Review by Chris Heide
Photo provided by the Broadway touring company of Wicked
Anyone who is a musical theatre fan knows about the upcoming Wicked movie. It is one of the biggest musical events of the decade and the press surrounding the movie has been impermeable. While I am excited for the film, my heart will always be connected to where it began: the stage. To be quote honest, viewing this show mere days after the election felt like kismet. It was the perfect time to be in a space, with my partner, surrounded by many theater lovers and LGBTQ+ people. It was the first time since election night that I felt safe. Even more importantly, the story Wicked itself felt apropos for the moment.
Yes, Wicked is the tale of how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be. On the surface, it is a lush and sweet musical filled with showstopping ballads, bombastic set designs, and luscious worldbuilding present. However, the themes run much deeper paralleling the darkness that has overtaken out country. It is a show about alienation, discrimination, racism, propaganda and the consequences of an authoritarian government. One might think that Wicked would be a difficult show to watch, given the present real-world events. The one stark difference between the aftermath of this election and that of Wicked is that the show is filled with hope.
I had the opportunity to see Wicked last night at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. Despite having seen Wicked once before, I was moved to tears by the live renditions of Defying Gravity and For Good. Like any good gay, I have spent dozens of hours watching hundreds of performances online of Defying Gravity from some of the greatest performers around the world. The song never gets old, but there is just something magical about witnessing the awe spools right in front of you.
To no surprise, the two leads of this show were spectacular, capturing everything we have grown to expect and love from Elphaba, played by Lauren Samuels, and Glinda, played by Austen Danielle Bohmer. Samuels gave one of the best performances as Elphaba I have ever seen. Her vocals were unparalleled, and Bohmer’s comedic timing was impeccable. Wicked is a show that proves time and time again why it is one of Broadway’s most iconic productions. This touring company could have honestly originated the roles on Broadway. They were that good. The fact that a touring performance of this show could be this damn good is mind-blowing.
If it’s your first time seeing Wicked, or your 20th, the show will undoubtedly continue to shock, awe, simple, and instill hope. For those who can’t, do not miss the movie version. I know that this gay will be there opening weekend. What a month for Wicked! We all need a little hope and the opportunity to have the chance to fly and escape into a place of safety, magic, and comfort.