What's With All the Hatred Towards WICKED?- Page 2

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:04am

You have it right on, Yankee. The show is fine and I quite liked it for a while, but the neverending praise and fawning just turned me off. I know it's horrible, but the fans turned me off the show, and that's that. I'd never go so far as to say I hate it though.

[thetheatrekook]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:10am

But artistic success and financial success are two very different things. I read the weekly grosses - there is no denying that Wicked is finanically successful. But was it artistically successful? (What is artistic success?) That is where there is no clear answer - and I think that is precisely why people are annoyed - the two are NOT one and the same. A show can be financially successful without necessarily being artistically satisfying and vise versa. It's when people claim that they are one and the same that things tend to get a little...icky.

I found Wicked to be a creatively (sp?) (on the whole) unsatisfying experience. I don't "hate" the show for being financially successful, but I don't understand what people see in it that I don't.

If people can be annoyed because a show they enjoyed is NOT financially successful, why can't people be annoyed that a show they did not enjoy is? It doesn't mean I'm "hating" on the show.

[HumATune]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:15am

Enteng2 you say people keep posting again and again about hating the show, but you keep posting here asking why all the hate. Let them have their hate. Commenting on it won't make it go away.

I don't hate the show. It's entertaining enough, but nothing in comparison to the amazing book.

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:35am

I've stayed away from WICKED all these years, early on because I can't stand Kristin Chenoweth and then because I tried to read the book the show was based and found it to be extremely boring.

However, I have a ticket to finally see the show on May 11th and hope that I'm pleasantly surprised. Anyone else going that night?

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:42am

I don't think it is just WICKED. I have noticed an increased tendency for posters to assume that criticism of a show they love is a personal attack, and that anything negative is a "cheap shot." As a lover of Sondheim and direction by John Doyle, I get "shots" taken at my taste all the time. Do I hate that? Of course, but the idea that someone who wants to discuss a play with thoughtful positive and NEGATIVE remarks is somehow a hate mongerer is absurd. The whole point of this board is to discuss - and sometimes you get bad news from some of your best friends.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:43am

And, are you going to sit next to Mr. Bitter but I bought a Ticket?




Sorry, that just came out.

[winston89]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:07pm

It's not an argument about if its successful or not. We know it is. the argument is that people that come and see the show act as if its bigger then sliced bread. A lot of people that see this show eiather don't see anything else and go on and on about how its the best show out there without even seeing anything else. I think that people bash it because its overrated and there are a lot of people who start wicked threads that try to make it seem like its really big and amazing when its just one big spectical sp? after another. Good story ok music but it wouldn't be anywhere if it wasn't for all those visuals back to back to back. I think that if there were people who saw the show and didn't go on and on to say that its the best thing ever and its better then (INSERT NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE BROADWAY SHOW HERE) then the fights would not break out.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:12pm

I don't know the answer to the general question, but I can tell you why I have a strong dislike for Wicked.

I was extremely excited about the prospects of this show; I loved Idina Menzel from her RENT days and loved Kristin Chenoweth as well. I followed this show very closely until it opened, when I was shocked to see how much negative press it seemed to be getting. I was very intrigued by the idea behind it and also fond of Stephen Schwartz' previous work, so I decided that all of the nay-sayers must be wrong.

I got the Wicked soundtrack that Christmas; it was one of the top things on my list. I couldn't wait to leave my family and go to my room and play it for the first time. The disappointment I felt when "No One Mourns the Wicked" first began to play was pretty intense. The music was pedestrian at best and the chorus had a horrible fake quality to it. The harmonies in that song didn't sound organic in the least and it was a major turn-off.

I tried to like Wicked, I really did. I even watched a "documentation" in the hopes that the book and the staging would make up for the mediocre score. If anything, it was even more of a disappointment. Do I like some of the music? Of course. But 5 or 6 good songs in a pile of mediocrity does not make for a good show.

Another reason--I absolutely hate the fact that all of my theatre friends ADORE Wicked and think I'm insane because I don't care for it. I even have friends who get angry and tell me to shut up if I happen to express dislike. Would I go around getting pissy if they didn't like "Sunday in the Park With George" or "Kiss of the Spider Woman"? Of course not. So why is there such a double standard when it comes to Wicked?

I don't know. I'm just pretty much sick of the whole thing. I'm just counting the days until the next "big" thing opens on Broadway. Hopefully that show will live up to it's potential; I'm still very disappointed that Wicked did not.

[Julian2]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:21pm

Its just the over-hype. In general, the theatre community thinks its a good to so-so show. But because of the over-hype backlash, its becomes irritating because you begin to immediatley associate the show with the "Wicked-Rent-Disney-Phantom-Les Miz are the only good shows on Broadway" crowd that gets on any theatre lovers nerves. I hope to soon see the show so I can judge for myself. I wonder, if we had these boards back in 88/96, if would there be a similar issue with RENT and POTO. From what I know of the show now, I like and hope it can be redeemed to the theatre community. (Who knows though, I haven't seen it yet)

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:44pm

On the contrary, I think future amateur productions will serve to expose its flaws. Much like Cats, I think people will find without its stars, production values, and special effects that the story that has resonated with so many to this point will seem trite and flat.

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:47pm

It's not complicated. It's not a fantastic show and dosen't deserve all of the hype that it gets. It's not THAT amazing. It's a so-so show IMO. It's not brilliant but it's not the best thing to hit the Broadway stage since My Fair Lady.

That's also how I feel about RENT, Phantom, Les Miz, Mamma Mia, and all Disney shows. They are all good in their own special way, but IMHO they aren't brilliant.

