Southern California should be green with envy of Orange County right now as Broadway sensation “Wicked“ arrives at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Playing through March 6, this “cultural phenomenon” is not to be missed and will open up your eyes to the mysteries of the original tale. When I was young I was absolutely enchanted by “The Wizard of Oz.”
I loved everything about it, the characters, the music, the yellow brick road, the Emerald City — what a magical place! But the film left me with a number of unanswered questions, until a friend introduced me to “Wicked,” Gregory Maguire’s tale of the witches of Oz. Years later when it was announced on Broadway, I felt like I was truly over the rainbow.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, this tale begins long before Dorothy and her little dog find themselves in the Land of Oz. This engaging story revolves around two young women from different walks of life who find themselves in the most unusual of friendships. Elphaba is a smart, strong, young woman who was born with an unfortunate trait — emerald green skin. Glinda is beautiful and popular, and when the two find themselves sharing a room at school, it is not long before the unlikely pair changes each other’s lives forever.
This is the story about the origins of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz,” one that most people are unaware of. It answers the questions about how the characters came to be, with a focus on the Wicked Witch of the West. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, “Wicked” features a group of truly talented actors, each shining bright like the stars they are.
The lead of the show is Elphaba (who will later be known as the Wicked Witch of the West), played by the brilliant Emily Koch. Straight from Broadway, where she played the Elphaba standby, Koch plays the part with power and beauty. Her vocals are a force to be reckoned with, filling every inch of the theatre with vibrant notes. Her passion for this part is exuberating and she will enthrall you throughout the entire show. Everyone has their opinion of the whether the Wicked Witch is good or evil; Koch however, is the embodiment of good — and her performance was masterful.
Of course there can never be a story here without Elphaba’s counterpart, Glinda the Good. Amanda Jane Cooper takes on the role of the Good Witch and her charm and perkiness are perfection. She sashays across the stage with grace and you be left completely spellbound by her charisma. These two actors have great chemistry together and you will be moved by their emotional friendship.
Jake Boyd (Fiyero) and Sam Seferian (Boq) play the love interests in the show. Boyd is vibrant and funny as the silly, but sweet, heartthrob, and he’ll more than likely steal your heart. Seferian plays the unfortunate and heartbroken Boq with fervor, and you will be left sharing his ultimate sorrow.
The masterminds behind bringing Oz to life are Eugene Lee and Edward Pierce. Their work is completely spellbinding. From the modest school surroundings at Shiz, to the glitz of the Emerald City, you will be left in awe by what you see on stage. Much like Dorothy did, you will undoubtedly find yourself in the magical Land of Oz
“Wicked” is nothing short of bewitching. Well deserving of all the accolades it has received over the years (over 100 awards combined), the charming show is definitely a must see. Not only does it offer us a peek of what is behind the Emerald curtain into the world of the witches of Oz, but it also lends a newfound respect to the classic characters. Wicked is truly a delight that will leave you under a magical spell.
“Wicked” runs through March 6 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For tickets and information, call 714-556-2787 or visit SCFTA.org.
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