The Witch is Back Again

Wicked – Broadway in Chicago

“She’s dead!” belts the ensemble in the opening moments of this spectacular hit show, which happens to be the 5th longest-running musical in Broadway history. But then the production flashes backward in time, spinning the enchanting story of how the girl with the emerald green skin grew to become the Wicked Witch of the West. This polished, professional production returns to Chicago, filled with flashy visuals and fantastic performances, haunting music and terrific choreography. This superb production is most definitely worth the trip to Oz, whether it’s your first visit or, like me, your fifth. 

Perky Glinda the Good, soaring through the air in her giant magical bubble, takes audiences on a glittering journey back to the beginning, showing how she and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, became who they are. By the way, the unusual name Elphaba is Maguire’s clever amalgamation of L. Frank Baum, the author of the original Oz books. Back in 2003, award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (known for his melodious scores for “Godspell,” “Pippin” and “Children of Eden,” among others) teamed up with book writer, Winnie Holzman. Together they adapted Gregory Maguire’s best-selling 1995 novel to create this enchanting, internationally popular musical. The show is a powerful paean to girl power and beautifully illustrates how we never really understand another person until we’ve walked a mile in their shoes—in this case, in a pair of sparkling, bejeweled slippers. In addition, while Maguire explored a host of political and social themes in his novel, Schwartz’s musical merely touches upon these issues, but plays up the story’s romanticism. By peeling away Elphaba’s notoriety, the musical tells the “true” story of one of literature and film’s most well-known villains.

This Equity tour, much like its Broadway original (which continues playing to sellout crowds years after it first opened), and the 2005 Chicago production that played for years, astounds with its colorful scenery, dominated by a giant clock, creative, eye-boggling costumes and dazzling lighting and special effects. An enormous dragon, perched atop the theatre’s proscenium, again evokes chills as it swings its head out over the audience, roaring and belching smoke, while an army of winged monkeys scale down the theatre walls. Coupled with Joe Mantello’s precise direction and Wayne Cilento’s flashy, stylized choreography, we are reminded, once again, why this musical earned so many awards and continues to be as popular as ever. As timely as when it opened, the story speaks to everyone who has ever been an outcast. It portrays how it feels to be ignored, feared or bullied while celebrating the power of real friendship.

The obvious stars of this tour are Lissa deGuzman as Elphaba and Jennafer Newberry as Glinda. Their friendship feels especially honest and true in this production, as their characters develop and grow within the two-hour plus story. Both actresses are extremely likable, so charismatic and boast stellar, strong musical skills. They both sing through Schwartz’s challenging, soaring score with ease. Highlights still include the thrilling Act I finale, “Defying Gravity,” with its special visual effects that send chills down the audience’s spine. The poignant “I’m Not That Girl,” “As Long As You’re Mine” (sung with the handsome Jordan Litz as a superbly performed Fiyero), and the tearjerking eleventh hour anthem, “For Good,” highlight this production. Comic numbers, “What’s That Feeling” and “Popular,” prove, as always, to be especial audience favorites, as well.

Other company standouts include the likably dorky Andy Richardson, stepping in on opening night as Boq; gorgeous Natalie Venetia Belcon as the duplicitous villainess Madame Morrible; and Michael Genet, who is as a sweetly touching Dr. Dillamond. One of the big surprises in this production is Broadway’s John Bolton who makes a capital Wizard. His performance is as polished, funny and captivating as when he appeared in the New York productions of “Anastasia” and “Dames at Sea.” Lovely Kimberly Immanuel’s Nessarose is classy and quite heartbreaking as Elphaba’s wheelchair-bound younger sister. By Act II, however her character has become a ruthless tyrant, as the governor of Munchkin Land, and proves that she’s just like her late father. A special ovation goes to all those multitalented understudies and swings who step into a role at a moment’s notice. They truly keep this musical running in an era of uncertain health threats.  

This is one of those special shows that’s just as appealing and bewitching for the first-time viewer as it is for returning theatre goers. Fans of Schwartz’s musical will not be disappointed with this new National Tour. They’ll feel like they’re visiting with an old friend who is reminding them of why they’re still close after so many years. As Time Magazine said, “If every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of “Wicked,” Broadway really would be a magical place.” This new production is fresh, spectacular and filled with vitality, while offering a few new tricks developed over decades of experience and success. Thankfully, green is in again because the witch is back again!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

Presented September 29-Dec. 4 by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling the Broadway in Chicago in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.