HOW TO GO
WHAT: “Wicked”
WHERE: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton.
WHEN: April 29-May 17; April 29 at 8 p.m.; April 30 at 2 and 8 p.m.; May 1 at 8 p.m.; May 2 at 2 and 8 p.m.; May 3 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; May 5-8 at 8 p.m.; May 9 at 2 and 8 p.m.; May 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; May 12-13 at 8 p.m.; May 14 at 2 and 8 p.m.; May 15 at 8 p.m.; May 16 at 2 and 8 p.m.; May 17 at 1 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $43, but prices vary dependent on performance.
MORE INFO: Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
Make way for flying bubbles and brooms. Global megahit musical “Wicked,” Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, invades the Schuster Center next week for a return appearance you won’t want to miss. When the show last played Dayton in 2010, box office records were broken and many performers ranked on par with the show’s Broadway counterparts. Here are eight reasons why you should make time (or make time again) to see this entertaining, eye-catching and touching phenomenon, a special Star Attractions courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association.
THE STORY
Take what you know about L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” or the iconic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” and throw it out the window. “Wicked,” based on Gregory Maguire’s revisionist novel of the same name, pinpoints the Land of Oz pre-Dorothy Gale specifically the evolution of two polar opposite friends who grow to a better understanding of each other and themselves. Green-skinned, determined and misunderstood Elphaba, and beautiful, perky and ambitious Galinda ultimately become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. How they arrive at those titles and what happens after they ascend to new heights within Oz fuels the tale’s delightful comedy and exciting drama.
THE THEMES
Librettist Winnie Holzman (“My So-Called Life,” “Once and Again,” “thirtysomething”) fluidly weaves relatable themes of love, perseverance and self-worth alongside political corruption, jealousy and betrayal. In other words, you’re bound to connect to multiple characters as the action pulls you in.
THE SONGS
Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin”) reignited his career with this project. His appealing, fittingly moody score, sprinkled with brilliantly subtle nods to Harold Arlen’s music in “The Wizard of Oz,” runs the gamut from peppy character tunes (“What Is This Feeling?,” “Popular”) and soothing ballads (“I’m Not That Girl,” “For Good”) to dynamic solos (“The Wizard and I,” “No Good Deed”) and jubilant ensemble numbers (“Dancing Through Life,” “One Short Day”).
THE CAST
The current national tour stars Alyssa Fox (“Rocky Horror Show,” “Little Women”) and Carrie St. Louis (“Rock of Ages”) as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. TV fans will recognize the legendary John Davidson (“That’s Incredible,” “Hollywood Squares”) as the Wizard while boy band admirers will likely be giddy to see Ashley Parker Angel (O-Town, “Making the Band”) elevate his hunk status as the charming Fiyero. We’ll see if the Victoria convinces Angel to serenade the audience at curtain call with a rendition of “All or Nothing” since “Liquid Dreams” may deem a bit much.
THE SPECTACLE
Director Joe Mantello’s design team is certainly one of the finest ever assembled for a modern musical. Eugene Lee’s spectacular sets (including the giant Time Dragon hovering above the stage), Susan Hilferty’s colorful costumes popping with personality, and Kenneth Posner’s expertly evocative and vibrant lighting (specifically in the tremendous Act 1 “Defying Gravity” finale) are a feast for the eyes.
THE PEDIGREE
While fans of “Wicked” feverishly anticipate its future film adaptation (will Lea Michele play Elphaba?), let’s reflect on the musical’s successes thus far. The show is the recipient of three Grammys, three Tonys and over 100 international awards. Also, various tours have been performed in over 100 cities in 13 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, and Mexico) and the material has been translated into five languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Korean.
THE LOTTERY
Finances tight? Never fear. The Victoria is offering a day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25 orchestra seats. All you have to do is go to the box office inside the Wintergarden of the Schuster 2.5 hours before each performance. Names will be placed in a lottery drum and will be drawn 30 minutes later. The lottery is available only in person with a limit of two tickets per person. You must have a valid photo ID when submitting your entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.
THE IMPACT
Just how big is “Wicked?” It’s grossed over $3.75 billion worldwide and has been seen by over 47 million people across the globe. In fact, there are currently five productions around the world, in New York, London, Australia, a U.K. tour, and a North American national tour. “I’m very pleased that we have secured a return of ‘Wicked’ for Dayton. It has been a thrill to have so much excitement at the Schuster Center and the Miami Valley region,” says Ken Neufeld, President and CEO of Victoria Theatre Association and The Arts Center Foundation in a press statement. “In my opinion, the national tour is even better than the Broadway production, which I also loved. The producers of ‘Wicked’ should be complimented for sending out such a high quality show. We, at Victoria Theatre Association, look forward to the three-week run of ‘Wicked’ and are thrilled to host the ‘Wicked’ cast and crew, as well as the thousands of patrons who will see the show.”
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