Wicked.

I saw the musical Wicked last night for the very first time, and I absolutely adored it. I'm a fan of the book by Gregory Maguire upon which it's based, and I think that's what made me hesitant for so long as far as seeing the musical -- I wasn't sure how it would measure up to the book. But my suspicions, happily, were unfounded.

If you're unfamiliar with "Wicked," it's a retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with a twist -- the story is told from the Wicked Witch of the West's perspective, and in this version she's not the villain... the Wizard of Oz is. The musical takes the central premise and kicks it up a notch or five, adding infectious melodies and stunning set designs and costumes. But what stays with you long after you've seen "Wicked" isn't the music or the costumes, it's the story.

I read a review about the film that sums it up pretty nicely:
"Wicked works because it has something Broadway musicals, so addicted to facetiousness and camp, have largely given up on: a story that adults can take seriously ... If every musical had a brain, a heart, and the courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place."
- Richard Zoglin, Time magazine
I have not always been a fan of musicals because of their so-called "facetiousness and camp," but "Wicked" is the type of musical I really love. If the story's not there, then neither am I, and the story is definitely there in "Wicked." It has everything you want in a story -- comedy, suspense, love, and a satisfying resolution.

With all that being said, I'm still a fan of the music in "Wicked," especially the songs "Popular" and "Defying Gravity." In case you've never heard them before and would like a sneak peek of the musical, I'm including them below:

Popular

Defying Gravity


If you want to learn more about the musical, click on the picture above -- it will take you to its official site which is full of neat goodies like behind-the-scenes clips, pictures, timelines, and more.

Have you seen "Wicked" before? If so, what are your favorite songs? Let me know in the comments! 

P.S.) I decided to change my blog name from "I blog, therefore I am" to this new name, "my sweet old etcetera." Can you guess where I got it from?? ;)

3 comment(s):

Anonymous said...

i love the two songs you linked us to the best!! uh-may-zing musical :D (although, i have to say The Lion King was slightly better for me - childhood memories, hahah).

and awesome new blog name!

Melly Mel said...

how amazing!! i love that you saw it.

Vanessa said...

Ahh I'm jealous that you got to see this! One day I'll get around to it. I have not read the book, I tried but I just couldn't get into it. I'm really going to try though once this semester is over.

Ahh I love Defying Gravity and For Good. I belt them out like you wouldn't believe. 8)