Review: WICKED at Marcus Center For The Performing Arts

Wicked, the winner of over 100 international awards, opened this week at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. I was lucky enough to attend Thursday night's performance which capped off by a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

Wicked is the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy drops in and changes Oz forever. Elphaba is misjudged, feared and treated as an outsider by everyone mainly because she is green. In reality, she is a thoughtful, intelligent, and talented young woman. Galinda (who is later known simply as Glinda) is blonde, bubbly, ambitious, and extremely popular. The girls are brought together at Shiz University, where Elphaba is serving as assistant to her sister, Nessarose, who is wheelchair bound. Through a twist of fate, Elphaba and Galinda are paired together as roommates, something that doesn't sit well with either of the two. As their time at Shiz passes, though, they eventually become good friends, in spite the fact that they are complete opposites. When Fiyero, a rebellious "rich kid" with a reputation as a bad boy arrives on campus, Galinda connects with him instantly. Never one to be quiet about injustices towards others, Elphaba is outspoken when one of her favorite professors is forced to quit teaching because he is a goat. Animals throughout the nation of Oz are losing their ability to speak, as well as their abilities to work. This infuriates Elphaba who tries lead a rebellion against the treatment of animals in Oz. At the same, time, Elphaba is invited to OZ to meet with the Wizard. She is ecstatic as she believes that she may be able to join forces with the Wizard to do good and potentially help end the mistreatment she has seen. Glinda joins Elphaba during her visit to Oz where both of their paths will change significantly.

The story of Wicked resonates with all of us. Most of us have struggled at times with the feeling of not belonging or being an outsider. Elphaba feels that way throughout the show. As most of us who have felt out of place try to do, she learns to love herself and accept her abilities for what they are. Even Glinda, who is extremely popular and outwardly confidant, at times comes across as feeling a bit out of place. Overall, the story is uplifting and motivational.

As someone who has seen this show more times than I can remember, I always look forward to each new touring company and what they might bring to the performance. This company did not disappoint. As always, the set is beautiful and only adds to the believability of the story. Lighting effects, sound and smoke also help add to the wonderment of the world of Oz.

In this production, the talents of the cast rival those of all of the other productions I have seen. Carrie St. Louis plays Glinda with a little more calculation than other Glinda's I have seen, which I found mesmerizing. St. Louis's Glinda seems to be much more aware of the little things she can do to bring others to her side. Her voice ranges from husky at times to a beautiful soprano at other times. Alyssa Fox, as Elphaba also has a soaring voice that really brings Elphaba and her struggles to life. Her acting and her comedic timing are spot on. Fox's version of the Wizard and I gave me goosebumps and elicited loud cheers throughout the crowd. The chemistry that Fox and St. Louis reminds me of that of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the original Broadway production. It only adds to the intensity, joy and believability of the performances. As Fiyero, Jake Boyd brings both a cocky rich boy and vulnerable insecurity to his character. His voice is also top bar, with a subtly and energy to it that make you like his character even more.

Overall, this production of Wicked is well worth a trip downtown. If you can - fly - to the Marcus Center to see Wicked during this limited run. Wicked runs through November 15. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 pm. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office (929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee), by phone at 414-273-7206, or online at Ticketmaster.com or http://www.marcuscenter.org/show/wicked/ .

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