Have you heard this one?
“…Everyone deserves a chance to fly!”
“Popular, you’re gonna be Popular!
“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return.
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you…”
You, along and many others, have been changed for the better! The Broadway musical Wicked has been performed in 100 cities in 16 countries around the world and seen by more than 60 million people. Those are pretty good statistics for a story about a girl who is green and her blonde “valley girl” school roommate.
Wicked flies into Kansas City with performances at the Music Hall January 5 – 23.
Emily Short, writing a review in Broadway World, says “The acting was flawless, the singing was striking, costumes were perfect, the set transported us directly to the heart of Oz, and the lighting was the tool that brought everything together.”
READ: Our previous review of Wicked
Wicked is based on a novel by Gregory Maguire and revolves around of the origin of the characters in the Wizard of Oz. It focuses on the relationship of Elphaba and Glinda. An obviously green and prickly Elphaba is played by Talia Suskauer. Glinda, portrayed by Allison Bailey, is as blonde as one can get. The audience sees two individuals transition from antagonists to friends—best friends. Along the way, they are challenged by love, good, evil and and the desire for power.
The Broadway sensation opened in 2003 and has been a favorite theater-goers ever since. Stephen Schwartz’s exhilarating scores and lyrics are rooted in our psyche. “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” are the standards for countless playlists.
Time Magazine hailed Wicked as “a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage.” The return of Wicked to Kansas City will be a delight for those yearning to return to normalcy with looming challenge of COVID. We need some happiness. Have you heard this one?
“Because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true! Well … isn’t it?”
Wicked is recommended for children 8 and above. Running time for the show is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Wicked runs January 5 – 23, 2022 at the Music Hall, 301 W 13th St. Kansas City, MO
–Anita Widaman | Metro Voice