*Begins to type tentatively without upsetting anyone*
First of all, I'd just like to say that I think that Wicked and The wizard of OZ are fine coexisting on the west end scene, each is built on the grounds of the other, and there individual merits are not necessarily the easiest to compare, The wizard of Oz applies to a different sentimentality, its softer and gentler and very much classic and adored by a lot of people, the songs are classic but a lot more old fashioned (look at Ding dong the witch is dead and merry old land of oz). Not to say that Wizard of Oz isn't completely genius in its innovation.
But then there's wicked, which is loved by a younger generation, and speaks to both angst and rebellion in young people. This is a show whose score, if you read The grimmerie which you can purchase from the apollo victoria theatre, has such purpose and intracacies even in such simple songs like march of the witch hunters and the yodle section in popular.
Also, we need to remember that the entirity of wicked IS an homage to the film and the book and only wants to support it, for example:
DID YOU KNOW, THE FIRST SEVEN NOTES OF THE RECURRING TUNE (UNLIMITED, MY FUTURE IS UNLIMITED - IN THE WIZARD AND I) HAS THE SAME FIRST SEVEN NOTES AS THE BEGINNING TO SOME-WHERE O-VER THE RAIN-BOW, BUT SET TO DIFFERENT CHORDS AND RHYTHMS.
Also, back to the upcoming Wizard of Oz production, if I don't see Danielle Hope, Michael Crawford and most especially, the wonderful hannah waddingham in the show but some understudy instead, munchkin heads will roll. Also looking forward to seeing Paul Keating as the scarecrow.
I have heard a wee bit of inside snoopery from a pal who works at the Palladium, apparently the house is operated a bit like Chitty, but "its fancier". Me thinks the tornado/house flying could happen above the audience !!! this sounds amazing. I was wondering why the back stalls are classed as restricted view and are cheaper....
I called yeasterday as Im down on biz next Friday and thought I could fit it in, I got 2 top price stalls for next Friday !! beyond excited. See tickets and ticketmaster seem to have very little available online but give them a ring.... Anyone going on Tuesday ?
Apparently Glinda's entrance is worth the ticket price alone ! ( sorry sounds rude ) Damn having a very old friend that used to work in the Palladium ! She is feeding me as little gossip as she can.....
Mark Im not going to bed til I read your thoughts about it !!! Dont let me down, so excited for you... and me on Friday ! God you would think I was 12 lol not a 38 year old man.
I'm expecting a VERY detailed review!!!!!! and the full cast and understudy list and orchestra from in the program please? I WISH I COULD MAKE IT OVER THERE!