Wicked- The Musical

Rating:
Wicked is the internationally acclaimed musical based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. Wicked tells the side story of the Wizard of Oz. We’ve all seen it, Dorothy with her red shoes and her companions on the yellow brick road, off to see the wizard. Remember the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North? Wicked tells the story of the past friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. Glinda and Elphaba meet at the University of Shiz where the two girls are sorcery students. The girls seem like polar opposite’s; Glinda the popular, beautifully dressed blond and Elphaba the green skinned misunderstood student, struggling to obtain some of her fathers affection. However the girls do become friends but upon meeting the Wizard of Oz things start to change. Elphaba and Glinda are faced with a decision that sends the two girls in opposite directions.

Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Is Glinda as good as she seems? Is Elphaba as evil? Is everything always as they first appear? I don’t want to spoil the story line for you but all I can say is things are never what they seem. I came away thinking that Elphaba was hard done by because she refused to disregard her principles. I was also amazes at how easily it is to just believe the Wicked Witch of the West is wicked without questioning why and by whose standards. I know, I know it’s just a fairytale but is Wicked has a powerful message.

Wicked is not being performed in Ireland at the moment but no doubt it will be here soon and when it does arrive here, go to see it, you’ll love it.

Tags: Musical, Review