I have been introduced to the phenomenon that is “WICKED.” Described as a “Wizard of Oz” origin story, “WICKED” is the fourth-longest running show in Broadway history at 21 years. Excitement was high in Seattle around the arrival of the touring show that opened Nov. 7 and continues all month.
In case, like me, you were uninformed, here’s what to know (from handout material):
“WICKED” looks at what happened in the Land of Oz … but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships … until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
Its songs include the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good.” You can learn more at the official “WICKED” website.
Aymee Garcia as Madame Morrible in the national tour of “WICKED.” (Photo by Joan Marcus, 2024)
‘WICKED’ in Seattle: teen review
Here’s how my 16-year-old fellow critic and theater aficionado reacted to seeing the show:
“I believe that WICKED is an amazing show, highlighting the importance of friendship and loyalty, while also expanding on a classic and beloved story. The show itself was visually the best I’ve seen, and the moments when the visual were most spectacular were also some of the most important in the story.
“The way it was arranged and executed added subtle details alluding to the original story, and there weren’t any details missed. I think this would be good for just about anyone to see, from the bright colors and songs to the deeper meaning and purpose behind the show.
“It was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I believe that both purists to the original film and young people would enjoy this lively introduction to the world of Oz.”
We attended this show on Thursday, Nov. 7, and let me just say that there were multiple moments when things said on stage felt like they related to the real world around me, not the fictional world of Oz on the stage. (As they say in social media: IYKYK.)
My two favorite moments with my teen reviewer were at the end of the first act, when she proclaimed “Defying Gravity” to be “so much better than on YouTube!” and at the show’s conclusion when what she thought she knew about the ending turned out to not be the case.
Also of interest: A film version of “WICKED” opens Nov. 22, starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh, among others. It will be interesting to see how the two compare. Also, I’m sure it’s safe to assume the film will be spectacular and a much more economical way to see the story.
Erica Ito as Nessarose and Alex Vinh as Boq in the national tour of “WICKED,” in Seattle through Dec. 1. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
‘WICKED’ in Seattle: details
“WICKED” runs through Dec. 1 in Seattle at the Paramount Theatre. Full schedule and ticket information here. A recent spot-check showed that availability already is becoming limited, particularly at the most popular times.
Other notes: ASL interpreted performances Nov. 17 and 23; open-caption performances also Nov. 17 and 23 (but different showtimes than the ASL shows); sensory-friendly matinee Saturday, Nov. 16.
More family fun in Seattle’s Child
Fall and holiday live theater around Seattle, 2024 (including “Mary Poppins” at the 5th Avenue Theatre!)
