Kat's Notebook

I went to see the highly acclaimed Broadway show, “Wicked” last Sunday with my mom and aunts. My aunt tipped us about this lottery ticket at Orpheum theater. On certain days, Orpheum theater raffles off 25USD ticket (which normally costs 70-150) to see their shows. We were happy that we won those tickets. But my happiness was shortlived when I saw our seating arrangement. We were seated at the very far side of the orchestra near the wall and 3 rows from the stage. I had a stiff neck watching the show.

The discomfort and my sudden allergy attack (I was embarrassed to be sneezing loudly frequently during the show) somewhat watered down the pleasure of watching the show. Despite those circumstances, I saw why Wicked was such a big Broadway success.

Wicked tells of the history of the wicked witch of the west, Elphaba and the good witch of Oz, Glinda. Elphaba from the day she was born was shunned and abhorred by many people because of her unattractive asparagus green skin.

She was ugly and rejected by her father, her classmates and she had no friends. Her sole purpose was to take care of her invalid sister, who later would become the wicked witch of the East. Glinda, was the antithesis of Elphaba and adored by many because of her beauty and charming personality. At school Glinda and Elphaba were forced to be roommates. Glinda eventually saw the kindness in Elphaba and decided to make her popular and they became best friends. When the great wizard of Oz summoned Elphaba, Elphaba brought Glinda along with her. Instead of being impressed, Elphaba was stunned that the wizard of Oz was just a mere man with no powers and he was the cause why a lot of the animals in Oz were turning into mute. Elphaba took the ancient book of sorcery and escaped from the wizard. The wizard, in order to protect his reputation, declared Elphaba a fugitive and the cause of wicked chaos going around Oz. The people turned against Elphaba and declared her the wicked witch. Only Glinda knew the truth but because she wanted to maintain her good reputation as the good witch, she didn’t speak out. From there on the show linked up the story of Dorothy, the cowardly lion, the tin man and the wicked witch of the east.

The show was truly remarkable. I thought it could use a little more funny and witty dialogues to be more entertaining though. The theater production was fantastic – the costumes were very elaborate, the stage props and backdrop were colorful and artistic in design, the music was outstanding. The actors were really world-class. They had beautiful voices that captivated and commanded attention. I liked Glinda the most because she had witty lines and very funny acting – she acted like a dumb blonde but not in a bad way. Eden Espinosa who played Elphaba truly deserved a standing ovation for her superb portrayal of the wicked witch and her very strong singing voice. I loved her rendition of “Defying Gravity” the most and the part when she just raised her voice as she was lifted up to the stage. I also liked how they explained Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and how the Tin Man and Cowardly lion came about.

It’s been advertised that this show would be running its last leg. So for those who hadn’t watch it yet, I suggest you do before you miss a truly spectacular show.

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