In September, 2010, I took my daughter to see Wicked The Musical on Broadway. I remember that night well – the buzz I felt when we walked into the theatre together…the talent on stage…the music….the creativity…but most of all, the complete spectacle of a show that felt bigger than life.
About my daughter’s reaction to the show, who was only 7 at at the time, I wrote:
As for my daughter, I was concerned about the lateness of the evening. During intermission, I asked her if she was going to make it. She looked at me with a big grin on her face and answered emphatically “yes.” When I asked her for a full report on the show, she kept telling me she loved Glinda and couldn’t understand why I adored Elphaba so much. I wonder if perhaps the story line was a bit advanced for her, but nevertheless, it left her spellbound and glowing during the play’s finale.
Well, in 2013, not much has changed! I still prefer Elphaba. She prefers Glinda. We were both left spellbound and mesmerized by the show. What changed?
Well, actually, a lot. She was on the edge of her seat this time. She understood the complicated plot. Based on the imaginative Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked is a journey through the unseen side of Oz, sharing a tale of unexpected friendship and love between the two characters, Glinda and Elphaba. They are two strong women who look out for each other, when no one else will. They discover each other through peculiar circumstances and remain loyal to each other until the end.
It reminded me of a movie we had just seen, Frozen, which we both adored. We were able to compare the two stories on the way home. Both are about two women who love each other – sisters in the film, friends in the show. Both women are fearless and willing to do whatever it takes for the other. One of the two women possesses magical powers that are hurtful at first and helpful in the end. Elsa makes snow, Elphaba has myopic vision and can change what she sees. Their relationship is the most important part of the story, and my daughter acknowledged that very important fact.
Wicked is celebrating its 10th anniversary in New York on Wednesday, with special appearances scheduled for the evening’s performance at the Gershwin Theatre. The musical officially opened in New York on Oct. 30, 2003, with a cast featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as the two witches (funnily, Menzel also now stars in the aforementioned Frozen), and ten years later, it’s still selling ticket like mad.
To book tickets, head here.
Disclosure: I was provided with comp tickets to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.
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