Reviews : Drama
Wicked enchants through musical mastery
Show provides background to classical movie


By Madison Dooley,
Photographer
November 23, 2009

The Broadway musical Wicked tells the story of two witches, Elphaba (Teal Wicks) and Glinda (Kendra Kassebaum), and their friendship, providing a fascinating background to The Wizard of Oz.

Starting in 2003, Wicked has become one of the most popular shows on Broadway, and is now performed around the country. I got the chance to see the show in San Francisco at the Orpheum Theater, Nov. 7.

When walking into the theater, I was stunned to see the amazingly detailed set, which included a dragon placed above the stage, a map of Oz as a backdrop to the set and a staircase on each side covered with lights and other props. Many different backdrops were used in the show to create the city of Oz, Munchkin Land, a railroad station, the wicked witch's lair, Shiz University, a classroom and a dorm room.

After taking the time to visually explore my surroundings, the play started. Each major event in the story featured an accompanying musical piece. The musical began with the citizens of Oz rejoicing over the death of Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west's, death. Once Glinda, the good witch of the north, hears of this, she describes her time with Elphaba, beginning at Shiz University.

Throughout their time at the school, Elphaba is constantly ridiculed because of her unnaturally green skin. Popular Glinda and outcast Elphaba are then forced to live in the same dorm room, resulting in conflict between them.

Elphaba then must face several more problems, including a love-hate relationship with the coolest boy in school, the oppression of her animal friends and the manipulative dealings of the headmaster. From here, the musical unfolds into a rapturous romance and head-spinning supernatural adventure. Along the way, the story asks Elphaba: are people born wicked or can they choose their own morality?

Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz created fantastic songs for the musical, making it the best aspect of the whole show. In addition to the music, each character in the ensemble showed great talent, keeping me focused and excited for what was going to happen next.

Wicks plays her character outstandingly, making the audience laugh at her many silly gestures and cry for her endless struggles. In addition, Kassebaum also develops a very comedic and endearing persona throughout the show. With many random moments of fun and silliness, she and Wicks balance a strange chemistry between them by portraying the "outcast" and the "popular girl" as best friends.

I was enchanted by all the performances except for that of The Wizard (Lee Wilkoff). While Wilkoff's character is defined as the villain, I felt he was unable to illustrate this to the audience.

Not only were Wicks' and Kassebaum's performances fantastic, but the rest of the cast also skillfully portrayed wonderful and exciting characters, which is probably why this show has become so popular. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who wants to experience amazing music, acting, singing and dancing.

For more information, visit Wicked's Web site.