I had been looking forward to going to see Wicked for quite a while. For one reason or another I had missed the past productions at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. When Wicked first premiered, I serendipitous had met the book author Winnie Holzman at a cafe near NOHO and was inspired by her creativity. For one of my birthdays a friend of mine gave me the a CD of the music and I just loved it. Shortly thereafter I then met one of the actors who played the Wizard and was even more eager to see the show. But time flew by and life got in the way and I never made it. When I found out Wicked was coming back I made it a super priority to see it. So this time I went and boy am I glad! If you have not seen it, you should seriously consider going.



Wicked is well written, cleverly staged and eye pleasing spectacle of wonderment. The story is solid, very focused, leaving no plot points unresolved. Stephen Schwartz's has done it again. His lyrics and music are a wonderful contribution to the art of Musical Theatre. The cast is superb and when it comes to spectacular voices, Mamie Parris as Elphaba just knocks your socks off. Her performance of “Defying Gravity”, will send chills down your spine.

One number after another is packed with great choreography, strong characters and really funny moments. Katie Rose Clarke in the role of Glinda, is hysterical. Not only does she have a great singing voice, her physical comedy and comedic timing is absolutely impeccable. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the relationship and chemistry between Elphaba and Glinda. With an amazing set and lighting design when you see Wicked , you get to be in Oz.

When you go make sure you visit the photo opp booth where, with computer magic, you can become part of the cast. Here, in this picture as you can see, I am hamming it up with Nohoartsdistrict.com staff reviewer Cathy Wayne.