Photo by Joan Marcus
When asked what I consider to be the epitome of the modern era musical, one show in particular always springs to mind. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's musical Wicked burst onto the Broadway scene in October 2003 and now, 12 and a half years later, the production still plays to packed and sold-out houses at the massive George Gershwin Theatre. And with the astounding Rachel Tucker defying gravity eight times a week as Elphaba, this Oz-themed tuner shows no signs of slowing down. Yes, my lovely munchkins, Wicked is our #ShowOfTheWeek!
The magnificent sets and lavish costumes of the show alone are reason enough to make a trip down the yellow brick road to witness this spectacle. Both these creative elements were rewarded with Tonys in 2004 for their efforts. Then we have the Wonderful Wizard of Musical Theatre, Stephen Schwartz's score. I recall the very first time I saw Wicked in London and feeling strangely indifferent to the show tunes on offer. I have now seen the show five or six times, I own the Broadway Cast Recording, and I can honestly say that I am obsessed with nearly every song. I wonder now why I wasn't instantly enamored with the score, but I am so grateful it is one that I can re-visit and experience over and over again.
Rachel Tucker was the longest-serving Elphaba in West End history and now, after a stint in Sting's acclaimed but short-lived musical 'The Last Ship,' she is wowing audiences on the Great White Way. Rest assured you are getting a seasoned performer with Ms. Tucker in the role.
Read our exclusive interview with Rachel Tucker HERE.
Her brooding performance as Elphaba is joyously complimented by her bubbly, frolicking counterpart Carrie St. Louis as Glinda. There aren't many musicals that showcase two women in the lead roles and Wicked is certainly empowering in this respect. I can only think of 'Chicago' and 'The Color Purple' and 'Beautiful' off the top of my head, when it comes to Broadway musicals that are currently playing and putting women front and centre, without having to share the spotlight with the males, or be overshadowed by them.
The longevity of Wicked unquestionably has the popularity of 'The Wizard of Oz' to thank, but it also stands on its own ruby slipper-clad feet as a pioneer in the modern 'mega-musical' genre. There are so many themes at play - from friendship to inner beauty to political and social suppression to sacrificing your moral code to get ahead in life - there is bound to be something that the audience member, young or young-at-heart, identifies with.
Click here for tickets to Wicked for performances through to 2 October 2016 at Broadway's Gerswhin Theatre.
The cast of Wicked More production photosOriginally published on