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The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz REVIEW |
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At the time of this writing, I have seen Wicked, currently playing at the Pantages Theatre in LA, three times. Upon my first viewing, I was overwhelmed by the wonder and excitement of finally seeing this show I thus far had only listened to on CD. As accurate as my imagination might have been, there is nothing to compare with actually seeing the show live, in all its dazzling glory. The set, based on the Time Clock Dragon of the book, is a marvel. For those who have read the novel, it is as if we are viewing a commentary performance as presented by the Clock's insightful puppeteers. The costumes add to the visual feast with avant-garde panache. From the brilliant green of Emerald City, as the lights spill into the audience, to the cleverness of the "Defying Gravity" special effects - from the imaginative and ever-changing ensemble wardrobe, to the sumptuous second act gown Elphaba wears - the sets and costumes support and enhance the characters and their magical journey through Oz. Transforming a lengthy book, which spans several decades, into a two and a half hour stage musical could not have been easy for writer Winnie Holzman. I read the book after seeing the musical, and I was delighted to find that my love of the show did not interfere with my love of the book. Each is a remarkable work of art in its own right. For the musical, bringing the focus onto Elphaba and Glinda's friendship was a stroke of genius. Their school days together are my favorite chapters in the novel. It was wonderful to see that early period in the characters' lives condensed and at the same time expanded, creating an entirely new adventure in the process. There were wonderful relationship issues and humour to be mined from the novel. In writing the libretto, Ms Holzman took great advantage of these elements, while adding her own innovations as well. With the Elphaba/Glinda relationship at the center of the story, all the changes made to other characters and story points seem quite understandable, and are ultimately best for the show. This is especially true when looking at how the musical cleverly incorporates the legendary L. Frank Baum characters into the second act. Wicked the musical took seeds of ideas from Wicked the novel and transformed them into a visual reinvention of what is most familiar to today's audiences, that of the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. As I see it, while the novels wonderfully mirror each other in a twisted kind of way, so too do the two musicals. All four of them intertwine and connect, yet are each their own unique creation. Written by Stephen Schwartz, the lyrics are rich with story and character development that extends effortlessly from the dialogue. His music is remarkably diverse, catering as much to character as to the shows original cast. Elphaba and the ensemble have big power numbers so familiar to the new Broadway sound, while Glinda and the Wizard hearken back to the more traditional belting leading lady vocals and song-and-dance man styles. However, it all comes together in a harmonious melting pot of emotional expression that touches the heart and soul of its listeners. In reviewing the LA company, specifically, the ensemble has a strong, solid sound and creative animation/choreography to match, filling their innovative costumes admirably. The supporting players are quite strong, as well. With Kristoffer Cusick's departure, I was unable to see him. Instead, I was witness to three different actors in the role of Fiyero. The first had an incredibly high tenor voice that almost matched Eden Espinosa's (Elphaba) rang note for note. However, he lacked a macho energy I felt was needed in the role. It seemed like the Cowardly Lion could eat him for lunch and still be hungry. The second Fiyero had a bit more manly presence, but lacked the vocal chops to match Eden. The Fiyero my third time around was the best of the three. He had the physical dexterity and vocal strength to fill the role, with attitude and energy to spare. He still was a bit too light in manner to give off a macho air, but by this time, I was starting to expect that in the character. I liked how it countered Elphaba's powerful force of nature. After all, what is wrong with a sensitive man? 
