BWW Reviews: WICKED National Tour Continues to Defy Belief at The Hobby Center

On October 30, 2003, the institution of what we call American Musical theatre would never be the same. This highly anticipated musical hit Broadway running with box office success and two stars top billed. The wickedly talented Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Galinda) were the talks of the town in Stephen Schwartz's new musical. The magical question is, how do you keep a musical relevant and box office worthy in this day and age when rapping forefathers capture the masses? My answer is, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it. This show evolves in every way, from the music, costume and make-up design we are taken on a magical journey.

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WICKED is based on Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. His story acted as a precursor to the L. Frank Baum classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked takes place at Shiz, a college where the worlds of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (Later becomes Glinda the Good Witch) collide. With having green skin, Elphaba is the outcast and tires to fit in with the popular kids. The personality differences and doting love for Fiyero bring tension between the two. Once Elphaba learns of the Wizard's ill feelings towards animals she decides to revolt and stand on what she deems fair treatment for all, including animals. This story is relevant even in today's society when having different color skin brings forth ignorance, malice, and violence.

When going to a show especially a tour there are high expectations from the original Broadway cast and this tour was spectacular. Given the modifications for the space I wasn't disappointed when Elphaba ran on stage during "No Good Deed" as opposed to rising from the orchestra pit. I loved how Koch paced herself vocally and didn't break the sound barrier during her opening number. Belting the C natural at the end of the song had me speechless and ready for more. Amanda Jane Cooper's entrance as Galinda was the beginning of a great time at the theatre. From her SNL like comedic timing to her perfectly pitched performance of "Popular," she had the audience in the palm of her hand; even with having a "Mean Girls" like attitude, we pushed for her and wanted her to change. Jake Boyd's as Fiyero was stale but he was redeemed in the stirring ballad "As Long as you're Mine." When watching a musical I like to watch what's going on with environment, architecture and the ensemble. I couldn't keep our eyes off Nyla Watson. She didn't miss a beat with every nuance she aided to this great night at the theatre.

When masticating a fabulous meal we gaze upon the food first allowing us to eat with our eyes first, and If Wicked was compared to a meal this production receives a 30 Zagat rating. Even though I've seen this production a few times the anticipation of Elphaba flying was there. I brought my niece who's never seen the show aside from clips from youtube and she was on the edge of her seat. Wayne Cilento's beautiful choreography and staging danced throughout the show. This is a testament to an artist who understands the importance of the movement telling the story. Even with the EVITA homage at the top of Act II during Glinda's speech/ song the ensemble moved in anticipation and excitement. Often times in musical theatre doing something like this can be distracting, but this was crafted perfectly. Walking into the theatre there is a gigantic dragon hanging from the proscenium and we get to see him come alive with fiery red eyes blowing smoke. The set design had a steampunk feel with the clock pieces and it wasn't tawdry or banal. The costumes, wigs, and headwear were by far my favorite to gaze upon. Susan Hilferty's costume design has proven that 13 years later they are poignant, powerful and picture perfect. From the cross stitching on the back of Elphaba's navy blue jacket, to the asymmetrical design applied to all costumes. This design was smart and creative. I'm not a little girl but I wanted to put on Glinda's Disney Princess dress.

I've seen the show with Menzel as well as Shoshana Bean in the role of Elphaba and I have to say Emily Koch held her own. Watching this piece of musical theatre reaffirmed my love for the craft. Even though I was enamored by the spectacle of this musical I always say that a great book and music/ lyrics will have me like putty in the palm of your hands. Stephen Schwartz is behind the popular success of this show. Walking out of the theatre I ran into a classmate from college and it was her first time seeing the show. She had an infectious smile on her face and it was as if she was a little girl in FAO Schwartz. She said that this show made her smile from beginning to end. WICKED is definitely the hottest ticket in Houston and I would recommend this show to every adult and kid in H-town. Defy this summer heat and head on down to The Hobby Center and catch a piece of Broadway history.

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WICKED continues through August 14, 2016, at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St. For information, please visit BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com or TheHobbyCenter.org.

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