For the Wicked Fans

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 9:24am

In today's Chicago Tribune:

`Wicked' awesome?
Buoyed by teens, `Wicked' sells in New York and heads out on the road

Chris Jones, Tribune arts reporter
Published November 5, 2004

When "Wicked" lost the Tony Award for best new musical to the Vegas-loving puppets of "Avenue Q" back in June, it threw the long-term viability of the Oz-themed musical into some question.

Not only did "Wicked" get less than rave reviews (the New York Times called the production "bloated"), but it was thought that the show was too quirky for a popular audience and likely to suffer a fatal wound at the Broadway box-office following the departure of actress Kristin Chenoweth.


(edited for copyright)

Updated On: 11/5/04 at 09:24 AM

[cvapb]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 11:44am

Is there a purpose to this article?? Yea, it got bad reviews, so what. It's a successful show. and Chenoweth left? hmm.. who knew, can't tell by the constant success.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 11:49am

it's always lucky when you can find a replacement who is actually better than the star they've taken over for. bravo to whoever cast JLT.

[cvapb]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 11:51am

AMEN

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 1:23pm

I use my right to disagree.

I think JLT isn't bad, but the role will always be Kristins.

[ElphieZ]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 5:50pm

they both bring something different to the role. personally, I think JLT's taller stature gives Glinda/Galinda an interesting difference in the rapport of the two leads as compared to cheno/idina.

[habbott]

Posted: 11/5/04 at 7:15pm

Seems to be doing okay so far.

[BroadwayLVR81]

Posted: 11/6/04 at 1:38am

In a recent Fox news magazine telecast, it was reported that Wicked has been the number one box office seller for 14 weeks in a row. Sounds pretty successful to me!! It also seems to top Broadway grosses each week selling out to 100% capacity, so I wouldn't worry too much.... Updated On: 11/6/04 at 01:38 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/6/04 at 1:49am

Yes, it's obviously successfull = but it's not because it's a great show. The best shows always close early and it's the mediocre stuff that sticks around longer. I saw WICKED in previews and was shocked that the reviews weren't worse, but I'm not surprised people are flocking to see it. It music is catchy, and it doesn't take much thought to enjoy.

[BroadwayLVR81]

Posted: 11/6/04 at 2:02am

Depends on your definition of what a "great show" must have...I think it's all relative honestly.

Having seen a preview performance myself and then also a more recent one in September, I can definitely say it's developed as a show. Honestly, I realized why it got mixed reviews in the beginning because I don't think it had come together fully at that point. A few things have changed since the previews though.

I personally think the reason why teens and young adults are so enthralled by the show is because of the themes that it contains. As a future high school English teacher it's a wonderful resource to use with the themes relevent in the curriculum and also the issues that are relevent in adolescents' lives. If it remains on Broadway in the next few years, I would definitely take my class to see it. I think it'd function as a wonderful correlation with teaching The Crucible as well... And many young people can take a lot away from the show in general. So I, for one, hope the success continues. Updated On: 11/6/04 at 02:02 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/6/04 at 2:10am

That actually made sense - I think that's the first coherent thing I've ever read on a wicked thread. But I do agree with you. But again, it's the fans of this show that make me stay away from it - they look at it as the greatest and only show that has ever existed. It's a big turn off.

[BroadwayLVR81]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 10:54am

Aww, thank you munkustrap. I've lurked on this board for quite a while and have never posted for fear of the verbal mutiny associated with the topic LOL So I sincerely do appreciate the compliment - thank you!

I can definitely understand how the hype can turn many off because after a while, hearing the same rave and excitement about one particular show can get old and clichéd. It’s like when someone is pushing a television series or movie on you… On the flip side, however, it seems as if Wicked has been able to tap into something very personal for many viewers and they do take something extremely positive away from it. So that's probably where the hype stems from. Honestly though, I think it's like anything that affects you personally or touches and inspires you in some way - a good book/movie/lecture/song/artists/sports teams... and you just want others to experience it as well, so you rave about it

I guess both the fanatics and the people who criticize the hype just have to be considerate to the duality of the situation. Personally, I feel that if the show is having such a positive affect on others (more specifically on young people) and it's bringing more viewers to the theatre, then that is WONDERFUL! We saw the huge decline in the theatre district after 9/11 – maybe we need a show like this to get people interested in theatre again… And we need a younger generation to continue keeping the theatre alive for the future. Once I saw my first Broadway show at the age of 13 I was HOOKED! I will never ever stop going to the theatre because of that experience! So, the fans should spread the word and share the joy and excitement! However, they SHOULD be a little cautious about pushing Wicked on others SO much or overly praising it because then the show might lose the effect.

I do also stand by my original post from earlier. I guess the best solution for those fed up with the fans/hype: ignore it if it bothers you and just let the fans enjoy themselves because it doesn’t seem to be hurting anybody. In actuality, it seems to be doing more good than bad.

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 11:51am

Why is the fact that JLT isn't a midget such an issue with you people? If Cheno had been average size, none of you would have a complaint about Jen's stature.

What the big idea??

[ElphieZ]

Posted: 11/7/04 at 10:18pm

I definitely didn't think JLT's height was bad, in fact, I thought her height brought an extra something more to the role of Glinda, esp. in the end when she "takes charge."

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/8/04 at 2:19am

There are actually wicked fans on this board? WHO KNEW?!

[Katecab99]

Posted: 11/8/04 at 9:49am

I finally just saw Wicked for the first time last week. I was so bummed that I wouldn't be able to see it with Kristen, but I was SO impressed with JLT!! I was a little skeptical at first but she completley won me over after "Popular"! She was fabulous!