That's right. The Helsinki production of Wicked is the first production other than the original to NOT replicate the original staging, costumes, or sets. While this doesn't seem like such a big deal, watching the just-released video of the production reveals that it, in fact, is. This version is a lot more minimalistic, with more of a techno/steampunk vibe to the sets and costumes. It's interesting to say the least, and seems like a much more palatable version of the show. If only it wasn't entirely in Finnish. Wicked Helsinki
I think it looks interesting too. It does look "techno" in sets but not in most of the costumes. I would want to see more but based on that clip it looks a little cluttered. I love the fire effect in (what I'm guessing is) "No Good Deed" and the Galinda bubble.
I enjoy the glinda bubble more...wouldn't would in broadway version though ! OTHERWISE...I don't care for the production AT ALL PS ...WE ALL HAVE OPINIONS
WOW! That looks so invigorating! It'd be totally awesome if I knew what they were saying... and how refreshing to see something that we've gotten so used to being cookie-cutter FINALLY have a new spin!
PS: I love that you used the term "steampunk" to describe the production... but it's more techno retro and underground punk more than anything. Steampunk is a lot more Victorian, scientific and with almost a "working-parts" kind of construction. Updated On: 9/5/10 at 08:03 PM
Although I prefer the costumes and overall look of the Broadway production, this is interesting. Minimalist, yet not tacky. I'm curious to know exactly how they use Dorothy. My best guess is her appearance in the melting scene, but I'm not sure how the actual melting would work.
kchenofan's computer is broken right now. This is her fridge. Now, you can leave a message, but say it slowly, so I can write it on a post-it note and stick it to myself.
"On page 34 of the program, there is a certain someone present that is not seen in the original staging".
And that someone is the narrator who appears in the play from the beginning in NMTW, the cornfield scene and the melting which in this production is fantastic. Someone posted that the ring of fire was in NGD it's not, it's in the melting. One of the people who has seen the production said that there's a ring of actual fire around Elphaba when she's supposed to be on fire! The scene that follows after it of the hand is the end of the Melting.
If you want to get a complete review of this production from someone who has seen it here's the link:
Looks like they removed this topic from the site, why I don't have a clue but too bad because it was a really detailed and excellent look at the show
"What the heck is going on in page 22 of the program? Naked people in bubbles?"
The answer to that is in the girl's review but she was just as mystified by the explanation as you were by the photos. I'm still trying to figure out if the bubbles were in the book; it's been way too long since I read it!
Oh Joe, don't be so pretentious. Wicked has always existed, like oxygen or Mount Rushmore! This is the first ORIGINAL production, that wasn't germane to nature or stuff.
And no one grew into anything new, we just became the worst of what we were."