Wicked

[A19Ben]

Posted: 1/21/04 at 3:22pm

hi all, can some1 please tell me what this show is about....i have the cd and think the show is great and the music is fab....i understand some of the story but if some1 could just help me please!!!! thanks for your time love Ben x x x x

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 1/21/04 at 3:51pm

just think "Wizard of Oz before the twister (and Dorothy) came to town"

[MauveRose]

Posted: 1/21/04 at 8:43pm

There are so many surprises in Wicked that you should go into the show knowing almost nothing about the story. Just know that its the story of Glinda the good and the Wicked Witch of the West. It makes it so much more wonderful to know nothing about it going in.

[Maggie]

Posted: 1/21/04 at 8:51pm

I agree....I'd rather go into a show "blind"..it's more enjoyable to me.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 12:08am

Read the novel! And then when you go see the show it'll still be like you're going into the show blind!

[WhatDoINeedWithLove?]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 12:15am

Dont listen to Namo! I saw it this past weekend knowing all the music and having seen a video of the show and it was INCREDIBLE!! I went with a friend who knew nothing and she cried about 5 times. It is great either way but i wish I had knew less! SEE IT! you will not be dissapointed!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 12:34am

Save $100 and watch the clip on the Tony Awards. Read the book.

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 1:10am

We got it folks...the book is better than the musical. How many times have we heard that about any movie or theatrical adaptation of a book. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that a movie or play was better than the book. The fact is that most people who see the show and have not read the book enjoy it. Sure it may not be the book, but I'm not going to see the book...I'm going to see the musical. If it's not the book so what, if it is the book great. The musical has several flaws in the book and score but is far superior to a lot of the crap on Broadway. It is a very honest, touching story based on something that we all know. Something I find very rare about this production is that the obvious spectacle didn't bother me like it does in most Broadway musicals. That is because it didn't cover up the story and the characters. The MUSICAL is beautifully told and while it may not be the book (which I have not read) I think it was a wonderful production with two extremely talented performers.

...this is not to say that the production is flawless...Wayne Cilento's choreography for Dancing Through Life was enough to make me want to run away from the theater screaming. But in my opinion the good far outweighed the bad.

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 8:58am

I've read the book, and also seen the show. I think what Namo was alluding to with his pithy comment was the disparity between the novel and the plot of the musical. I didn't see any comment as to the merits of either in his post.

And he's exactly right. The novel is one story. The book of the show is based -- loosely based, I might add -- on the plot of the novel. Hmmmm, maybe that's why the credits read "BASED on the book by Gregory MacGuire."

As for my feelings on the show: I enjoyed it. I agree, 85% of the score is wonderful. I think "The Wizard and I" is one of the best "I Want...." songs in musical theatre. That being said, I also think the book was a bit weak in places. It's an epic story, with lots of twists and turns, and I think the book fell short, especially in the second act.

The production values are extraordinary. I also agree that the special effects didn't bother me, either. It ain't no STARLIGHT EXPRESS, which was as vapid as Paris Hilton.

Of the two stars, Menzel and Chenoweth, I think Menzel has the better material to work with. Not that Chenoweth is bad -- she's great (what vocal technique!). But it wasn't as much of a challenge for her to play Glinda -- er, Galinda, I mean -- as it was for Menzel to be the emotional center of the plot. It was great to see a class act like Carole Shelley as Madame Morrible. Joel Grey as the Wizard is unmemorable, as he is in just about everything I've seen him in. I've always thought he was a "one-note wonder".

And finally, WICKED deserves to run. It's something fresh in a sea of revivals.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 9:57am

Yes, RL, thank you, that was in fact the idea to which I was alluding. Goodness, BoB, I'm surprised you couldn't grasp that! The fact that you said "yes, we've got it" is so deliciously ironic coming from you.

[Mr_CaptainPants]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 9:59am

On this board you'll find that most people will advise you not to seek out a plot synopsis due to the "spoiler" issue. You will be told to "just go see the show". However, for some, seeing the show isn't quite that simple. I don't know what your situations is. Perhaps you don't live in New York, perhaps you can't afford to travel to see the show, who knows. So I will give you what you are asking for, but will also warn you and anyone else who clicks on the link I'm about to post that it *will* "spoil" certain surprises and plot twists. It is a personal decision, of course. I simply don't believe in the "spoiler" philosophy. I've read a plot synopsis for every show I've ever seen, and have not once felt that the show was spoiled for me. And yes, I have read a plot synopsis of Wicked; rather than spoiling things, it has only *increased* my desire to see the show.

Its your call, but be warned. There ARE so-called spoilers to be found at this link:

http://mercy_bell.tripod.com/wickedsynopsis.html


Have fun!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 10:53am

I'm rereading the novel now (I read it 8 years ago). I haven't seen the show, but I've listened to a "complete" recording. The musical and the novel are almost two completely different stories. I would highly suggest reading the novel just because it is fascinating and expertly written. But the events and motivations of the characters in the musical are quite different.

There was one film I thought was better than the book (though I'm probably in the minority) - The Virgin Suicides. I didn't care for the book, but I loved the film (which was so expertly directed and performed). For some reason seeing the relationships of the sisters and their parents visually really helped me to understand them and their actions more fully.

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 11:19am

Tales of the City!

I would never say it was better than the book, but the first miniseries was so beautifully done, and with such care and attention to its source material, that there was no way you could be disappointed.

