Plain and simple, Wicked is the best live show I've seen in a very long time.
Offering the Wizard of Oz back story of the Wicked Witch (nee Elphaba) and Glenda the Good, the production reminded me what can be achieved on a live stage with a compelling, well-written story, cohesive costume and set design, and brilliant music and performances.
The first act felt a little like a fantastic teen movie musical -- in a good way -- as innocent and well-intentioned Elphaba was ridiculed by her classmates, including Glenda for being -- quite literally -- green.
Through a series of school-time exchanges the two become unlikely friends, and are lured to Oz, where the Wizard wants to take advantage of Elphaba's mystical powers for his own wrong-doing. This effectively sends Elphaba fleeing by broomstick, and the rest of Oz on a "wicked" witch hunt.
The beauty of the two lead characters is that neither one is completely likable nor detestable. For much of the first act I thought to myself "Who knew I'd be relating to the Wicked Witch so much? She's the Andrea Zuckerman of this school, for chrissakes."
And while Glenda is largely self absorbed and vapid, her good heart shines through before she reaches any extreme levels of cruelty.
Chandra Lee Schwartz was the standout of the show for me, portraying Glenda with a strong sense of comedic timing, but giving her character enough vulnerability to counter her shallow tendencies. She really kept the performance electrifying.
We had understudy Carla Stickler in the role of Ephaba. Her performance was a little timid for me -- I wanted to feel more tension from this troubled and taunted woman who only wanted to do good and be loved. Still, she gave me the most incredible goosebumps during her performance of Defying Gravity.
Standouts in the supporting cast include Richard H. Blake as Fiyero, the hunky object of Elphaba and Glenda's affections; Justin Brill as shy munchkin Boq; and Randy Danson as Madame Morrible, the school mistress with ulterior motives.
Cleverly written to turn the Wizard of Oz tale on its head, I must admit also being suckered in by the show's underlying message. Elphaba and Glenda pursue happiness motivated by and/or in defiance of their flaws -- both external and internal. In the process they help each other find purpose and fulfillment by following their hearts.
It's this heart that carries the story and these tragically beautiful characters through a soaring adventure that would enthrall the most seasoned theatre-goer.
Wicked is playing at Toronto's Canon Theatre through November 28.