Wicked on Broadway
For those unfamiliar with the story of Wicked, it answers the question “Are people born wicked?” Through the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz, and her relationship with Galinda, Glinda as we know her now, we learn that in this case Elphaba was not born wicked. Their surprising friendship tells the backstory of their “rivalry” in Wizard of Oz.
Originally Kristin Chenoweth played Galinda and Idina Menzel played Elphaba. Both Katie Rose Clarke, Galinda, and Mandy Gonzales, Elphaba, had big shoes to fill. Though Clarke has had more experience on Broadway, only Clarke succeeded to impress me when I saw the show on September 8, 2010 at the beautiful Gershwin Theater. Though both woman have incredible voices, Clarke seemed to have a better connection with the audience. She was engaging, charismatic, and funny. Gonzales was a little flat, except during her touching rendition of “The Wizard and I.” But, during the duet “Defying Gravity,” Clarke managed to steal the spotlight.
Performances by Jenny Fellner, who plays Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, and Michael DeVries, Oz, were also memorable. The costumes, set, and dancers were all beautiful as well. This is show you definitely don’t want to miss when in New York City.
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