Wicked is currently running on Tour in Orpheum Theatre Omaha NE. A bit of wizardry has been going on since the Broadway tour of “Wicked” came to the Omaha, NE two years ago. Now that it’s back for a three-week run from May 25 to June 12, 2011.
Wicked Elphaba played by Jackie Burns
The 2009 version of this show based on Gregory Maguire’s novel was great spectacle. And the actresses who played Glinda and Elphaba were exceptional — maybe even more exceptional in one case.
But this time the dark themes of the show concerning corruption, prejudice and the nature of good and evil within us somehow defy gravity, giving this “Wicked” unexpected doses of brains, heart and courage. The show has matured, adding substance to show biz and holding Wednesday’s opening audience of 2,380 spellbound most of the night.
Though “Wicked” is all about the back story of the witches from “The Wizard of Oz,” and how they grow from college roommates who hate each other to the closest of friends, the musical flies higher when supporting players match the level of Oz’s leading ladies.
We’re talking about Colin Hanlon as Fiyero, whose high tenor range seems to go on forever and whose tall, handsome presence adds sizzle to “As Long as You’re Mine,” his romantic duet with Elphaba.
We’re talking Stefanie Brown as Nessarose, the wheelchair-bound sister of Elphaba who transforms from sweet and shy to a bitter and vengeful Wicked Witch of the East.
And we’re talking Mark Jacoby as the duplicitous Wizard, combining song-and-dance charm with strong vocal chops as he soft-shoes and soft-soaps through “Wonderful.”
Justin Brill as Boq, the munchkin with an inferiority complex; Randy Danson as Madame Morrible, the wickedest character of all; and Paul Slade Smith as Doctor Dillamond, the goat who becomes a scapegoat — all add pizazz this time out.
Amanda Jane Cooper, as bubbly blond Glinda, scores as both singer and broad comedienne, though her renditions of hit songs “Popular” and “For Good” sometimes place acting ahead of a strong, flowing melodic line.
And for all the supporting players added this time out, the show still belongs to Jackie Burns as emerald-tinged Elphaba. Burns combines superior acting skills with powerhouse vocals, nailing every emotional high and low in an incredibly demanding role. The loudest, most sustained applause came for her interpretations of “The Wizard and I” and, especially, “Defying Gravity.”
Lighting effects consistently dazzle: a neon-green Oz, shooting rainbow beams that bathe Elphaba during “Defying Gravity,” a rainy scene beneath a bridge and the moment Elphaba finds herself melting, melting — this is cool stuff.
{Via Omaha.com}
For first-timers, this production of “Wicked” is a safe bet. For longtime fans, new discoveries may await as the show’s themes become fully illuminated. Buy Wicked Orpheum Theatre Omaha Tickets Online, Use Code AFF$10 to Get $10 OFF on Orders over $350.
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