The Playhouse Square production of ‘Wicked’ is Broadway magic at its finest
Wicked is back and judging by the enthusiasm of the sold out crowd of opening night it is as popular as ever. With fascinating book by Winnie Holzman, lyrical music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, dazzling costumes by Susan Hilferty and fanstastical stage sets by Eugene Lee this show delivers the powerful Broadway punch that audiences have grown to love.
The show is taken from the novel by Gregory Maguire and is the back story to Frank Baum’s classic The Wizard of Oz. The story begins well before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz with several references to the 1939 film and Baum’s novel throughout.
Elphaba (Mary Kate Morrissey), later to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is born with emerald green skin due to an illicit love affair between her mother and a mysterious stranger who plied his paramour with droughts of a green elixir. As a result this misunderstood, unloved, smart and fiery girl is considered an outcast even within her own family.
Elphaba and her crippled sister, Nessarose (Catherine Charlebois), whom Elphaba takes care of, have arrived at Shiz College to begin their education. It is here they meet Galinda (Ginna Claire Mason), later to become Glinda the Good Witch of the South, who is the sparkling and bubbling opposite of Elphaba. The two are forced to become roommates and in spite of their contrasting personalities, viewpoints, rivalry over the same man and perceptions of the Wizard and his corrupt government the two become friends.
As a parting gift, Elphaba’s father gives a gift of silver slippers to his favorite daughter, Nessarose. When the head mistress tries to separate the two sisters, Elphaba reacts in a terrifying magical manifestation that convinces Madame Morrible to tutor both her and Galinda in the finer points of magic and sorcery.
At first, Elphaba and Galinda clash constantly even during their classes. During a history class with Dr. Dillamond (a talking goat and the last remaining teaching animal in the university) Elphaba learns that years ago many animals taught at the university but over the years discrimination has shrunk their numbers to just one. Feeling that this is wrong, Elphaba plans to ask the Wizard about this when she is presented to him due to her increasing powers.
New on the scene is Fiyero, a roguish young prince who in spite of his charms has seen more than his share of universities and who has been kicked out of all of them. Galinda is charmed by his lackadaisical nature even though she is being romantically pursued by Bog (a Munchkin). A party is planned for that evening and Galinda introduces Bog to Nessarose, setting the wheels of romance rolling for them, thus freeing her to pursue the prince. Galinda also persuades Elphaba to go to the party while helping her with make-up and hair. When the two arrive at the party, Elphaba is laughed at because of her black pointed hat (that Galinda had given her as a joke) and when no one goes to dance with her, Galinda comes over and begins dancing with Elphaba thus integrating her into the social circle.
Back in history class, Dr. Dillamond is forced to leave as a new teacher introduces “the cage” in which he has a captured lion cub. The cages are designed to control the animals and never allow them to speak again. As Elphaba goes ballistic, Fiyero (who has fallen for Elphaba) grabs the cage with the cub (later the Cowardly Lion) and the two escape.
The two girls are summoned by the Wizard and Elphaba is asked to read from an ancient book of spells called the “Grimmerie” so that Chistery, the Wizard’s monkey servant can fly. Instead of levitation, the monkey sprouts wings along with the rest of the monkeys in the kingdom. Elphaba realizes that it is the Wizard and Madame Morrible who are behind the suppression of the animals. As Elphaba escapes Madame Morrible spreads a rumor that Elphaba is “wicked” and a danger to Oz. Taking a broom that Galinda has given her, she puts a spell on it and flies away.
As for the production, first to mention is the 14 member orchestra who combined play a total of 25 instruments in the confines of the orchestra pit. Their combined sound fills the huge expanse of the State Theatre. As mentioned above, the costuming and set design combines with the dazzling lighting, video effects and projections, sound and special effects to bring magic to the stage.
Giggly Ginna Claire Mason is perfect as the sorority darling drama queen of Oz and a great match to Mary Kate Morrissey’s, Elphaba. Handsome Jon Robert Hall does a wonderful turn as the multi-faceted Fiyero as he transforms from ne’er do well playboy to serious suitor. Tom McGowan is wonderful as the rather inept and clueless Wizard and Isabel Keating is deliciously wicked in her own way as Madame Morrible. There is some great high wire flying work to be seen and the various references to the movie helps in keeping the audience attentive.
Although a bit dark this is a show the entire family will enjoy. While not suited for the very young, teenagers and up will appreciate the stage magic.
With great acting, wondrous singing, delightful costuming and set design this show moves much faster than its two and a half hour plus run time. You will find your eyes continuously scanning the stage as action takes place in all corners of the frame. This is a perfect example of what great Broadway can be and will probably be a sellout for its entire run. Buy your ticket right now!
The Huntington Bank Featured Performance of Wicked will be on stage in the State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio through December 3, 2017. Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.playhousesquare.org, by phone by calling (216) 241-6000 or by stopping by the playhouse Square Ticket Office located in the outer lobby of the State Theatre.