“You’ll never look at The Wizard of OZ the same way again after seeing this musical.”
This was the warning the matinee audience received at The Orpheum’s 1:30 showing of “Wicked the Musical” before the lights dimmed and the show began.
The Orpheum’s ornate stage was transformed into a portal to the land of OZ, complete with signature map of OZ shielding the window into the fictional world of Munchkins and Cowardly Lions before the show began. Cogs and gears bookended the stage as the Time Dragon Clock looked down over the audience from above the stage.
Debuting on Broadway in 2003, Wicked has become a pop culture phenomenon. The musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her descent into notoriety as the Wicked Witch of OZ. This is Wicked’s 2nd National Tour, but its first stop in Memphis.
The tour was headlined by Marcie Dodd (Elphaba) and Helene Yorke (Galinda/Glinda). However, for yesterday’s matinee performance, Marcie Dodd was replaced by her understudy, Carrie Manolakos. While Manolakos’ Elphaba is a bit shorter in stature than Yorke’s Glinda, her Elphaba is just as powerful as many of her predecessors. Any actress who performs the role must have a strong voice and her voice projected just the right amount of power and emotion. Powerhouse numbers such as “Defying Gravity” and “No Good Deed” made the audience putty in her vocal hands.
Yorke’s Glinda was a show stealer and her comedic timing made her Glinda comparable to the role’s original actress, Kristin Chenoweth. Her exaggerated movements and high-pitched voice gave the show’s first act the comedic punch it needed as the story descends into the darker second act.
Tom McGowan’s Wizard was entertaining to watch, but suffered from being so vastly different from previous performers’ Wizards (Joel Grey, Ben Vereen) that it was hard not to make comparisons to the more animated performers who have taken on the role. However, his understated Wizard was still fun to watch, particularly during his performance of “Wonderful” where he was able to fully shine against some of the other more vibrant characters.
David de Vries perfectly embodied the character of Doctor Dillamond, a goat railing against an ever-tightening regime in OZ, and Marilyn Caskey’s Madame Morrible was the fully realized portrait of true evil that it was meant to be.
The show itself is a feast for the eyes with its elaborate, colorful sets and extravagant costumes. While the show is an enjoyable family show, The Orpheum suggests that children attending be 8 or older. Because, let’s face it: No one else wants to hear you explaining the plot to your 6 year old while they’re trying to enjoy the show.
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