Wicked Current Tour — Page 3

Is this tour still the same smaller physical production as it was when there were two tours going around? The bridge isn't functional and no trap door for Elphaba or does the trap door depend on the venue?

I guess I never got around to reading Brantley’s 2003 review of Wicked I knew he wasn’t a fan (except for Chenoweth and, to a lesser degree, Menzel), but wow:

“ ‘Wicked' does not, alas, speak hopefully for the future of the Broadway musical.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/31/movies/theater-review-there-s-trouble-in-emerald-city.html

Does anyone know if he ever re-reviewed Wicked (if so, what year?) or if his feelings about the show have softened? Obviously, I disagree with him; it remains one of my favorite shows, but I do appreciate his thoughtful analysis.

For those who care (I may be the only one), here is the Tulsa World review. I was at the same Thursday night performance as the critic. I copied and pasted below the link in case it requires a subscription to read. I don’t agree with most of his criticisms (see my review a few posts above):



https://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/artsandentertainment/review-wicked-remains-popular-brings-the-laughs-to-the-tulsa/article_9f642550-1bcf-567b-b183-eb02afca5c2f.html



Review: 'Wicked' remains popular, brings the laughs to the Tulsa PAC
Presented by Celebrity Attractions, the popular musical dazzles fans, first-timers alike

By James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World 23 hrs ago

There is no doubt that “Wicked,” which opened its two-and-a-half week run Wednesday at the Tulsa PAC, remains extremely popular — make that “Pop-pew-hoo-lar.”

It’s been playing to capacity audiences on Broadway for some 15 years, and the touring production that Celebrity Attractions has brought to town will likely see the same sort of success — that’s been the case the past three times the company has presented “Wicked,” making it the most profitable show in the company’s history.

Such success breeds familiarity and, while this sort of familiarity may not breed contempt, it does tend to engender a kind of complacency..

Make no mistake: Everything that fans love, and everything that will dazzle first-timers to this musical, is in place on the stage of the Chapman Music Hall. The steampunk-influenced set with its 13-hour clock and the red-eyed dragon watching over all, the lush costumes, the three hit songs engineered to make you laugh (“Popular&rdquo, cheer (“Defying Gravity&rdquo and cry (“For Good&rdquo.


But what this audience member took away from Thursday night’s performance — the first show to which the media was allowed entry — is that this particular production itself is sort of defying gravity.

“Wicked” is a modernist reimagining of the world of “The Wizard of Oz,” turning L. Frank Baum’s straightforward fairy tale characters into beings of more depths and complexity. Gregory Maguire’s original novel is a dark and very adult tale, and the musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman contains a modicum of that gravitas, offsetting it with a good deal of snarky humor.

And it’s the funny side of “Wicked” that this particular production emphasizes. The more serious elements of the story — its none-too-subtle handling of racism and bullying, of how easily power can corrupt and how eagerly some will give themselves over to that corruption — are hurried along to get to the next comic set piece, the next one-liner.

Add to that an out-of-balance sound mix and an overly amplified orchestra that minced every ensemble number into musical hash.

But none of that seemed to bother the sold-out audience at Thursday’s performance, who engaged in uproarious laughter at the jokes, cheered lustily at the conclusion of each signature song, on occasion singing along, and was on its feet in ovation before the cast started to make its curtain calls.

What this production of “Wicked” has going for it is a pair of exuberant performances by its lead actresses — Mary Kate Morrissey as Elphaba, the idealistic green-skinned girl who will be transformed by circumstance and treachery into the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ginna Claire Mason as Glinda, the hyperactively ambitious blonde whose actions aren’t always good as they should be.


Morrissey’s performance grows in strength as the show goes on, slowly revealing the power of her light-timbre voice that lets her deliver “Defying Gravity” and “No Good Deed” with all the power and gusto these tunes need.

Mason channels Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda, as well as anyone — there’s a bit of bel canto in her high notes — but she definitely is the most physical comedienne we’ve see in this role. She milks “Popular” for every drop of humor, capping off one chorus with a gymnastic move that Thursday’s audience loved (almost as much as they loved Morrissey’s effective attempt to duplicate it) and employs a wide range of vocalizations to convey Glinda’s mercurial moods.

Former Tulsan Jason Graae is an excellent Wizard, bringing a suave nonchalance and easy charm to this trickster, especially in the multilayered “Wonderful,” as he tempts Elphaba to consider casting her lot with him.

Cole Doman is good as the love-struck, much put-upon Munchkin Boq, while Jon Robert Hall’s Fiyero brings little energy or feeling to his role as Fiyero, the object of Glinda’s and Elphaba’s affections. Jody Gelb and Chad Johnson acquitted themselves well as Madame Morrible and Dr. Dillamond, respectively.

“Wicked” continues with performances through Sept. 23 at the Tulsa PAC. The traditional ticket lottery will take place two and a half hours before each performance, where participants have the chance to purchase orchestra-level tickets at a reduced price.

For those not willing to gamble with a chance to see “Wicked,” regular-price tickets are available only through the Tulsa PAC ticket office, 918-596-7111 or myticketoffice.com.

Updated On: 9/9/18 at 12:12 AM

I had no idea that Jason Graae was the Wizard on tour. I sure hope that he's still in it when it comes to San Diego and/or the Pantages.

Kara Lindsay, Jackie Burns, and Michael Wartella will be joining the tour for the LA run. https://t.co/Lpo9xMy7qs?amp=1

mailhandler777 is correct.

http://www.playbill.com/article/jackie-burns-and-kara-lindsay-will-return-to-wicked-national-tour

Holy COW I am so excited about Jackie. She was my first Elphaba and the woman is a powerhouse. I'll be in LA for Christmas so this is honestly the best thing ever.