No One Mourns The Wicked

Those are the first words you hear when you watch WICKED. The story of The Wizard of Oz is global. Everyone knows about Dorothy and her journey through Oz with her friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. They all know that Glinda the Good Witch helps her on her way and that in the end she defeats the Wicked Witch of the West with a bucket of water.

But unless you've read Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West or watched the musical, Wicked, you don't know the half of it! Gregory Maguire took L. Frank Baum's classic story and turned it on it's head to give life to a prequel explaining why the green witch, Elphaba, was the way she was.

Not only does WICKED tell about how Glinda and Elphaba get their start, but also Dorothy's trusted friends: the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion. About the Wizard and his past with Elphaba's family. About Elphaba's sister, Nessarose. This history is detailed and weaves the old and new together is a great way.

Which leads us to the musical.

I had the pleasure of being able to see WICKED today in Albuquerque. I've known the story for over ten years, since the musical began running on Broadway in 2003. The music, written by Stephen Schwartz, is distinctive and melodic. You'll be humming the songs as you leave the theater.

But I digress. Some of the most amazing things about this show aren't just the singing or the story, but the effects. Everything from making monkeys fly, the giant wizard head floating about the throne, a dragon coming to life or the unmistakable green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West, WICKED's special effects are incredible. They seamlessly help to create the world of Oz, along with the sets and costumes, and make this show very unique.

Fun facts:

• It takes about 30 minutes to fully apply Elphaba's makeup before each show
• Elphaba's 2nd act dress weights 30 pounds
• Glinda's bubble dress is EXPENSIVE, worth around $20,000
• The tour travels in 15 trucks (which hold the set and deck, costumes, lighting and sound equipment, etc)
• There are 263 costumes worn in the production
• Elphaba's name comes from the Wizard of Oz author's initials (L. Frank Baum)

It also didn't hurt that I knew someone in the cast who was a delight to see on stage. Etai (seen below) is currently playing Boq in the first national tour (aka Emerald City Tour). I couldn't help but smile when he was onstage. He lights up the theater.

If you haven't seen WICKED, you should see it. The music is great. The homages to the original Wizard of Oz are extremely evident. And while the ending isn't exactly like the book, it's a great twist.

The Dragon-clock is ticking. While I don't anticipate the production to go away anytime soon...you certainly don't want to miss it!

And what kind of Halloween doesn't have witches?!?!?!?!