Review: Wicked Provides Enchanting, Emotional Experience
“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry.” This statement has become somewhat of a cliche in the entertainment world, but very rarely do you actually get to experience a range of emotions in one sitting, whether it be a movie, a concert or a theatre show. But this is exactly what you’ll experience during a performance of Wicked, which is now playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
The moment you walk into the DPAC theatre, you are submerged into the peculiar world of Oz. From the clock like set borders, to the gigantic dragon above, you immediately know you’re not in Durham anymore.
Wicked tells the story of what happened before Dorothy and Toto drops in and before there was a Wicked Witch and a Good Witch. Wicked is the untold story of two unlikely friends: Elphaba (played by Vicki Noon), who was born with green skin, and Glinda (played by Natalie Daradich), the beautiful blonde popular one.
From Glinda’s quirky antics and over-the-top expressions to Elphaba’s fiery comebacks, the show is filled with humor. Some may say that Glinda can be somewhat annoying, but you just have to laugh at her personality, because we’ve all known someone like that. To draw a comparison of Glinda, she is the “Elle Woods” of Oz.
But aside from Glinda’s personality, there’s a real story underneath the musical production. It’s a story of true friendship and what could happen to that friendship when the outside world pulls at you. It’s a story of the pressures of growing up different and trying to fit in with everyone else, but no matter how much “good” you try to do, it’s just never enough.
During the show you may also feel furious about the way everyone treats and uses Elphaba. Deep down you’re hurting for her, because everyone’s experience a form of bullying, whether you are on the giving end or the receiving end of it.
And of course, you will cry. I heard quite a few sniffles in the audience during the performance of “For Good”, sung by the two friends. You must listen to the heartfelt song lyrics of friendship and how life has changed for the better because of knowing that special someone. I must admit, there were several times throughout the show that I got goosebumps because of the song lyrics and because of the voices of these two stars.
On the production side of the show, the costumes are grand and the sets are spectacular. From big, glittery dresses to the “big lights” of Oz this is buzz-worthy production. And of course, you can expect a few magical scenes in there that are jaw-dropping and will have you asking: “How did they do that?”
The show is perfect for a date-night, a family-night or a friend’s night out. The show is running at the DPAC until May 16. DPAC will hold a day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. For more information about the lottery, click here.
Have you seen the show? I want to know what you thought about it. Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.
Related Link: Wicked official website
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I saw Wicked last night and it was just spectacular. Vicki Noon as Elphaba was incredible. Her voice gives goosebumps. It’s hard to believe her name is not more well known. Natalie Daradich was incredible as well. Loved it and want to go see it again.