'Wicked' - Musical Review
After seeing The Girls Tuesday 9th May at the Phoenix Theatre with my friend we decided to take to trip to Victoria to see Stephen Schwartz's hit musical Wicked at the Apollo Theatre. Having previously seen the original London cast including Idina Menzel in 2006. Then seeing Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman 2011. This production I have decided to give it four stars this was due to poor sound quality and overall delivery.
'Wicked' is based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It tells the alternative tale of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective view of the witches, Glinda The Good Witch and the misunderstood Wicked Witch of The West and their unlikely friendship. The plot begins before and continues through to Dorothy's arrival in Oz. It shows the struggle through opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, reactions to the Wizard's corrupt leadership and Elphaba's fall from grace.
The Apollo Victoria theatre is large compared to most west end theatres, which I felt impacted on the acoustics. I struggled to hear what the characters were saying at times. I also discovered a few slight alterations within the score to fill the space and extend the songs.
I was offered a seat in the front second section of the stalls; the auditorium was not full to capacity meaning there were many empty seats surrounding me with it being a Tuesday evening it was to be expected, but was able to observe everything. I was again astonished and moved by the scale of the scenery and gorgeous costumes.
This production featured Willemijn Verkaik reprising her role after making her West End debut in 2013, along with Suzie Mathers, Oliver Savile. Idriss Kargbo, Mark Curry, Martin Ball, Sue Kelvin and Rosa O’Reilly also joined them.
Willemijn Verkaik is said to be the longest running Elphaba, having played the role over 2,000 times and in three different languages. Willemijn's interpretation of the character Elphaba was gothic and almost intelligent but later transitioned to defiant and indisputably powerful. Whilst her interpretation was different to previous Elphaba's the characteristics were easily recognisable. She executed the iconic musical numbers 'The Wizard and I', 'Defying Gravity' and 'No Good Deed' astonishingly and left me wanting to hear more. Her powerful vocals had the audience in uproar in applause. It was evident that she was experienced in the role the moment she entered the stage.
Oliver Savile took on a prince type characteristic for the role of Fiyero. He was charming and sophisticated, his romantic chemistry between both Suzie Mathers and Willemijn was tremendous. His emotions changed within an instant during act two into from falling head over heals in love with Glinda to depression to be with Elphaba especially during the iconic musical duet 'As Long as You're Mine'.
Suzie Mahers applied a sweet and slightly quirky yet clever leader in the role of Glinda the Good Witch. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her entrance during the opening number 'No One Mourns the Wicked'. Her connection with Willemijn Verkaik was beautiful, especially during the comedy number 'Popular', it was priceless to see and she committed to the role greatly.
The ensemble cast throughout the show during the large company numbers 'No One Mourns The Wicked', 'What is This Feeling', 'Dancing Through Life' and 'One Short Day' were performed astonishingly, with such energy and gifted commitment.
In conclusion Wicked is still as moving and spectacular to watch as it always has been. I hope to return to The Land of Oz very soon to compare and evaluate certain differences and more interpretations with a new company. A well deserved standing ovation and rapturous applause.