John Rubinstein, as the Wizard, creates a charming but misguided man, swept away by the maddening, ego-pumping pressures of this unexpected role, the Regent of Oz. He's an ordinary guy thrust into an extraordinary situation, who does not have the strength of character or experience to take on the responsibility for the greater good of all. Carol Kane, as Madame Morrible, hits every mark in transforming this grand dame from delightfully eccentric in her selfishness to viciously cruel in her megalomania. Both of these characters are thoroughly entertaining, thanks to the experienced craftsmanship of their respective players. Saving the best for last, I will now expound on our two leading ladies: Eden Espinosa (Elphaba) and Megan Hilty (Glinda). I do not think there are enough words of praise to completely express my awe and joy in watching these two extraordinarily gifted young women, but I'll give it a go. The bottom line is that they are perfect compliments of one another, and therefore perfectly suited for the demands and expectations of their respective roles. Where Megan has a round, soft face with a big, teethy grin, Eden has a long, thin face with dark, striking features. (In make-up, Eden is a younger, prettier reminder of Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch.) Megan's Glinda is bubbly and bouncy, while Eden's Elphaba is direct and grounded. Where Megan creates a vocal tapestry from pure character expression to operatic heights of emotion, Eden's voice is a cornucopia of riffs, soulful depths, and spine-tingly power. Put them together and you have the foundations for the epitome of what the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good should be. In the beginning, Galinda laughs and sings her way through life, expecting everything to be as she wishes it to be. Elphaba pushes through, barely tolerating her limited world, and is surprised by any acts of kindness given her. As their friendship emerges, there is an intersection of their singular personalities. Elphaba begins to soften to the possibilities of life, while Glinda starts to experience and understand the realities of the unfair world. This crisscrossing of character traits is reflected in the music, where Elphaba and Glinda take turns singing high and low, lead and harmony in their duets with one another. What makes Eden and Megan special among the various Elphie/Glinda pairings is that their instinctive personal connection allows this fictional relationship to enter the world of reality. Their love and respect for each other is palpable. Their individual energies match each other, bounce off each other, and infect one another, creating a most genuine chemistry that electrifies the stage every night, brighter than the brightest spotlight. One of the first glimpses of their togetherness is in the number "What Is This Feeling?" This volatile encounter of first impressions is a joyous lark in mimicry, insult to injury, and... "Me thinks they doth protest too much." Eden and Megan bring their characters' overt and humorous reactions to one another to the extremes of self-expression, matching each other look for look, move for move, and blow for blow. However, there is no better example of the Megan/Eden connection than during the number "Popular". First off, Megan has to be the funniest Glinda on the planet. Her sense of utter abandon and jubilation while articulating the expected transformation of Glinda's new best friend is both heart-warming and hilarious. It is a truly courageous performer who can play the clown so effectively and touchingly. One must then ask, how is it possible that Eden can keep a straight face while her acting partner cavorts like a mad woman all about her. I am happy to say, she does not. Unlike other Elphaba's who stubbornly maintain their hard-nose cynicism, grumpy attitude, or bewildered state of discomfort - depending on the actress - Eden thoroughly embraces and enjoys the experience of being Megan's stooge. Allowing the green girl a sense of humor, she even creates her own mad-cap antics, making Elphaba all the more endearing and believable. After all, who could resist the effervescent energy and delightful wonderment of such a friend as Glinda? Thankfully, not Eden's Elphie. Another of my favorite Eden/Megan moments is the hanky-box farewell scene in the castle. During most of the song "For Good" Eden and Megan lock eyes with such intensity, that it takes effort for them to look away. This lasts barely a verse, before it is back to locking eyes and hands in an emotionally charged ending. I have seen and heard them sing this song numerous times in addition to my three visits to the Pantages, and even at publicity events, I get the feeling that their emotions go beyond their characters. They truly enjoy singing together. During my last viewing of the show, Megan was so emotionally charged, she got all choked up during her opening verse. I watched Eden watching Megan and her expression was that of a friend who, while feeling equally moved by the moment, was being strong and encouraging. Their support of one another was deeply touching. There are several significant moments throughout the show which feature Eden and Megan's astute acting abilities - both in song and dialogue. One of my favorites is during "I'm Not That Girl" as sung by Eden. While listening to the CD I found the song simple, sweet, and very telling of Elphaba's history and place in the world... as she sees it. She is sad but realistic. She is experiencing new feelings, yet is keeping her wits about her and not letting herself be too carried away by emotions. A pretty straightforward and accurate interpretation, I thought. Then I witnessed Eden performing this song and completely new dimensions took shape as she infused a beautiful sense of happiness for her best friend's good fortune, despite her own sorrow. In Eden's eyes, Elphaba is willing to forgo her chance at love for the sake of her friend's happiness. This moment, possibly above all others, reveals Elphaba's true soul. For Megan's part, I particularly love the scene at the end of the show when Glinda comes into her own as a woman and a leader. "Did you hear what I said?!" The audience can't help but laugh at her delivery, as she asserts her power of good over evil, yet one deeply feels the price she has paid in order to get to this point. There is a tremendous weight on her shoulders now, which would have been too much for her before. However, armed with the pains of loss and the realities of success, she faces her responsibility with new found strength and dignity... and loneliness. Granted, much of what I have observed in these two performers is pure acting. That is their job, and they do it brilliantly. However, talent alone does not define true chemistry. It comes from something deeper and more personal... something within the actors themselves coming through and interconnecting with their acting partner to create magic. That is what Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty have together. This is what makes the LA production of Wicked so special... for me. ~S.M. - 8/25/07 |
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