WICKED Broadway At The Paramount November 6th through December 1st, 2024 Review
WICKED
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Winnie Holzman
Directed by: Joe Mantello
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Thursday November 7, 2024, 7:30pm Performance
.jpg)
I was seated on the main floor for the latest touring edition of “Wicked”. Three patrons - one in my row, one behind me, and one in front of me stated last night during the intermission that they had never been to a musical performance before (their words). One of them stated, “I can’t believe I’ve been missing this all this time” while another was verbally in awe during the last number of Act 1 when “that” happens (most of us know what part I’m speaking of), and yet the third patron was gushing to her friend just how unbelievably good this show was. I honestly think their comments and reactions speak louder than almost anything I could write.
But, I’m here to review the musical Wicked as a member of the media.
Wicked is everywhere right now due to the upcoming film version being released on November 22nd (with early screenings on 11/21 and for the ultimate diehards on 11/18). STG really came out on top by having the musical in town the same month as the film release. We are the Emerald City after all so it makes sense in many ways but what a stroke of genius.
.jpg)
The show has been a favorite around the world ever since its debut some twenty years ago. The themes of not fitting in but not caving to the pressures of the outside world still ring true today. The familiarity of the material to The Wizard of Oz gives the newcomer a basic idea of what they’ll be experiencing. It appeals to families, friends, couples, pretty much everyone. For those like the three patrons I mentioned earlier, Wicked serves as a perfect entry into the world of musical theatre. It has the story, the songs, and the technical wow factor that combines to keep bringing back the audiences again and again.
Last night the show was exactly as one would expect that’s seen the show before. Austen Danielle Bohmer as G(a)linda and Lauren Samuels as Elphaba were superb in their roles. The chemistry was there between the two performers which is essential for making the storyline work. And indeed it worked wonders.
.jpg)
Xavaier McKinnon as Fiyero also played the part beautifully. His singing voice got lost in the mix every now and then but that was only something an audio geek like myself would most likely notice.
Erica Ito as Nessarose and Alex Vinh as Boq also performed wonderfully in their respective roles, with an extra nod to Erica Ito for her performance.
I mean really the entire cast including the ensemble were just ready to deliver last night. The technology still sucks the patrons into the world happening on stage and it really never lets go until the curtain call.
.jpg)
If you’ve seen Wicked and you love it, you won’t be disappointed by this touring edition. If you’ve never seen Wicked but have been to a few musicals, don’t miss out on this show. You absolutely will be entertained. And for those that have never ventured into a musical theatre show, do yourself a favor and check out a performance while the show is here. I’m willing to bet that you’ll walk away a new musical theatre fan after seeing Wicked.
Highly recommended!
“Wicked” runs through December 1st. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
Side note: For upcoming performances, definitely go into Seattle and the show with a plan. Many of these performances are sold out so the crowds that line up outside and inside are possibly larger than you’re accustomed to. My recommendation is to get everywhere early - parking, dining, entrance to the show, merchandise, drinks, etc. This includes at the intermission. Have a plan in your head so you don’t get caught missing the first 10 minutes of Act 1 or Act 2 because you were stuck in line outside or possibly at the restroom or bar during the intermission. I’ve never seen so many patrons come in late during Act 2 once there was an appropriate break to do so. It’s easy to get caught up in talking with your party about Act 1 when in reality you should be heading to do whatever you need to do in the theatre before the doors shut and Act 2 begins.
For you newcomers - unlike a concert or sporting event, when the show starts, the show starts. You cannot enter late as it disturbs the performance. The doors will close and you will not be permitted to enter until there is an appropriate “quiet” break in the show. The ushers will open the doors at an appropriate time. Just a heads up so you don't miss out on anything.
Enjoy the show!
.jpg)
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Winnie Holzman
Directed by: Joe Mantello
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Thursday November 7, 2024, 7:30pm Performance
.jpg)
(Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda and Lauren Samuels as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024)
I was seated on the main floor for the latest touring edition of “Wicked”. Three patrons - one in my row, one behind me, and one in front of me stated last night during the intermission that they had never been to a musical performance before (their words). One of them stated, “I can’t believe I’ve been missing this all this time” while another was verbally in awe during the last number of Act 1 when “that” happens (most of us know what part I’m speaking of), and yet the third patron was gushing to her friend just how unbelievably good this show was. I honestly think their comments and reactions speak louder than almost anything I could write.
But, I’m here to review the musical Wicked as a member of the media.
Wicked is everywhere right now due to the upcoming film version being released on November 22nd (with early screenings on 11/21 and for the ultimate diehards on 11/18). STG really came out on top by having the musical in town the same month as the film release. We are the Emerald City after all so it makes sense in many ways but what a stroke of genius.
.jpg)
(Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda and Xavier McKinnon as Fiyero in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.)
The show has been a favorite around the world ever since its debut some twenty years ago. The themes of not fitting in but not caving to the pressures of the outside world still ring true today. The familiarity of the material to The Wizard of Oz gives the newcomer a basic idea of what they’ll be experiencing. It appeals to families, friends, couples, pretty much everyone. For those like the three patrons I mentioned earlier, Wicked serves as a perfect entry into the world of musical theatre. It has the story, the songs, and the technical wow factor that combines to keep bringing back the audiences again and again.
Last night the show was exactly as one would expect that’s seen the show before. Austen Danielle Bohmer as G(a)linda and Lauren Samuels as Elphaba were superb in their roles. The chemistry was there between the two performers which is essential for making the storyline work. And indeed it worked wonders.
.jpg)
(Lauren Samuels as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024 .)
Xavaier McKinnon as Fiyero also played the part beautifully. His singing voice got lost in the mix every now and then but that was only something an audio geek like myself would most likely notice.
Erica Ito as Nessarose and Alex Vinh as Boq also performed wonderfully in their respective roles, with an extra nod to Erica Ito for her performance.
I mean really the entire cast including the ensemble were just ready to deliver last night. The technology still sucks the patrons into the world happening on stage and it really never lets go until the curtain call.
.jpg)
(Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024 .)
If you’ve seen Wicked and you love it, you won’t be disappointed by this touring edition. If you’ve never seen Wicked but have been to a few musicals, don’t miss out on this show. You absolutely will be entertained. And for those that have never ventured into a musical theatre show, do yourself a favor and check out a performance while the show is here. I’m willing to bet that you’ll walk away a new musical theatre fan after seeing Wicked.
Highly recommended!
“Wicked” runs through December 1st. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
Side note: For upcoming performances, definitely go into Seattle and the show with a plan. Many of these performances are sold out so the crowds that line up outside and inside are possibly larger than you’re accustomed to. My recommendation is to get everywhere early - parking, dining, entrance to the show, merchandise, drinks, etc. This includes at the intermission. Have a plan in your head so you don’t get caught missing the first 10 minutes of Act 1 or Act 2 because you were stuck in line outside or possibly at the restroom or bar during the intermission. I’ve never seen so many patrons come in late during Act 2 once there was an appropriate break to do so. It’s easy to get caught up in talking with your party about Act 1 when in reality you should be heading to do whatever you need to do in the theatre before the doors shut and Act 2 begins.
For you newcomers - unlike a concert or sporting event, when the show starts, the show starts. You cannot enter late as it disturbs the performance. The doors will close and you will not be permitted to enter until there is an appropriate “quiet” break in the show. The ushers will open the doors at an appropriate time. Just a heads up so you don't miss out on anything.
Enjoy the show!
.jpg)
(Lauren Samuels as Elphaba and Erica Ito as Nessarose in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.)
Comments
Post a Comment