Jessica Vosk as Elphaba in WICKED
By PAM HARBAUGH
The Broadway phenomenon — the musical WICKED — has settled in Orlando where it will stay through Jan. 29 at the gorgeous Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center.
And really…if you or your daughter or theatrically alert son have not seen this, then just grab some bucks and go. And just in case you’re completely out of it, “Wicked” is the backstory to the Wicked Witch of the West. The book by Winnie Holzman is clever as can be, the music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz are a joy, and the production, directed by Joe Mantello, is an eye-popper.
The abiding theme is how someone different is so easily reviled. What is it with theater? Always delivering on current topics!
On stage now is the official Broadway tour. And it is filled to the brim with all the talent and dazzle as the show on Broadway. In fact, I’ve seen the Broadway show and I actually like the tours better. There’s a real excitement to them.
Here, it is Jessica Vosk who the self-deprecating and heroic Elphaba, the so-called green Wicked Witch of the West; and Amanda Jane Cooper who delivers a funny and endearing Glinda, the oh-so-pert good witch. Ms. Vosk has an impressive list of Broadway credits and has also performed with the New York and San Francisco symphonies. Ms. Cooper was Glinda on the show’s first national tour and has a long list of television credits, including those for “Glee” and even “CSI.”
Ms. Vosk will knock your socks off with her “Defying Gravity,” the show’s iconic number. Ms. Cooper is a ball of energy and comic timing in “Popular,” a funny number in which Glinda tries to make her green roommate more feminine. But together, they deliver an unforgettable “For Good,” which will probably make you tear up.
The award winning Isabel Keating has a delicious stage presence and makes a perfect Madame Morrible, the school headmistress. Playing the Wizard is Fred Applegate, who’s been in a slew of Broadway shows from “Wicked” to “The Producers.” Jeremy Woodard makes a fine Fiyero, the preening heart throb who discovers true love.
If you are a lucky person…a day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25 orchestra seats will be held for “Wicked” two and one-half hours prior to each performance. You need to go to the box office ( 2 1/2 hours ahead of time, mind you) and get your name on a lottery. Thirty minutes later, winners name will be called. Then you only have to pay $25, cash only, to get some great seats. Limit two tickets per person. Lottery participants must have a valid photo I.D. when submitting their entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.
Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda and Jessica Vosk as Elphaba in WICKED
