Wicked is performing at the Kennedy Center Opera House from June 15 to August 21, 2011.

Wicked is delightful, and the current production at the Kennedy Center compelling even the most cynical among us to look past the hollow political subplots and schlocky jokes and just enjoy what’s essentially a heartfelt paean to being an outsider.

The Broadway mega-hit, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, is based on Gregory Maguire’s book of the same name, which filters The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. Whatever her ugly black wardrobe and entourage of sinister flying monkeys might have you believe, said Wicked Witch was once Elphaba, a neglected teenager whose father rejected her (green skin is apparently an impediment to paternal bonding), but whose scary exterior belies a tender heart and an enviable ability to perform magic.

Dee Roscioli, who has performed Elphaba more times than any other actress, is almost flawless in the role, managing to portray the character’s wounded core with just enough complexity to avoid cliché.

It’s almost impossible not to enjoy this show, with slick, seamless direction from Joe Mantello, spectacular songs, and the aura of a perennial hit. It’s wicked fun.

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Wicked announced that tickets are now on sale up to Saturday October 27th next year. Wicked is set to continue its run in front of those on London, GL theatre.

The news comes after the musical passed its 2,000th landmark performance, which has entertained nearly four million people and generated more than £135 million at the box office.

During its time at the Apollo Victoria theatre, the production has picked up a number of prizes, including the 2010 Olivier Award for Most Popular Show and the Whatsonstage.com gong for Best West End Show in 2010 and 2011.

It is based on a novel by Gregory Maguire which tells the story of a friendship between two girls who meet up as sorcery students, with the pair going on to be Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked Cast Currently, Rachel Tucker (Elphaba), Louise Dearman (Glinda), Mark Evans (Fiyero) and Julie Legrand (Madame Morrible) are starring in the production.

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