Theatre Review: Wicked, Wales Millennium Centre
Summary:
Rating: ★★★
Running Dates: Thursday 24th October - Saturday 23rd November 2024
Where to see it: Wales Millennium Centre
Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes (including interval)
Keywords: Musical, Fantasy, Friendship
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Review
It’s a must-see, whether you're a fan of the original or new to the tale, offering a rich tapestry of relationships and themes that linger long after the curtain falls.
Prepare to be enchanted by a journey through the complexities of friendship and identity in Wicked, a celebrated stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire. This vibrant production serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz, delivering a thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the final curtain falls.
While Wicked explores themes of good and evil and the bonds that shape our lives, it also highlights dated tropes surrounding its female leads that can feel limiting in today's context. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, while central to the narrative, occasionally falls into familiar clichés of rivalry and competition, particularly in their dynamic with Fiyero. This prompted me to reflect on the show's popularity and how it mirrors cultural norms that many may have grown up with, though I found myself less able to appreciate it at the same cult classic level as some in the audience.
Elphaba, the misunderstood "Wicked Witch," grapples with her identity in a society that judges her for her green skin. Glinda embodies privilege and popularity, and while their relationship is pivotal, I wished for a deeper exploration of Fiyero and Glinda as individuals, as well as their roles within the story.
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Each character has complexity hinted at, but none are developed enough for full understanding, even as I appreciated their arcs. I particularly enjoyed Fiyero's performance, which brought a lively energy to the stage. The dynamics introduced by the Wizard and Madame Morrible offered intriguing perspectives on power and manipulation but left me wanting more depth.
Nessarose adds another layer, with her complex relationship with Elphaba showcasing themes of loyalty and betrayal. Even as she turns against her sister, her actions reveal a deeper struggle for agency, complicating their bond in a compelling way.
The set design is nothing short of phenomenal, starting with a glimmering tapestry of Oz that greets the audience and reappears at the interval and end of the play. The moving pieces reveal a swarm of flying monkeys after Elphaba’s first spell, enhancing the magical atmosphere. The clever nods to the original Wizard of Oz were delightfully woven throughout the performance, adding layers for fans of the classic tale.
The musical’s score features unforgettable songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” but I found myself drifting during some numbers. While the vocal and performance talent is impressive, the musical elements didn’t always captivate me, possibly due to repetitive qualities that made it challenging to fully engage.
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Featuring a talented cast including Sarah O’Connor, Laura Pick, Simeon Truby, Donna Berlin and Carl Man, Wicked invites reflection on the role of art in challenging societal norms. It’s a must-see, whether you're a fan of the original or new to the tale, offering a rich tapestry of relationships and themes that linger long after the curtain falls.
The show is running until the 23rd November so grab your ticket soon!
Standout Quote or Moment: The step back in time as Glinda tells all of her previous encounters with the Wicked Witch
Similar Plays: Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, Into the Woods
See If: Wizard of Oz was a childhood classic or if you are an avid fan of the musical
Last Impression: n a world where good and evil blur, Wicked intricately weaves the complexities of identity, friendship, and familial bonds, all under the pressure of societal norms
To get tickets for the show click here
We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.
Written by Mishail Farooq
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