Broadway show invades MSU, should be considered 'an instant classic'
Forget everything you think you know about the Wicked Witch of the West.
Forget she's a born monster, forget she is heartless, even forget she was murdered by a young girl from Kansas.
Because "Wicked," now showing at Wharton Center, changes all of that.
For starters, the witch has a name. Elphaba, played by Victoria Matlock, was born green-skinned after her mother's drunken affair, causing Elphaba's father, the Governor of Oz, to favor his other daughter, Nessarose. Matlock's portrayal as the iconic character is strong, especially when it comes to vocals.
"Defying Gravity," undoubtedly the play's most popular song, is gorgeously moving, complete with a sky-high Matlock singing more than 25 feet off the ground.
Matlock's performance is a great mix of new and old, as she gives a pleasant vibe to Elphaba, without neglecting the evil snicker we all distinctly remember.
Sans Dorothy or Toto, the show makes for a bold departure from the MGM film. That difference is refreshing and innovative, as it destroys all preconceptions of what "Wicked" has to offer.
It turns out Glinda the Good Witch was once friends with Elphaba. Christina DeCicco nails the role, creating an adorable, chipper blonde who has a heart of gold. Her strongest performance of the play is her Barbie-esque song "Popular." Prancing on the stage like a windup Shirley Temple, Glinda's early school years are more charming than her slightly more tamed grown-up version.
The strongest part of the show is undoubtedly the costumes. The stage is a visual phantasmagoria of shapes and patterns to entice the eye. Costume designer Susan Hilferty outfits the performers as if Vivienne Westwood had infected Oz, with a stitch of the flamboyance of John Galliano. Asymmetrical neckties trick the eye and feathered hats transform Oz into a nearly Seussical world.
Men sometimes wear skirts, which creates a lovely fluid motion as they twirl the crazy-coiffed female dancers. Wig and hair designer Tom Watson had his work cut out for him with "Wicked," as ensemble performers sport wild boxy 'fros (think 1980s basketball players, only about ten times taller) and sky-high ponytails.
Cliffton Hall portrays Fiyero, Glinda's love interest, who just happens to be rather attractive to Elphaba as well. His cunning good looks and cliché attitude are exactly what is expected of his character's cocky, studly demeanor.
Also interesting is the fact that Hall performs with his wife, Deedee Magno Hall, who acts as Nessarose, Elphaba's sister - better known as the Wicked Witch of the East. Unfortunately, Deedee's performance is lackluster, and easily forgettable, as the disabled character comes off more as a temper tantrum-throwing kindergartener than a bona fide citizen of Oz.
The music of the play is nice, but just that - nice. The acting and writing of the play are what truly make it worth the ticket price. "Wicked" is one of those plays that is an instant classic, which shouldn't be tainted by its popularity.
Hopefully, "Wicked" won't be ruined by moviemakers who hope to transform it into a commercial entity. "Rent," anyone?
But like "Rent," it's possible to leave the theater in tears - only this time of happiness, not because of an AIDS-induced death. And I think we can all agree that's a nice, happier change.