Wicked

just think "Wizard of Oz before the twister (and Dorothy) came to town"

I agree....I'd rather go into a show "blind"..it's more enjoyable to me.

Dont listen to Namo! I saw it this past weekend knowing all the music and having seen a video of the show and it was INCREDIBLE!! I went with a friend who knew nothing and she cried about 5 times. It is great either way but i wish I had knew less! SEE IT! you will not be dissapointed!

We got it folks...the book is better than the musical. How many times have we heard that about any movie or theatrical adaptation of a book. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that a movie or play was better than the book. The fact is that most people who see the show and have not read the book enjoy it. Sure it may not be the book, but I'm not going to see the book...I'm going to see the musical. If it's not the book so what, if it is the book great. The musical has several flaws in the book and score but is far superior to a lot of the crap on Broadway. It is a very honest, touching story based on something that we all know. Something I find very rare about this production is that the obvious spectacle didn't bother me like it does in most Broadway musicals. That is because it didn't cover up the story and the characters. The MUSICAL is beautifully told and while it may not be the book (which I have not read) I think it was a wonderful production with two extremely talented performers.

...this is not to say that the production is flawless...Wayne Cilento's choreography for Dancing Through Life was enough to make me want to run away from the theater screaming. But in my opinion the good far outweighed the bad.

Yes, RL, thank you, that was in fact the idea to which I was alluding. Goodness, BoB, I'm surprised you couldn't grasp that! The fact that you said "yes, we've got it" is so deliciously ironic coming from you.

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I'm rereading the novel now (I read it 8 years ago). I haven't seen the show, but I've listened to a "complete" recording. The musical and the novel are almost two completely different stories. I would highly suggest reading the novel just because it is fascinating and expertly written. But the events and motivations of the characters in the musical are quite different.

There was one film I thought was better than the book (though I'm probably in the minority) - The Virgin Suicides. I didn't care for the book, but I loved the film (which was so expertly directed and performed). For some reason seeing the relationships of the sisters and their parents visually really helped me to understand them and their actions more fully.

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thankyou all very much for your help!
i live in the uk but will be over there in the summer so i will go and see it then.....i love the music tho!!!!


thanks again love Ben x x x

My wife & I see it on Valentines day .Will weigh in with my opinion than, for whatever it is worth

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Updated On: 1/23/04 at 08:12 PM

Did someone come into the dorm and start using their mate's computer again?

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I wasn't gonna post, since there seems little left to be said about this piece ... but I was given a freebie to the WICKED matinee on Wed, and saw the show for a 2nd time, the first the October 12th matinee, when the show was but 6 performances old. I have to say, it's in terrific shape. All of the handwringing that went on at this board about the gals acting up with Taye, etc. had ebbed by this week, when Norbert went back in for good. The performance was crisp, in every way benefitting from that special confidance that comes from playing an audience-pleaser for 3 months; all of the humor and pathos landed. The Wizard's political zingers were the only exception (hey, it was a matinee crowd.) The two stars are in peak vocal condition, to my ears, with nothing held back. If anything, they are playing the emotional undercurrent with greater depth. Chenoweth's broad approach -- yes, pushed to the edge of caricature early on -- is sly strategy, to enhance her arc in the through-line. When the character finds herself moved for and by her friend's plight, it has a surprising sweetness.

On 2nd viewing: I have seen few shows that deliver as many surprises as this one, particularly in act two. The two big story reveals caused the entire Gershwin to gasp, the final twist literally stopped the show. There was sustained applause, as per a musical number. How many musicals have plot twists that keep people on the edge of thier seats? And for anyone worried about "good" seats -- this time, I was in the last row of the orchestra, and this show works just dandy from a distance. All of the design elements seemed more complex and compelling, most notably, the first act finale (not nearly as effective up close.) And since previews, they've jacked up the sound to RENT-like levels. It's not my preference, but the music takes the roof off. There's a reason the word of mouth is so good. Whatever one thinks of this piece's much-debated elements, the dueling divas and the tone/music prominent, it delivers a genuinely satisfying story. No small achievement.

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Updated On: 1/23/04 at 09:28 AM

Oh, look, a Wicked topic! There's something new.

hi all i thankyou so much for your time and help....but i have another question for you all?(sorry lol)
in the front of the wicked cd tha ey talk about all the 12 or 17 storys to do wi "oz"....does any1 here know all the names of the book as this would be a great help!!!

thank you


p.s as my friend is mad on anything to do with "oz"

p.p.s let me know if you have read any too and if they are good or not thank you once again

love Ben x x x x X x x x x