ridicule her at the school — this is when Madame Morrible and the Wizard's sinister plans for Elphaba begin. 

Those attending Wicked were given buttons and asked to write down the number of times they'd seen the play. And no matter how often you've seen Wicked, the enthralling storyline and cinematic production of Chicago's Most Popular Musical will mesmerize you. 

Elphaba, played by Lissa deGuzman, was outstanding, and her singing was impeccable, receiving the highest ovation of the night. The cast features Jennafer Newberry (Glinda), Natalie Venetia Belcon (Madame Morrible), Jordan Litz (Fiyero), Michael Genet (Doctor Dilamond), Kimberly Immanuel (Nessarsoe) Bolton as the Wizard, and Glinda's crush-boy Boq, played by Jake Pedersen and Kimberly Emmanuel (Nessarose). Stephen Schwartz timeless songs of Popular, Defying Gravity, For Good, and I loved the beautiful singing of deGuzman and Litz in "As Long As You're Mine. Wicked also brings to life the backstory of the lovable iconic characters in Oz, The Tin Man, The Scarecrow, and The Cowardly Lion. 

Wicked is an extravagant megamusical that gives you the green light to see beyond ordinary beauty. No matter how often you see this musical, you will walk away with a fresh sense of adoration. It is a cultural phenomenon of female friendships with unforgettable songs. 

Susan Hilferty did an impressive job with the dazzling costumes. In addition, the scenic setting designs featuring the Lighting (Kenneth Posner), Sound (Tony Meola), Projection (Eliane J. McCarthy), Wig & Hair (Tom Watson), and Special Effects by Chic Silber were incredible. 

Our goal is to soon see Wicked in New York so we can do another Chicago vs. New York battle; however, after seeing this production here, I can't wait to see the flare New York provides. 

This Wicked is a delightfully wicked evening of fun! 

Let's Play Theatrical Review Highly Recommends Wicked at James M. Nederlander Theater. 

James M. Nederlander Theatre

Book by Gregory McGuire

Directed by Joe Mantello

Now Playing Until December 3, 2022