Photo by Joan Marcus
Wicked
by John and Alice LaPointe
Wicked has put 5.5 million people in a trance since its remarkable Broadway opening in the fall of 2003. With their North American and International companies grossing over $2.2 Billion and seen by nearly 28 million people world-wide, Wicked is surely a phenomenon. Winner of 35 major awards including three Tonys, Wicked has captivated the hearts of millions and put a spell on the most influential and scrutinizing of critics, with much deserved credit being given to the most creative minds and performers of modern musicals.
Based on the bestselling novel of the same title by Gregory Maguire, Wicked delves into the story of how the Witches of Oz came into existence. The book by Winnie Holzman, “My So Called Life,” makes a sharp and witty dialogue intertwine seamlessly with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Academy Award-winner for Pocahontas) all directed by two-time Tony Award Winner, Joe Mantello (The Vagina Monologues) and musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida).
The expansive Tony Award winning set design and special effects by Eugene Lee (Sweeney Todd) and the beautiful and exquisite Tony Award winning costume designs by Susan Hilferty (Spring Awakening) bring the Land of Oz to life. The original Broadway production also garnered dual Tony Award nominations for best actress (Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth) with Idina Menzel receiving the honor.
The relationship between The Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and the Good Witch of the North, Glinda, began in school as classmates and socially, unlikely friends. Elphaba (Anne Brummel) is born with her skin emerald green, and as a result was always viewed as an outcast by her fairer-skinned coeds. Elphaba’s poor self-image created many self-deprecating comedic moments during quite a few scenes that had the audience laughing, as if they may have identified with her at some point in their lives. It is not until the end of the First Act that she learns that she is truly powerful. Anne Brummel’s voice brought the audience to a standing ovation during her performance of Defying Gravity with her unmatched powerhouse vocal performance.
Glinda (Tiffany Haas) is so popular and perky that she is flawed, but always sets out to do well. It is her “do good” attitude and drive to “make-over” Elphaba that a friendship begins to blossom and develop. Tiffany Haas, a former Miss Ohio, seems to be born for the role of Glinda. Haas, having an upper Soprano register that is spot on, delighted the audience as she sang, “Popular” to Elphaba, generating emotion and theatrical competency that brought a tear to the eye.
Elphaba and Glinda meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and realize he is not whom they expected him to be. Elphaba decides to stand for what she believes in, while Glinda continues to spread her goodness. Elphaba’s journey takes her through heartache, power struggles and corruption until it becomes quite clear to the audience that the Wicked Witch is not evil, just misunderstood.
Wicked continues to cast its spell on the Detroit Opera House through the end of December. Tickets start at $39.00 and can be found at Broadwayindetroit.com. If you are not lucky enough to get tickets, you might have another opportunity from the daily “Day of Performance” lottery. Simply go to the Box Office 2 ½ hours prior to show time to have your name entered into a drawing. Winners will be drawn a half hour later and will receive prime seating behind the orchestra for $25.00.
Wicked mesmerizes Detroit Opera House now through the end of December 2011.