Updated On: 1/22/04 at 11:19 AM

[A19Ben]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 1:49pm

thankyou all very much for your help!
i live in the uk but will be over there in the summer so i will go and see it then.....i love the music tho!!!!


thanks again love Ben x x x

[JeffG]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 2:02pm

FINDINGNAMO

You are surprised by BESTOFBROADWAY'S book comments?

I'm not. I've read many books about books of musicals and if they ever turned one of those books into a book of a musical I wouldn't expect the book of that musical to be better than the original book, just a different book. I would judge that book on the merits it's own book, not against the original book.


BESTOFBROADWAY'S tag quote fits him to a T "No, nothing I ever do is good enough. Not beautiful enough, it's not funny enough, it's not deep enough, it's not anything enough."


And BESTOFBROADWAY? In case you didn't understand what FINDINGNAMO meant, I'll spell it out for you...

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
That's the pot calling the kettle black
Stupid is as stupid does
BESTOFBROADWAY doesn't like HAIRSPRAY

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 8:12pm

My wife & I see it on Valentines day .Will weigh in with my opinion than, for whatever it is worth

Updated On: 1/23/04 at 08:12 PM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/22/04 at 11:41pm

robbiej - I also loved the first miniseries. The thing about Tales of the City, though, is that the first three books were actually comprised of the serial that he wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle. That's why the chapters are so short. They were weekly installments, usually with a mild cliffhanger that kept the readers wanting more. It's also why I didn't like the second trilogy which he wrote on noovel form. I felt it lost its charm and the characters changed so drastically, they became unfamiliar. I hope they make some progress on the musical version.

[etoile]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 12:23am

Did someone come into the dorm and start using their mate's computer again?

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 12:42am

JeffG-
I didn't realize this thread was about Hairspray and how bad it is. But if you want to we can make it about that. I'm good at that. By saying "we got it folks" I was directly doing that to point a finger at the critics who decide it is necessary to point out what I have already said. It was very intentionally throwing stones at the glass house.

And if your going to quote me you should really use the whole quote

"No, nothing I ever do is good enough. Not beautiful enough, it's not funny enough, it's not deep enough, it's not anything enough. Now, when I see a rose, that's perfect. I mean, that's perfect. I want to look up to God and say, "How the hell did you do that? And why the hell can't I do that?" -Bob Fosse"

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 9:28am

I wasn't gonna post, since there seems little left to be said about this piece ... but I was given a freebie to the WICKED matinee on Wed, and saw the show for a 2nd time, the first the October 12th matinee, when the show was but 6 performances old. I have to say, it's in terrific shape. All of the handwringing that went on at this board about the gals acting up with Taye, etc. had ebbed by this week, when Norbert went back in for good. The performance was crisp, in every way benefitting from that special confidance that comes from playing an audience-pleaser for 3 months; all of the humor and pathos landed. The Wizard's political zingers were the only exception (hey, it was a matinee crowd.) The two stars are in peak vocal condition, to my ears, with nothing held back. If anything, they are playing the emotional undercurrent with greater depth. Chenoweth's broad approach -- yes, pushed to the edge of caricature early on -- is sly strategy, to enhance her arc in the through-line. When the character finds herself moved for and by her friend's plight, it has a surprising sweetness.

On 2nd viewing: I have seen few shows that deliver as many surprises as this one, particularly in act two. The two big story reveals caused the entire Gershwin to gasp, the final twist literally stopped the show. There was sustained applause, as per a musical number. How many musicals have plot twists that keep people on the edge of thier seats? And for anyone worried about "good" seats -- this time, I was in the last row of the orchestra, and this show works just dandy from a distance. All of the design elements seemed more complex and compelling, most notably, the first act finale (not nearly as effective up close.) And since previews, they've jacked up the sound to RENT-like levels. It's not my preference, but the music takes the roof off. There's a reason the word of mouth is so good. Whatever one thinks of this piece's much-debated elements, the dueling divas and the tone/music prominent, it delivers a genuinely satisfying story. No small achievement.

Updated On: 1/23/04 at 09:28 AM

[jcr279]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 5:28pm

I just have to say that I very much enjoyed that post, Auggie. I have always been a fan of the show since I first saw it Oct. 9th and I'm very glad to hear it has grown so much. I was starting to get tired of the show just from reading all the posts, both positive and negative, but this news of a show that has blossomed so much makes me happy. Great post! Thanks again.

Jonathan

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 6:17pm

Oh, look, a Wicked topic! There's something new.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 6:27pm

That's what I love about this board. There's backlash, then a sort of time-out, then a backlash against the backlash, then ...

[A19Ben]

Posted: 1/23/04 at 6:47pm

hi all i thankyou so much for your time and help....but i have another question for you all?(sorry lol)
in the front of the wicked cd tha ey talk about all the 12 or 17 storys to do wi "oz"....does any1 here know all the names of the book as this would be a great help!!!

thank you


p.s as my friend is mad on anything to do with "oz"

p.p.s let me know if you have read any too and if they are good or not thank you once again

love Ben x x x x X x x x x

[RagtimeRay]

Posted: 1/24/04 at 7:03am

L. Frank Baum, was the author of the original OZ stories. You could probably check with your library to see how many of them they might have. Or, perhaps with the success of Wicked some of the stories might be in print again... you check under the author's name at Amazon.com

I too appreciate Auggie's latest take on the show. I saw it in November, was entertained - but not blown away. Have been listening to the CD and enjoying the music more than I remembered from sitting in the theatre (go figure), and will return to see the show in April. Looking forward to it.