I'm not a Wicked, Rent, Phantom, Les Miz, Mamma Mia, or Lion King fan anyway, but they just are OKAY.

Sorry for rambling and repeating myself at times...I'm in a bad mood today. lol.

[Mrs.LinkLarkin2]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 1:43pm

So many of you have confirmed my own feelings about this show. It was my second Broadway show (the first was 6 years earlier and HORRIBLE!! Tom Sewyer, so i don't really count it) and it was really an intro show for me. But in the 9 months since, I've seen 9 shows, and it falls in about the middle of the rankings. One of you compared it being a tourism magnet much like Mamma Mia. I agree. When I saw that I was so disappointed. I was like, "This is what everyone hypes?" Once you're more experienced, you view things a lot differently.

[Marcus2]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 2:20pm

I am a huge wicked fan, but I have seen other shows aswell. I am also mature enough to speak about its flaws and to understand its critisim. I believe for one that it is at sometimes a bit slap dash but overall I love the show. It isn't exactly the best show I've seen but that may be due to me being so familiar with it before seeing.

I think some people just think its the most amazing theatrical experience ever. I think its an amazingly fun show and is an absolute spectacle and so great. But I understand why people dis-like it and I believe some of the fans themself have done this. They are crazy! Usually teens (don't get me wrong I am 16 myself) and go mental at anyone who doesn't love it.

Please fans control yourself. I think its a great evening out and at the end of the day isn't that what a show should be, its light fluff that has hidden gems and eye pleasing set and costume!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 2:22pm

It's exactly the same hatred toward every show that is designed for popular entertainment and becomes successful. The Voices for Artistic Greatness In Non-Aesthetic Superiority commiteee has to meet to determine which shows are ineligible for praise this season and launch their campaign to stifle any show deemed inferior. Generally, they generate the intensity of their hatred directly proportionate to the box office receipts multiplied by the number of fans from the itty-bitty-titty club to reach an agreed-upon level of vitriol, but there are a few exceptions, such as Avenue Q (because it is irreverent) or Spelling Bee (because it is William Finn). Hopefully, the show will just be written by Lloyd Webber, which is covered under a "blanket loathe" policy*, in which the disdain towards the show remains at a constant with all other Lloyd Webber shows.

*Most recently amended to include Mamma Mia, though it's relationship to Lloyd Webber is only in its international success.

For more information, please contact your local VAGINAS representative at:

1-87S-OND-HEIM

or or you can simply send a PM to HamletWasBipolar.

Updated On: 3/12/07 at 02:22 PM

[MimiLovesRoger]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 2:27pm

I like Wicked...

[DG]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 2:37pm

Mister Matt - that was great!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 2:42pm

Mister Matt, I'm so happy I had finished chewing part of my lunch when I read your latest post!! Now I know why I make it a point to read your posts. They just make me laugh.

[CFK]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 4:43pm

I like Wicked. It's entertainment, one of theatre's intentions...It's not Sondheim or LaChuisa, but I certainly wouldn't turn down tickets.

What's really unfortunate is the backlash that all those involved with the production have to encounter...here especially. Like it or not those original leading ladies are very talented, and they deserved at least some of the praise they received.

And another thought, this is a great show to get people to come to the theatre. What is wrong with exposing young children to the joys of a live performance?

Updated On: 3/12/07 at 04:43 PM

[dramaqueen2]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 4:44pm

i have often wondered the same thing, yankee.
let me start off by saying that i too enjoy wicked. or at least i did. for me when i saw it, it was one of the most captivating theatrical pieces i had ever seen, and it drew me in. it is very good at that. however, now several years later after having seen many many many other shows from broadway to high school productions.. i have come to realize that it is not the greatest thing that ever happened to the theatre. however, i do and will continue to take it for what it is worth. it is a great show with wonderful elements and lovely, catchy music there is no denying that. i find it hard to believe that there isn't something for everyone in wicked. so, i have a hard time accepting certain things people say about it being the worst thing that has ever come to broadway. come, come now.. you know that isn't true, stop hating. i understand that not everyone is in love with it, and i accept that.. i myself am not really a fan of the widely acclaimed CATS, even though so many love it. to each his own, but don't be so derogatory towards the show, it didn't do anything to anyone accept enploy lots of actors and technical staff and bring in loads of money. what is wrong with that?
in addition, i know of many people on these boards that have been shot to hell for their love of it. and frankly, i think that is wrong. there is nothing wrong with liking or loving a show. and even if you don't necessarily, i understand that is your own opinion to voice if you don't like it, then fine.. but don't put other people down and make them feel bad for liking wicked. it just isn't right. it is people like that who give theatre people a bad name, you know. so please be accepting and live and let live, okay? what i'm saying kids, is an old lesson that clearly still needs to be learned.. treat others the way you want to be treated and as far as opinions go.. as i said, to each his or her own.
share you cookies, and make nice children.

that's my two cents.

[Craig]

Posted: 3/12/07 at 4:53pm

In short I think it's the rabid posting that goes on here and around the 'net.

If BWW was around when RENT came out, there would be a similar backlash. Same with any other show that would have built such a huge and vocal fan base. One wonders what the message boards would have been like if they existed when A Chorus Line originally opened.. Or Annie.. Or Gypsy...etc

I don't think there's any actual "hatred" of the show. I think there is contempt for the number of threads, postings, hype and energy of the enthusiasts. As I've always maintained - HATE is a pretty intense word - and one that gets thrown around too much (in my opening). You can dislike something, not enjoy it, never want to see it again, etc without the extreme"ness" of using the word hate.