The Wicked Witch of the West is in Tampa

By John Gorman

Wicked is showing (Feb 01-26^th) in our own Tampa’s Straz Center. A tale of two witches in the Land of Oz before Dorothy’s adventure. The musical is based on the book from Gregory Maguire and music created by Stephen Schwartz and “defined gravity” for over a decade. Production in 2003 San Francisco and two distinct awards from Drama Desk in recognition of an excellent plot and performance has been many actors claim to fame. Next step is the Tony awards!

The musical was not always successful, critics withered it down to a mere second rate production. “The show’s twenty-two songs…, and not one of them is memorable,” wrote The New Yorker. “Wicked does not, alas, speak hopefully for the future of the Broadway musical,” from The New York Times. Both damming reviews were a few among many. Critics pointed out opinionated views, unoriginal plot and songs. Tough start for the original cast.

On top of it all, Wicked did not choose the best time to start. Their competition was heavy in 2003. Disney showcased for the first time Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular while other studios had The Three Musketeers. Musicals from the previous years highlighted the papers and pacified the critics. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mamma Mia, and Hairspray were among the top. Big names casted a shadow on what is now a critically acclaimed, multi-billion dollar success story.

“Nothing going to stop you from being Popular (lar).” Popular songs by the original cast Kristin Chenoweth, the good witch Glinda (kept Wicked fresh and alive). Not to mention plenty of songs with Idina Menzel (the Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba) who recently sang “Let it Go” in Disney’s animated feature Frozen. Despite the early faults, the performances made by the original cast put Wicked in the box-office and around the world. Tampa being one location of many.

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