THEATRE RESPONSE: WICKED

When I first heard that Stephen Schwartz had done a re-make of The Wizard Of Oz, I said "I'm SO not going to see that shit." I eat my words, because this is absolutely not a re-make of The Wizard of Oz and doesn't compare - it's a new animal and frankly speaking a much better story. The original cast was here last year and I missed Kristin Chenowith & Idina Menzel and even though I love Menzel in the recording, I fell completely in love with Eden Espinosa who plays Elphaba. I had reservations about her unique vocal style when she started singing "The Wizard & I" but by the end of the song, she revealed her incredible booming voice. By far- her technique is much better than Menzel's who struggles & sometimes strains with the difficult score. One of the greatest compliments I have received as a singer was that I have a very unique voice - I pay those same compliments to Ms. Espinosa who took my breath away in her incredible rendition of "Defying Gravity" My baby sis who was with me last night, saw the tears in my eyes at the end of act one. She finally realized how much the lyrics in that song mean to me. It is one of my favorite songs but the lyrics are what make me love it most. Bringing much needed humor to the dark piece was Kendra Kassembaum's Galinda (the GA is silent =+) She was a hoot and very funny in "Popular." Hands down - Glinda's music doesn't compare to Elphaba's, but Kassembaum does the music beautifully. I wasn't so impressed with Carol Kane's singing but her acting was right on the money. Smaller roles like Fiyero, The Wizard, Nessarosa & Boq were wasted on me - but after all this is Elphaba & Glinda's show. They make the show, but helping them along is the awesome ensemble who sounded beautiful. (I have never seen an audience to eager to give a standing ovation to an ensemble) The set & costume design's Tony Awards are well deserved as should have been the lighting - breathtaking. I am so happy that I was able to see this show - it was a beautiful spectacle.

"Everyone deserves the chance to fly"