RSS
Home
Wicked is bewitching Wichita!
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Marcie Dodd as Elphaba
The Spectacular musical "Wicked" has bewitched Wichita with its marvelous high tech special effects, elaborate set and costume design, masterful make-up and uncanny vocal, acting, and dancing prowess! Nothing Wichita local has to offer can compare to the superior quality of this Broadway musical, many of the actors being directly from Broadway, off-Broadway, and other auspicious musical locations. The musical is a moving yet humorous fictional account of what happened before the Wicked Witch of the East is smashed by a house, book by Winnie Holzman, music and lyrics by the famous Stephen Schwartz. It tells the story of what can happen when people want what they want and will do anything to get it, even if that means lying and condemning another to get it Entry into the theatre itself betrayed the epicness of this play as the sets' exterior extended to beyond the curtain, a map of Oz lit in front of the curtain, and above the stage where a wonderful dragon head and wings sat, later becoming animated with glowing eyes, moving jaw and puffing smoke! The set animations did not stop there as the Emerald City glowed a gorgeous green, complimenting the wonderfully detailed costumes worn by the cast, and of course Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West's gorgeous green skin! Having said all of that, everyone knows that the meat of any play is its cast, and this one was spectacular. From the likeable Doctor Dillamond, to the conversely dislikeable Madam Morrible, the characters of this play span the gammot of what it means to be an actor. Madam Morrible is the type of woman that does whatever she wishes to get what she wants, and cares not how her actions may adversely effect those under her charge. Without giving the story away, our two lady leads, Elphaba and Glinda, meet at school and together get caught under the seeming helpfulness but what turns out to be misleadership of Madam Morrible. Glinda, played by Helene Yorke, displayed great voice and acting skills, but Elphaba's, played by Marcie Dodd, incredible vocal talent outshined Glinda's. Her soaring note at the end of the song "Defying Gravity" brought Stepen Schwartz' music to soul-stirring life. Ms. Dodd's vocals were by far the best female vocals this reporter has ever heard live. Her gift is utterly breathtaking. Ms. Dodd's and Ms. Yorke's harmonies were beautiful in "For Good" as was Ms. Dodd's and Mr. Colin Donnell's (Fiyero) in the romantic number "As Long as You're Mine." The dancing was flawless and choreography noticeably suited to each scene. The choreography and costuming of the monkeys was very well done, and noteworthy is the fact that, overall, there were no "weak" dancers in this company. Everyone was equally strong, lithe, agile, fit, and talented, despite differences in height, weight, sex, or ethnicity. A truly strong cast with a wonderful orchestra to accompany it, featuring 9 unnamed local musicians, per the program. Music can make or break a play, and this orchestra was well-timed and captivating. From crescendo to decrescendo as necessary to accompany the singers vocal rise and fall through a demanding score, to the electronic voice of the Wizard of Oz, the orchestra and sound system rocked the concert hall. Overall, it was a stunning performance to a sold out hall that is taking Wichita by storm. To not see it would be passing up the opportunity of a lifetime!
Wicked is playing through November 8th, 2009, at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita.
www.kake.com/home/headlines/67098042.html#
Related Articles:
Comments
