Wicked
So I saw Wicked on Friday, thanks to an anniversary present from my parents. The thing you have to understand is that I've kind of resisted this show for a long time, simply because so many people I knew were just so fan-girly over it. When something inspires that kind of rabid enthusiasm, I tend to avoid it, because I hate to be just another person who thinks this is OMG! Greatest thing EVAR!
However. Having now seen it, I am forced to admit that I get it. The fan-girls are not wrong. The show is amazing. I haven't actually read the book yet, but I'll start with giving Gregory Maguire his kudos for coming up with the idea, and for producing what appears to be a well-thought-out, well-put-together story. Then someone took that and distilled it really well so that the thought that went into the original is still evident, the characters are really compelling, and the music is fantastic. Throw on a decent budget to create gorgeous sets, costumes, lighting, etc., and it just gets better. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this show, and I gave it the first standing ovation I've given in a very long time.
I will not go so far as to say that it's changed my life or anything, but I'm afraid that I am indeed now among those who will, if given half an opportunity, possibly start gushing about how amazing this show is. Because seriously, it is really damn good. And the production that's touring right now is also really damn good. Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel are a pair of very talented ladies, and to step into those roles after they've made them famous takes a lot, and Katie Rose Clarke and Carmen Cusack absolutely did them justice. They were fantastic. I'm not sure I can say enough to adequately convey how good this was.
So yeah. It still pains me a little to admit it, but yeah. I'm totally a convert.
However. Having now seen it, I am forced to admit that I get it. The fan-girls are not wrong. The show is amazing. I haven't actually read the book yet, but I'll start with giving Gregory Maguire his kudos for coming up with the idea, and for producing what appears to be a well-thought-out, well-put-together story. Then someone took that and distilled it really well so that the thought that went into the original is still evident, the characters are really compelling, and the music is fantastic. Throw on a decent budget to create gorgeous sets, costumes, lighting, etc., and it just gets better. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this show, and I gave it the first standing ovation I've given in a very long time.
I will not go so far as to say that it's changed my life or anything, but I'm afraid that I am indeed now among those who will, if given half an opportunity, possibly start gushing about how amazing this show is. Because seriously, it is really damn good. And the production that's touring right now is also really damn good. Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel are a pair of very talented ladies, and to step into those roles after they've made them famous takes a lot, and Katie Rose Clarke and Carmen Cusack absolutely did them justice. They were fantastic. I'm not sure I can say enough to adequately convey how good this was.
So yeah. It still pains me a little to admit it, but yeah. I'm totally a convert.