Wicked - The First-Ever Original Production

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 3:32pm

That's right. The Helsinki production of Wicked is the first production other than the original to NOT replicate the original staging, costumes, or sets. While this doesn't seem like such a big deal, watching the just-released video of the production reveals that it, in fact, is. This version is a lot more minimalistic, with more of a techno/steampunk vibe to the sets and costumes. It's interesting to say the least, and seems like a much more palatable version of the show. If only it wasn't entirely in Finnish.
Wicked Helsinki

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 3:41pm

I like it. :)

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 3:45pm

That looks really interesting. A total departure from the very safe, predictable Broadway production.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 4:06pm

I think it looks interesting too. It does look "techno" in sets but not in most of the costumes. I would want to see more but based on that clip it looks a little cluttered. I love the fire effect in (what I'm guessing is) "No Good Deed" and the Galinda bubble.

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 4:22pm

This looks very cool! I love the sets a lot!!! I'm not too crazy about some of the costumes though.

[steven22]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 4:52pm

It's very very different. I prefer the Broadway production!!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 5:02pm

Are they speaking in tongues?

Posted: 9/5/10 at 6:08pm

I enjoy the glinda bubble more...wouldn't would in broadway version though ! OTHERWISE...I don't care for the production AT ALL PS ...WE ALL HAVE OPINIONS

[Justin D]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 6:40pm

They are also doing a non-replica in Denmark, has that opened yet?

[JOak]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 6:44pm

Glinda in that yellow dress looks like Velma Von Tussle.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 7:42pm

The shows program

[Maceman91]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 8:01pm

On page 34 of the program, there is a certain someone present that is not seen in the original staging.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 8:03pm

WOW! That looks so invigorating! It'd be totally awesome if I knew what they were saying... and how refreshing to see something that we've gotten so used to being cookie-cutter FINALLY have a new spin!

PS: I love that you used the term "steampunk" to describe the production... but it's more techno retro and underground punk more than anything. Steampunk is a lot more Victorian, scientific and with almost a "working-parts" kind of construction.
Updated On: 9/5/10 at 08:03 PM

[kchenofan]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 8:15pm

Although I prefer the costumes and overall look of the Broadway production, this is interesting. Minimalist, yet not tacky. I'm curious to know exactly how they use Dorothy. My best guess is her appearance in the melting scene, but I'm not sure how the actual melting would work.

Posted: 9/5/10 at 9:17pm

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by another avenue for Wicked hate. I fixed the subject line.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 9:38pm

A lot of the sets look inspired by Russian Constructivism. It's very cool.

[hairspraydude1962]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 9:46pm

Glinda in that yellow dress looks like Velma Von Tussle.

I thought the exact same thing.

[LiveUnscripted]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 10:11pm

What the heck is going on in page 22 of the program? Naked people in bubbles?

[ObiHave]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 10:18pm

Where's all the black fabric? She can't fly without black fabric!!!

[Wicked Fanatic]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 12:02am

"On page 34 of the program, there is a certain someone present that is not seen in the original staging".

And that someone is the narrator who appears in the play from the beginning in NMTW, the cornfield scene and the melting which in this production is fantastic. Someone posted that the ring of fire was in NGD it's not, it's in the melting. One of the people who has seen the production said that there's a ring of actual fire around Elphaba when she's supposed to be on fire! The scene that follows after it of the hand is the end of the Melting.

If you want to get a complete review of this production from someone who has seen it here's the link:

http://musicals.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1228549&sid=163802d0129519a7c925da83c66e0ae4

Looks like they removed this topic from the site, why I don't have a clue but too bad because it was a really detailed and excellent look at the show

"What the heck is going on in page 22 of the program? Naked people in bubbles?"

The answer to that is in the girl's review but she was just as mystified by the explanation as you were by the photos. I'm still trying to figure out if the bubbles were in the book; it's been way too long since I read it!






Updated On: 9/6/10 at 12:02 AM

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 12:11am

"I fixed the subject line."

Oh Joe, don't be so pretentious. Wicked has always existed, like oxygen or Mount Rushmore! This is the first ORIGINAL production, that wasn't germane to nature or stuff.

[Wicked Fanatic]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 12:22am

"They are also doing a non-replica in Denmark, has that opened yet?"

No, not till Jan. 13, 2011 so the Helsinki production is the first non-replica production.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 12:38am

I have seen the show 3 times, which is enough. But I would kill to see this production. It looks to be more visually "stunning" than the original.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 2:01am

i'm kinda liking Fiyero's tattoo

[onedaymore]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 2:05am

Could Galinda's "Popular" dress be any shorter?

And I like the fact that the Wizard looks more like the Wizard from the movie.