"Wicked" - The musical (and the book)

[Raven]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b4/Wicked-poster.jpg
http://www.wickedthemusical.com/

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, misunderstood and victimized, who grows up to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and of her reactions to the charlatan Wizard's corrupt government. It also shows the development of her relationship with the beautiful and ambitious Galinda Upland, who becomes Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Throughout the show, their friendship struggles to endure their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, and Elphaba's eventual fall from grace.

I have read the book, and it is ABSOLUTELY fantastic. It is kinda
"ok, you have heard the story from the spoiled brat Dorothy's point of view, now here is what REALLY happened in Oz"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_%28novel%29 <<<wiki on the book

As things are, Elphaba (later coined 'the wicked witch of the west') is a freedom fighter for Animal rights. (Animals being different to animals because they have the ability to talk and show intellect like the Lion). The story is about family, religion, and politics and how this brash young girl gets caught up in it, and eventually murdered by the brat Dorothy (and her annoying mutt of a dog). Glinda (the supposed good witch) is a snobby cow, and the Wizard is a tyrant! (and munchkinlanders are evil little bastards)

It is absolutely fantastic to see the story from another perspective, and if people dont see the musical... maybe try the book!

Anyway, im going to the melbourne show of the 'Wicked' musical. Anyone else read the book or plan on seeing the musical?

[Superaj]

My sister, who is absolutely obsessed with the music from the musical, told me about it and introduced me to the soundtrack a little while ago. I loved it, bought it off itunes store, am now reading the book and have booked tickets for my sisters bday to the melbourne show for July 9th. I live in Wollongong NSW so we are making a family trip out of it.

I didn't read your little spiel in fear of spoilers but so far im enjoying the book and cannot wait for the show.

[JemaKnight]

Looks good, though I'm not a big fan of musicals.

[Superaj]

Here are a few Youtube Videos for those wanting to know a little more... i tried to post them but it didnt work..

A little something about the story...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0m6sclZkH0&feature=related

A trailer with the current broadway preformers...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWhLLiwTnpg&feature=related

A Tony Awards performance of the original (and best) broadway cast...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNv6cFUvU9s

[Danon]

The witch from that show always scared me as a kid, I don't think I could ever see her as a hero in a story..

intrigues me, might try and track it down and give it a read.

[Lucario]

Yea I hated the movie but this sounds like an interesting twist so I might look into reading the novel.

[Raven]

The witch from that show always scared me as a kid, I don't think I could ever see her as a hero in a story..

intrigues me, might try and track it down and give it a read.
Heh, I always thought that the movie was ridiculous, as was the witch!

Hero? Absolutely. Elphaba was born green, and thus got picked on and the like. Her parents paid her little attention (most of attention went to her INCREDIBLY religious goody two shoes sister). So yeah, she became a bit of a loner, who enjoyed books and studying. From here leads to rebellion, and becoming a sort of 'figurehead' for Animal Rights.

Definately definately worth a read.

[stoveOVEN]

From what i've heard from the soundtrack (if it could be called that) most of the show is just one, everlasting falsetto.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I wouldn't mind picking up the book at some point.

[Malchum]

I was fortunate enough to catch the West End production when I was in London last year and it was fantastic. Not the kind of thing I'd normally be drawn to, but very enjoyable all the same. High production values, great humour, drama and music, plus some extraordinary talent (go the London cast!).

I've since read the Gregory Maguire novel and the show is definitely the 'Disneyised’ version of his very adult tale.

I was a bit worried about the Melbourne production of the show, I had nightmares about it being populated with Australian Idol rejects and failed Chanel Nine ‘personalities’ (Rob Mills as Fieyro? Rachel Beck as Elphaba? Bert effin’ Newton as the Wizard?). Looks like it’s shaping up well though.

[Rooney]

My family is heading over to Melbourne in July to see this, I am a bit sceptical as I'm not into musicals really or even the movie. But, I'm giving it a chance.

[rabymon10]

I just can't see Elphaba as a hero. Just no. In the book, I see her more as a vigilante who also becomes pyschotically affected and overcome with her losses. She has an obsession with Dorothy and those shoes now, and she doesn't know exactly why. She just lets the wind take her whereever it goes as she has no clear direction but down. With that, I really like the tone that the story takes with mood, setting and character - it's the type of movie I want to see... which is not going to happen of coarse, because in 'Wicked' history, that's what the musical was made from.

There is an artist called Hannah Fury who has written some songs that perfectly sum up the way Elphaba is written in the book. Give her a look, you can even download for free off her official website 'The House That Killed Nessarose'. Perfect.

Now I absolutely love the musical, but with watered down Elphaba, I don't think I could see her as a hero at all. If anything, she's doing the occasional small thing here and there, and then on the run again; nothing much at all to deem her a hero apart from the fact that she may have become a bit of a trend setter - don't know, the writing is kind of vague on everything she's done... just goes through the motions. What does make her significant is her ability to connect with an audience because of the notion of being an outcast. In some people's eyes, she may be their personal hero because of that. Likewise with G(a)linda.

I am very dissapointed with some of the casting for the Australian production, but with the privilege of seeing the London and U.S. NAT productions several times, as well as free tickets to the Australian production, it shouldn't really worry me as much. Really really happy though with Amanda Harrison cast as Elphaba and Maggie Kirkpatrick as Morrible. Got plans at current to see the Stuttgart production in the middle of the year. Can't wait!

[Rooney]

Major bump!
I just saw this on Sunday, when our family went over to Melbourne on the weekend. I really enjoed the entire show. I have never read the book so I don't know how closely it follows it, but I thought the story was pretty good even if it did feel slightly rushed in parts.
If any one here was slightly interested in seeing, I definetly recommended going to see it.

[DarkLord]

I saw it on Broadway not knowing anything about it
it was good, I enjoyed it.
the sexy wife from that RV movie was in it.
( Not Cherryl from Curb, the other sexy wife )
everythings better on Broadway

[Superaj]

I saw it on the 9th.... amazing! Everything i hoped it would be! Me and my sister are planning another trip to see it in Melbourne before it comes to Sydney in a few years or so.

I envy Darklord... Kristen Chenoweth (the 'sexy wife from RV') and Idina Menzel are the best leads to grace this show!

[triggen]

I saw it yesterday with some people from my school and I have to say it was very nice. The bit with the flying monkeys swinging from the ceiling was awesome and I really liked the way the second act went parallel to, or behind the scenes of what happened in the Wizard of Oz. And the bit right before intermission was amazing. :D