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PlayLikeAGirl
04-05-2006, 09:00 AM
I went to see the musical Wicked last week. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's the story of the witches of Oz before that bratty farm girl dropped in (with her little dog too!) and caused a ruckus. It was phenomenal!!! I've seen a lot of touring companies in my day and this group was definitely well seasoned. The leads were Kendra Kassebaum as Glinda, and Julia Murney as Elphaba, better known as the "Wicked" Witch. Keep an eye on these two ladies.... they'll be going places.

Gregory Maguire, who wrote the book, has a knack for taking characters who have been hated all these years and giving them a story: a childhood, a love interest, not to mention some major issues. And you find yourself saying "oh so that's why they're the way they are." I could totally relate to Elphaba's struggle of not fitting in and living in a shadow. I, too, was born with green skin and it made summer camp a nightmare because I always got lost in the woods and it took forever for them to find me because I blended in with the foliage..... but I digress...

The musical is a bit different than the book and has an ending that I wasn't expecting, but it was great, and I think I cheered louder than anyone. For those who like to read a bit deeper into things, the story touches on such issues as dirty politicians, racial tensions, homophobia, anyone who has an agenda and uses lies to further it, and the mistreatment of flying monkeys. Good stuff!

If it comes to your neck of the woods on tour, go see it.... or someone will drop a house on you!

(PLAG cackles and exits in a poof of smoke :D )

Randy & Betty in Pa
04-05-2006, 10:35 AM
Plag....

Wonderful review, thanks.... and welcome home....

Best to you

R. from Pa

Dar
04-05-2006, 10:58 AM
PLAG!
Isn't it fantastic?? We've seen it twice, once in previews here in SF with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original stars. They will forever be the standard by which all others are judged as far as I'm concerned. Great pipes on both of them!! Idina played Maureen in Rent, and Kristin is now on the West Wing. The touring performers we saw last year were also very very good, especially the gal who played Elphaba.
We actually have tickets to see it AGAIN in Chicago in July. We're going for a week for the Gay Games.

There's a FANTASTIC book out called The Grimmerie, if you loved Wicked you NEED to have this book. Trust me.

I am a HUGE OZ fan, have ALL the books. I liked Gregory's novel well enough, but the musical is a MUCH more engaging story in my opinion. You definitely don't need to read the book to enjoy the musical at all.

I play the soundtrack constantly.........

Marcia Drummergal
04-05-2006, 11:03 AM
PLAG, I recently posted about seeing Wicked! It was only Julia Murney's second night as Elphaba but you would never have known! And Kendra played Glinda on Broadway...she was the 3rd Glinda there. So she's an old pro! ;) We loved Julia so much that we've devoured everything we can find about her online. And the good news is that she is about to release her first solo cd! What a set of pipes she has! Amazing! Yes, this show is NOT to be missed. The music, the scenery, the talent on that stage is like no show I've EVER seen! Go out of your way to see it, everyone!!!

Marcia :) PS Dar, Barb bought me the Grimmerie and I LOVE it. Have already read it and am about to read the book, dark and different though it may be.
Editing to add a link http://dallas.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=8503 A good overview of the current tour and show along with a few photos.

Dar
04-05-2006, 01:53 PM
That book is SO fun isn't it?
How surprised were you about the Holly Near connection?

marjan
04-05-2006, 03:51 PM
Caroline aka PLAG great to see you posting again!! I missed your postings, glad to see you're a Rudie at heart and got back at the MB, hope you will stay :D

Marcia Drummergal
04-05-2006, 04:39 PM
That book is SO fun isn't it?
How surprised were you about the Holly Near connection?

About Holly? VERY!!!! And to think, none of it would have (likely) happened if not for that fateful get-together! It was definitely kismet!!!

Marcia :)