Review: One-of-a-Kind Jessica Vosk Soars in Spellbinding National Tour of WICKED at the Dr. Phillips Center

For over 13 years, the musical WICKED has been a shining example of the biggest and most spectacular shows that Broadway has to offer. However, hiding behind the colorful costumes, the special effects, the familiar Ozian setting, and all of the other trappings of the modern day mega-musical is a much deeper and finely crafted show than it is often given credit for.

The show's national tour, currently playing at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando through January 29th, thrives on the tried and true escapism that the show is known for, but with a truly remarkable actress leading the production, the show transcends its base entertainment value to deliver a nuanced, rewarding theatrical experience.

Based on the Gregory Maquire novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," the musical follows Oz's two most famous witches, Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of West, before a certain Kansan touched down in Munchkinland. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the show debuted on Broadway in 2003, and became a worldwide phenomenon almost immediately. Despite being directed by the legendary Joe Mantello, the show lost the 2004 Best Musical Tony to the irreverent puppet musical, AVENUE Q.

From the start, many dismissed WICKED as little more than frivolous, capitalizing on the universal fondness for THE WIZARD OF OZ. While Holzman's clever, witty book, and Schwartz's iconic score can distract from the messages at the show's heart, the current touring cast lovingly brings them to life in poignant fashion.

Led by Jessica Vosk as Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, the musical embraces the timely themes of being an "other" in one way or another, of standing up for what you believe in, and of the under-estimated power of women and female friendship.

Amanda Jane Cooper is silly and charming as Glinda; though a bit distant, Jeremy Woodard is strong as her beloved Fiyero; and Kristen Martin is lovely as the Wicked Witch's sister, Nessa.

Stage and screen star Andy Mientus is great in the small role of munchkin Boq, Tony-nominee Isabel Keating is a lot of fun as Madame Morrible, and Fred Applegate is, pardon the pun, wonderful as the Wizard.

However, despite the strength of the rest of the cast, the foremost reason to see this production is Vosk, who joined the tour straight from the Broadway production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, where she played Fruma-Sarah.

Her performance as Elphaba is layered, heartfelt, and funny, and, even though I've seen the show twice before, Vosk brought to life smaller character moments that I've never noticed in previous viewings.

However, as is likely true with all Elphabas, actresses in the legendary green role are mostly measured by their voices, and with all due respect to Idina Menzel, Shoshana Bean, Stephanie J. Block, Dee Roscioli, Jackie Burns, Lindsay Mendez, et al., Vosk just might be the best of all.

Her tone is bright, and crisp, and crystalline clear. She has the dynamic tone of a pop singer, with the control and specificity of a seasoned musical theatre performer. I was also especially taken by the way she played with her vocal placement, repositioning it to provide an extra dash of color at the most amusing and surprising moments.

Despite her technical prowess, Vosk excelled in the two most import metrics, goosebumps and tears. These are impossible to fake, and Vosk supplied both in bunches.

As all Elphabas are contractually obligated to do, Vosk stays fairly close to the show's well-known melodies, but there are moments when she unleashes her other-worldly talents on the score that simply (well, not simply) defy all reasonable expectations.

Of course, her "Defying Gravity" is spectacular, but the second act's "No Good Deed" was beyond compare. The 11 o'clock "For Good," between Cooper and Vosk, also provides more than one stirring moment.

Other than a slight timing issue on "Dear Old Shizz," the tour is still very much in control of of the show's theatrical and emotional powers nearly 14 years after its world premiere, led by one of the best performers and vocalists working in the theatre today.

While tickets might be hard to come by, don't miss your opportunity to see this fantastic family musical. To purchase tickets to WICKED, visit the Dr. Phillips Center website or call 844-513-2014. The Dr. Phillips Center is also offering $25 rush tickets to the show.

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Banner Credit: Jessica Vosk. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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