We’ve all seen "The Wizard of Oz." We’ve all heard about "Wicked" unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 12 years. Listen up, folks. It’s in Milwaukee, and this is us.
Some of you already have tickets, or at least have thought about going. And I’m super excited about that. Many of you have already seen it, maybe you no idea what I’m talking about, or maybe you are so over the hype. Well, losers, I’m here to tell you that this show matters, and you’re completely missing out if you don’t see it. (I saw it the first night it was here because I'm that much of a freak, and I'm still freaking.) Here are a few reasons why you need to catch "Wicked" before it’s gone.
If you’ve never seen it before, you’ll be absolutely blown away. "Wicked" is totally a spectacle, as they all say, (too far, Ellie), and it will overwhelm you if you’ve never experienced it before. This is your warning. But don’t let me scare you away. Especially because it’s pretty impossible to hate this show. So get out there and see it! Now is your chance, guys! “You can have all you ever wanted!” --Glinda and me, just now.
It’s been on Broadway for 12 years. TWELVE. That’s over 5,000 performances. Are you hearing this? Are you really listening to this? Because that is pretty unheard of nowadays. Unless you're like "The Lion King." Or "Phantom." But none of that matters right now. The people love it, and you will too.
The surprises will blow your mind if you’re unfamiliar with the untold story of the witches of Oz. If you do know a little something about "The Wizard of Oz," you’re set. You will leave the theater with a brighter outlook on life and a skip in your step. It's the circle of life! Eh, kinda. You'll understand later. “I had NO idea that @#%&! was $@%&*! And Fieryo! OMG!" My mom wasn't swearing while we were walking out of the theater. I'm hiding the spoilers for you newbies. Lookin' out for you guys.
It’s possible (and fun!) to get cheap, amazing seats. Not many people know about the lottery, which makes it that much easier to win. Lots of Broadway shows have embraced this since the concept began with "Rent," and it’s as awesome as it sounds. Show up two and a half hours before showtime, enter your name in the drawing, wait a half hour, and find out if you get a seat in the front row for $25. As a two-time "Wicked" lottery winner, (and to this I toss my hair in the most Glinda way possible) I worry that I will value those victories more than my future children. But even losing is such an adrenaline rush, you know? And on really good days, they offer insane discounts to all the unlucky losers. HMU, if you guys need any lotto advice from a true #LotteryChamp. “You really don’t to do that.” --you guys (and Elphaba). “I know. That’s what makes me so nice.” --me (and Glinda).
“Defying Gravity.” I know. It’s becoming a cliche these days, but hear me out. This number will never not be an unreal, show-stopping (literally) masterpiece. Alyssa Fox, who has played Elphaba in tons of different cities and productions, is gracing you with her presence in this leg of the national tour, and sometimes it seems like she was born to belt this song. You’ve heard the song, you’ve watched a clip of a flying green witch at some point, but you really have no idea what all the buzz has been about for over a decade until you’ve seen this number live. (Disclaimer: it is perfectly normal to continue crying throughout intermission. It takes awhile to gain your composure after that brilliant "Ah AH AH AHH," you know?)
Everyone in it. The cast is seasoned, and you can tell. The leads are good, obviously. But the entire cast carries the show. You know you’re in for a good show when there are plenty of Broadway vets right in front of you.
Specifically…
Glinda will steal your heart while she’s stealing the show. Carrie St. Louis is absolutely hilarious, and her dynamic voice will bring you to tears more than once. You'll be torn in Act II when you so badly want to root for her. But "Popular" will kill you (in the best way). If you don’t laugh out loud from start to finish, go away.
It’s the perfect opportunity to do something new and festive! Rarely does a really, really good touring production come over to our neck of the woods. This is a Broadway-quality show, and it’s obvious, even for my 51-year-old dad who lacks knowledge about the musical theatre world. "Hey, that was good!" --a real quote.
Go here for tickets, lottery info, and other show details. "Wicked" is at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts until November 15. So act quickly, folks! You can still be with the Wizard, what you’ve worked and waited for! Now go, and dance through life.
Peace, love, and Stephen Schwartz.
