Wiched
I recently had a chance to see WICKED for the second time and was even more thrilled than the first time when I saw it on Broadway. If I could whistle sets, lights and costumes I would still be puckered up. What Eugene Lee (sets), Kenneth Posner (lights) and Susan Hilferty (costumes) is nothing short of magical genius.
I can’t remember when I have seen such a spectacular production, and that’s before the flying monkeys, a floating bubble for Glinda, and a mechanical dragon. All is this matched by super performances by all the actors. Megan Hilty is hilarious as Glinda the good and sings magnificently. Eden Espinosa, performing in her hometown, is a true force of nature and her voice is outstanding, just the right mix of Broadway sound and pop. Carol Kane is actually better as the evil Madame Morrible than when I saw her last. And she still seems to be savoring every last ounce of fiendish activity with great glee. John Rubinstein is a happy reminder of his days as Pippin (again by composer
Stephen Swartz) when I sold orange drink at the Imperial Theatre in NYC and later performed in the national company here in LA. What makes WICKED so special is that actually says something about friendship, not fitting in, the nature of good and evil. While I admire Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS, I much prefer WICKED for its humanity.