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I recently became aware of the musical Wicked. I remember seeing the book when it first came out, but didn't allow myself to be interested beyond the initial "Wow, there's a neat concept." But there was a recent run of acknowledgements to it on television, and I found myself with the refrain from the best known song, "Popular", running through my head. So I began researching it a bit. The musical is the stage version of the book of the same name, a story of how the infamous Wicked Witch of the West became a creature of evil. The history shows how a shy, self conscious country girl goes to school, becomes the roommate of the perpetually perky Galinda (only later to be called Glinda), and is subject to the ridicule of the aristocratic upper class found in the land of Oz. While the musical is not completely true to the book, most of the subjects in the book wouldn't translate completely over to the stage. (The book is aimed at a mature audience, and nonchalantly deals with certain issues and images that would easily earn a film version an "R" rating.) Still, the universal issues of prejudice, teenage angst, first love, and personal freedom shine through in the music, and it is hard to listen and not be touched by the power of it. I live in an area that gets only a limited number of Broadway musicals road companies, and I look forward to Wicked coming through. If you enjoy the book, if you enjoy musicals, give this one a try.Read full review
What can I say? My daughter told me all about this musical production that we would have to see one day if it ever came to our city. The most curious note is how reviled or adored this musical has become which leads me to think that it is larger than even the adulators suspect.In the same way that the old chestnut "Oklahoma!" will be rolling into town every so often so will "Wicked" many years after its creators have passed. The recording shows remarkable restraint in that it does not give the story completely away. Now that we have seen a live production of "Wicked" starring Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty we can use our memory to play the musical back to ourselves- a concept lost on the "YouTube" generation.Which leads to another thought;it would be grand to have the option of acquiring the touring cast version as I preferred Bean's passionate declaration to Menzel's yodel in "Defying gravity" and Hilty's transformation from immature,self-absorbed brat to benevolent matriarch. On the recording,Chenoweth has all the chops but is a little stiff dramatically.Happily, the most important turning point in the musical is NOT documented on the recording where the redemption of the characters Glinda and Elphaba occurs during "Dancing through Life".Its a visual that you have to create yourself and remember through the musical strains that linger.As corn dog as it sounds, unless you happen to be a complete automaton this recording and the musical as a work of creative art will "leave a hand print on your heart."Read full review
I can't say enough wonderful things about this play and its music. Glinda and Elphaba become friends in school and later become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. I've seen it on stage and even 6 months later, I still listen to the CD a LOT and sing along to the wonderful songs. The whole play is very upbeat and humorous and its revelations about the characters of Oz will have you leaving the theatre in amazement. I've tried to pick a favorite song, but simply cannot. "Loathing" and "Popular" are 2 of the most memorable because they are so cutsey and fun. Anyone who has ever had a best friend will relate to "Because I Knew You". "Defying Gravity" will have you feeling like flying.
Even if you've never seen the play, or read the book, you MUST listen to the music. Stephen Schwartz outdoes himself on this one. The music is classic, just like the musicals of yesteryear. Following the storyline through the music is not difficult at all, right down to the tear-jerking moments and the soft chuckles. People all over the world have been bitten by an obsession with this musical, and when you hear this music, it isn't hard to see why. The songs are easy to sing along with, or just close your eyes and imagine the production. If, like me, you live too far to see a live show, this soundtrack is the next best thing.
Despite the eBay heading that the show appeared in 1966, the Broadway musical "Wicked" premiered just a few years ago. Still on Broadway, and now on tour, the show is a delightful look at Oz before (and just as) Dorothy arrives. It tells the story of the two witches, Glinda (the Good Witch) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch). The two girls go to high school together; Glinda is the bouncy, goody-goody blonde, and Elphaba the shy, green-skinned "nobody." As the story develops, we see Glinda, the trying-to-be-popular-and-succeeding girl becoming friends with Elphaba. Elphaba is still teased about her green skin by all, but survives. The music really captures the feeling of the show, and, thankfully, there is no music from the famous movie. It's all totaly original. Elphaba is portrayed as a much more complicated person than one would expect if you've seen the Judy Garland movie, and Elphaba's character generates a great deal of sympathy. Having seen the show on tour in 2007, your reviewer loved the music, the orchestrations, and the fine singing. The CD captures all the nuances of the music and lyrics and the recording is superb. Four out of four stars for this fine recording.Read full review
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