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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Wicked Also see Gil's revieww of Broadway Bound
Based on Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked tells the story story of the Witches of Oz: Elphaba, the misunderstood, green-skinned girl with immense magical talent; and Glinda, the bubbly and ambitious blonde who craves popularity. As they meet at Shiz University and develop an unlikely friendship, their paths take different directions, leading Elphaba to become the so-called "Wicked Witch of the West" and Glinda to be celebrated as "Glinda the Good." Along the way, they encounter love, betrayal, and the corruption of power, all set against the backdrop of the familiar Wizard of Oz universe. The original Broadway direction by Joe Mantello and creative elements are faithfully replicated on tour, ensuring the production maintains its Broadway-caliber magic. Stephen Schwartz's sweeping score remains one of the most beloved in modern musical theatre, with soaring ballads like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good" especially connecting with audiences. Winnie Holzman's book is sharp, funny, and deeply moving, though when compared to the expanded film adaptation, the stage version can sometimes feel like a fast-paced, CliffsNotes retelling of this epic story, which is something I never noticed before in the many times I've seen the stage version. Lauren Samuels is a phenomenal Elphaba, bringing both vulnerability and fierce determination to the role, making her transformation into the so-called Wicked Witch heartbreaking and powerful. Samuels' singing voice is impressive, with her solo songs, especially "Defying Gravity," hitting some powerful, high-flying notes. While Austen Danielle Bohmer's Glinda is delightfully comedic at times, and she does a good job capturing the character's evolution from self-absorbed socialite to a woman of true depth and integrity, she downplays Glinda's ditziness and doesn't always allow the humor of the character to land. Fortunately, the chemistry between Samuels and Bohmer is authentic, which makes the friendship at the heart of the show feel genuine and affecting. Blake Hammond delivers a commanding performance as the Wizard, blending charm and humor with an appropriately subtle undercurrent of menace. Xavier McKinnon's Fiyero, a student at Shiz who befriends Glinda and Elphaba, is charismatic and dashing, and Aymee Garcia is an imposing and cunning Madame Morrible, the headmistress at Shiz. Erica Ito's Nessarose, Elphaba's sister, is tragic and complex, and Alex Vinh's Boq, a munchkin at Shiz, is endearing. Kingsley Leggs brings warmth and wisdom to his role as Doctor Dillamond, a professor at Shiz. The large ensemble shine as a range of characters. Visually, Wicked remains one of the most spectacular touring productions and, with the exception of large set pieces that come out on the sides of the stage at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, the touring production is a fairly faithful replication of the Broadway production. Eugene Lee's intricate set design, Kenneth Posner's atmospheric lighting, and Susan Hilferty's lavish, Tony-winning costumes all come together to create a stunning world that transports audiences to Oz. With its unforgettable score, powerful performances, and dazzling spectacle, Wicked is an exhilarating musical theatre experience that remains just as spellbinding as it was when I first saw it over 20 years ago. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Wicked is a truly magical night at the theater. Wicked runs through March 30, 2025, at ASU Gammage located, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.asugammage.com or call 480-965-3434. For information on the tour, visit www.wickedthemusical.com. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Cast: |
