Wicked in Los Angeles

Wicked - Los Angeles

Wicked - Los Angeles

If you loved The Wizard of Oz then you will love the musical "?Wicked?" in Los Angeles! The story is based on the best-selling novel "?Wicked?: The Life and Times of the ?Wicked? Witch of the West", which is a re-imagining of the classic Wizard of Oz story. The perspective has changed however, as the story is related from the point of view of the witches, Glinda and Elphaba. You may remember that they will grow into the Good Witch of the North and the ?Wicked? Witch of the West. Musically speaking, the play is expertly produced with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a libretto by Winnie Holzman.

How successful has the Universal Pictures-produced musical been thus far? It broke box office records when it debuted in major U.S. cities and still holds records to this day for weekly gross takings and fastest openings. It is estimated that over two million people have seen the musical in America alone. If all witches want is some loving attention, then it must please Glinda and Elphaba to know that ?Wicked? was nominated for ten 2004 Tony Awards and won three for Best Actress, Best Scenic Design and Best Costuming.

Don't assume that ?Wicked? is merely a retelling of the famous Wizard of Oz production. In fact music and lyrics guru Stephen Schwartz once remarked that production wise, everyone was more interested in the relationship between the two witches, and how their separate destinies came about as the result of their friendship. What can you expect going into the musical as a first time patron? Crowds are typically blown away by the performances of the lead actresses and enjoy the special effects.

Some of the characters you will be meeting include Elphaba, a misunderstood green-skinned girl who rebels against the Wizard's laws; Glinda, a beautiful, ambitious and possibly vain character who knows political opportunity when she sees it. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a father figure who is oppressing Oz's animals, and Madame Morrible, the power-hungry headmistress of the Shiz University, who has a nifty talent of controlling the weather. Finally there is Fiyero, a handsome Winkie prince who is attracted to Glinda but the object of Elphaba's desire.

Some of the catchy numbers that you will hear include Dancing Through Life, What is this Feeling?, As Long As You're Mine, and No One Mourns the ?Wicked? and Unlimited. If you listen closely you can hear the first seven notes of the original song "Over The Rainbow" in Unlimited. You will see ?Wicked? at the Pantages Theatre located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Admission tickets for seating can range from $85 dollars to just over $100. The length of the musical is two and a half hours with one intermission of about 15 minutes.

If you are looking to add culture and artistry to your Los Angeles vacation, don't forget to buy tickets to ?Wicked?. The play is magical enough for children who love the Wizard of Oz, and satirical enough to please adults who once cried over Dorothy's red shoes.