Reviewed by Joan Tupponce
When you think of blockbuster Broadway shows Wicked tops the list. And why wouldn’t it? It has powerhouse songs, intriguing costumes, exceptional lighting and actors that can raise the roof when they belt out a song. What more could you ask for?
This mega-hit recently swooped into the Altria Theater for a much-anticipated return engagement.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, the Grammy- and Tony-Award winning musical tells the back story of Glinda the Good and Elphaba, who comes to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, long before Dorothy and Toto skipped down the Yellow Brick Road.
Elphaba, who is ridiculed for her bright green skin, meets the ditzy but highly popular ‘Ga’linda – there is an 
ongoing joke about emphasizing the GA – at Shiz University where they both hope to strengthen their sorcery powers and ultimately meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Elphaba came to the university to watch over her wheelchair bound sister Nessarose.
On the first day of school headmistress Madame Morrible informs the students that none of them will be attending sorcery classes. She, however, changes her mind and lets Elphaba attend when she discovers Elphaba’s magic talents, believing they could be useful to the great Wizard.
At first Elphaba and Galinda are at odds, claiming to be mortal enemies but their feelings change when Elphaba mistakenly thinks that Galinda has given her a present – a pointed witchy looking hat — out of the kindness of her heart. In reality Galinda gave it to her as a mean prank. Elphaba returns the favor by getting Madame Morrible to let Glinda attend sorcery classes with her. When Glinda – she later changes her name to Glinda — realizes what Elphaba has done for her their friendship begins to blossom.
The strong bond that is forged between the two is tested when they both fall in love with the handsome Fiyero. Their lives begin to take two different paths – one that deceptively looks evil to others and one that brings light and joy to the masses.
At its heart, Wicked is about the strong bond of friendship, finding that soul mate that makes your life better in the end. It’s all about the relationship between the two women and how their lives will be forever changed because of it. And that’s what makes this show so special.
While it does have a message, that message is delivered with boatloads of humor. There are ongoing inside jokes pulled from “The Wizard of Oz” and many that reflect the great tongue-in-cheek style of Vaudeville.
The show’s colorful cartoonish-style costumes in the dance sequences and Emerald City numbers add energy and vitality to the production, while the amazing lighting and special effects are as crucial to the plot as the actors on stage.
When it comes to the show’s vocal talent, it’s in a class by itself. Nick Adams who plays the self-absorbed Fiyero has a heavenly voice that is so pleasing to the ear.
Emma Hunton in her role as Elphaba and Gina Beck who plays Glinda give dynamic performances. Hunton shows off her strong vocals on the electrifying “Defying Gravity” and Beck commands the stage in her amusing and energetic rendition of “Popular.” When the two join together in the touching song “For Good” there’s not a dry eye in the house.
Wicked lives up to its blockbuster billing. It is a show that will touch your heart and bring you to your feet. It is a definite must-see for adults and kids eight and up, per the Broadway recommendation.
Wicked from Broadway in Richmond is showing at Altria Theater (formerly Landmark) through May 4. Purchase tickets at Altria Theater and Richmond CenterStage Box Offices, online at eTix or charge by phone 1-800-514-3849.
Read about $25 tickets and Broadway in Richmond’s lottery system here.
You can listen to Joan’s review on the Idea Stations when you click WCVE
