Wicked Musical is currently playing at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts through October 07, 2012.
Here is the review by Don Chareunsy at Las Vegas Weekly.
The song could be about “Wicked” itself, as the Broadway smash based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire has become a theatrical phenomenon, winning three Tonys in 2004 and thrusting its two dynamic lead actresses Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda (or Guh-linda, with a Guh), and Idina Menzel as Elphie (Menzel, facing off against Chenoweth, went home with the statuette) into the spotlight.
No matter that “Wicked,” a prequel and parallel of Frank L. Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and the 1939 Hollywood classic “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland, has divided critics from day one (it was nominated for 11 Tonys and notably lost Best Musical, Best Book and Original Score to “Avenue Q”); it is critic proof — in the vein of the “Twilight” books and films — and has a devoted (fanatic) following like its predecessor “Rent.”
The scenic and costume design (the other two Tony winners) at Reynolds Hall on Thursday night were exemplary, and the supporting cast — Kim Zimmer (Madame Morrible — and, yes, Reva Shayne from “Guiding Light,” which garnered her four Emmys), Cliffton Hall (Fiyero), Tom McGowan (the Wonderful Wizard of Oz) and Demaree Hill (Nessarose) — under director Joe Mantello were very good.
But it’s no surprise that Parker and Murin are the exceptional standouts, and they hold their own against role originators Menzel and Chenoweth, respectively — big red ruby slippers to fill, indeed.
Murin is a comedic, ditzy blonde delight as Glinda, and she does the book by Winnie Holzman (“My So-Called Life”) proud with every hilarious vocal and physical delivery. Her rendition of “Popular” was a highlight of the evening; it’s good to be Glinda the Good Witch, who travels by bubble.
The audience heaped praise before, during and, in the valet line, post-show. The full standing ovation was immediate — and not just for Parker and Murin — and rousing.
“Wicked” is popular, and it will be po-pu-lar for many years to come. It’s Oz-some.
Read the complete review {Via LasVegasWeekly.com}
Wicked will continue performances at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts through October 07, 2012. Buy Wicked Las Vegas Nevada Tickets Online at discounted prices.
