Wicked, the untold story of the Witches of Oz, still brews a potent potion of talent, costumes, song and story of two unlikely witches. The popular and profitable musical performance is still breaking records and packing the Gershwin Theatre in New York after a successful national tour. Officially opening in San Francisco at the Curran Theatre in June 2003, the Broadway opening began October 8, 2003. After nine years the performances are still fresh, the music grand and the story enduring.
On a cold night this January the audience was treated to exceptional performances by the cast, with a special nod to Donna Vivino, who brought the character of Elphaba to life. Vivino, filling in for Jackie Burns, was very convincing as the Wicked Witch of the West with precision timing and a full beautiful vice. Vivino was most recently seen in the world premiere of Charles Busch's Stars of David at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Alli Mauzey provided a stellar performance as Glinda in her return to Wicked. Her characterization of Glinda was spot on, providing many appreciative laughs.
The performances by all were flawless, as was the music by composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz discovered the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire in 1995. His efforts have delighted audiences for years with his theatrical release. The story, based upon events before, during and after, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) is a commentary on good and evil in a compelling and thoughtful way.
As the story unfolds the audience learns how the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda, the beautiful blond, who later becomes Glinda, were once friends. The secrets that shaped their destinies, and the circumstances they are thrust into, shape the friends into who they become, much like what happens to real people every day. A timeless performance that is worth taking the time to experience on Broadway, London, or at one of the touring performances for 2013.
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