Wonderfully ‘Wicked’

The Stranahan Theatre was packed for last Thursday's performance of Broadway's smash hit musical, "Wicked."

The crowd was floored by the dazzling production. As hundreds of people flooded out of the theatre, everyone's reactions were the same: "This was the best musical I have ever seen in my life," was one of the many satisfied comments I overheard.

In the musical, Elphaba (Marcie Dodd) is an outsider, made blatantly obvious by her green skin. For this, she is shunned by her family as well as anyone she comes in contact with, making her rather bitter or "wicked." At her father's request, she accompanies her wheelchair-bound sister to school to act as her caretaker. Here she feels the effects of high school bullying and rejection from popularity. Glinda (Natalie Daradich) takes Elphaba under her wing to make her over into someone who could be popular, although not as popular as Glinda. The many interpersonal conflicts throughout the piece force the viewer to question their actions towards those who are different from the norm, presenting a valuable lesson for young and old alike.

The orchestra boomed, flying monkeys slid down ropes hanging from the ceiling, a dragon raced back and forth with crimson-lit eyes and smoke issuing from its nostrils. This is what began the show. Glinda, encased in a floating bubble, drifted onto the set as smaller bubbles emanated all around. The audience's attention was immediately seized and anticipation for the rest of the performance glued them to their seats.

The lighting, costume and set design for this production struck awe into the viewers. The colors, effects and overall aesthetic of "Wicked" could never be duplicated.

Bright colors consistent with the mood were used in the lighting design of this piece. Not only were they visually pleasing, but also emotionally evocative.

One of the most impressive moments of the production was the entrance into Emerald City in the first act. The rustic machinery set piece, which was one of the main frames of the show, suddenly sparkled with hundreds of green LED lights as the sic in the background lit green as well. Actors entered in their extravagant green dresses and suits making the spectacle a wondrously bright visual experience.

It was amazing when, during one of the more popular songs "Defying Gravity," Elphaba stopped the show as she suddenly ascended into the air, belting out her song. Beams of light shone down on her, making only her face visible as she sang with her broom in hand. On the last note, the lights cut to blackout and her voice resonated throughout the theatre as the lights faded in for intermission.

"Wicked" has been greatly praised from all of the cities it has graced. From San Francisco to New York City, this musical has pleased all who have had the chance to see it. Richard Zoglin of Time Magazine said, "If every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of ‘Wicked,' Broadway really would be a magical place."

I believe another aspect of the piece that delights audiences is its nostalgia to "The Wizard of Oz." The show's main characters are the infamous witches of Oz whose backgrounds were overlooked in the classic story that we all know and love. Here one sees their lives, their friendship and their connection, which one would not think had existed from seeing "The Wizard of Oz." The creation of the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion are also seen in this production causing one of those profound moments.

Some of the show's success also has to be credited to the morals of the piece. Not only is it dazzling, exciting and nostalgic, but the musical's core consists of respect, acceptance, compassion, love and friendship applicable to audiences of any age.

"This is most definitely one of my most favorite shows to have worked on," said Bryan Landrine, the Production Stage Manager. "Mainly [this is] because of the moral lesson that it teaches universally, to not only children, but adults as well from any place in the world."

"Wicked" is a spectacular piece that will send you out of the theatre feeling like a different person. Through its dazzling imagery, breathtaking set, costume, score and singing, this piece makes a life-long impression.

—"Wicked" will be playing at the Stranahan Theatre until April 18. This is a wonderful opportunity to see one of Broadway's, and the world's, most acclaimed musicals in our own city.