Monday, January 30, 2006

A New Musical - Wicked - The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz


This is an update on a book that I listed below. Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It has been made into a Broadway musical. Currently it is on Broadway, but it will come to Dallas in April 2007, but if you want tickets, they are selling out fast. Here is their synopsis: Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbound new musical in years.
WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman ("My So Called Life," "Once And Again" and "thirtysomething"), and is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. With musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who's Tommy, How To Succeed...), WICKED is directed by 2003 and 2004 Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Assassins, Take Me Out, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune).
Recommended age for children is 8 and up.
No children under 4 admitted. No one will be admitted without a ticket.
Running time for the show is 2 hours and 30 minutes, plus a 15-minute intermission.
Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal says: "HOORAY! BROADWAY'S GOT A BIG NEW MUSICAL THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH TO RUN FOR A DECADE OR TWO! If it doesn't please you, you're too tough to please. It's funny and touching and full of beans (not to mention child-friendly). Kristin Chenoweth finally has a full-fledged star part that's worthy of her. Broadway buffs have been waiting for her to land a bona fide star part in a successful show. Well, this is it. She sings like a cherub and acts like a damned good actress, and Stephen Schwartz has written her a show-stopping comic turn. I can't imagine anyone in the world have done a better job as Glinda. It's going to make her a star right this minute. Idina Menzel nails her co-starring part with equal aplomb. Not only does she look great in green, but she blends pathos and warmth in just the right proportions. Joel Grey, bless him, is back on stage. Stephen Schwartz has given us the most poignant new Broadway ballad to come along in ages. Wayne Cilento has choreographed with dapper precision -- this show moves. You'll be enchanted by director Joe Mantello and set designer Eugene Lee's miraculously elaborate-looking Kingdom of Oz. GO!"
And there are many more reviews by excellent papers, so go check out the musical's website at http://www.wickedthemusical.com/index.htm
Read the book, enjoy the show, yes it is expensive, but every once in awhile you should treat yourself. This is one of our childhood memories. The Wizard of Oz has been seen by just about everyone. This is a completely different look at an old story we all know.

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