By Cris Franco
The mega-hit musical Wicked will take flight from February 9 through March 6, 2022, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California.
This magical tale of two student witches -- one blonde (the delightful Allison Bailey), one green (the commanding Talia Suskauer) -- whose unlikely friendship sets up the backstory to Dorothy’s adventures in Oz has played to sold-out houses since its Broadway opening in 2003. Set in the shimmering seemingly perfect Emerald City, the young girls’ friendship is tested when they discover that “something bad is happening in Oz”. (SPOILER ALERT) The good Witch Galinda (Bailey) turns a blind eye so as to remain “Popular” with the all-powerful Wizard (Tony winner Cleavant Derricks) whose cultish Munchkins label Elphaba (Suskauer) “wicked” when she bravely calls out their demigod Wizard of Oz as the evil fraud behind the treachery. The fantastic plot is humorous, heartfelt and frighteningly relevant.
Amanda Fallon Smith, Talia Suskauer, Sharon Sachs and Allison Bailey in Wicked.
(Photo: Joan Marcus/Courtesy: Segerstrom Center for the Arts)
Penned by Stephen Schwartz, heir to the recently demised Stephen Sondheim’s title as greatest living American theater composer/lyricist, the Grammy-winning Broadway-meets-pop score bubbles with melodic tunes including Elphaba’s anthem calling for all to defy social oppression by “Defying Gravity.” This song of rock-opera proportions is widely recognized as one of Broadway’s most demanding arias.
Wicked not only requires mammoth-like on-stage talents like all the aforementioned musical performers, but it also requires a huge backstage production team – wardrobe alone consists of 350 costumes, 80 wigs and 350 pairs of shoes at a cost of about $3 million. Add to that the full orchestra, sets, lights and visual effects and you’ve got perhaps the most stunning production ever assembled.
Allison Bailey and Talia Suskauer in the North American Tour of Wicked.
(Photo: Joan Marcus/Courtesy: Segerstrom Center for the Arts)
The North American Tour will take up a one-month residency at the luxurious Segerstrom Center for the Arts and serve up all the music, magic and majesty that has made Wicked one of the most satisfying, family-friendly shows in history. It’s actually difficult to describe the youthful ebullience and dazzling beauty of Wicked. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience for your eyes, ears and soul. So hop into your car (or onto your enchanted broomstick) and see Wicked!
For show information and tickets, visit: www.scfta.org/events/2022/wicked
The Wicked Elphabas Latina Connection:
Eden Espinosa, surely one of Broadway’s best Elphabas (2003 and 2004) put on the green make-up and is recognized for her full-throated, spine-tingling vocals. Mandy Gonzalez, fresh out of the original Broadway cast of In the Heights, donned Elphaba’s black cape (2010 and 2011) and then moved on to play Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. (Three hits in a row -- brava, Mandy!) Ms. Gonzalez’s blend of classical and rock tones makes her a highly memorable and elegant Elphaba. Tony Winner Lindsay Mendez wore the pointed hat (2013 and 2014) and mesmerized audiences with her pitch-perfect vocals and the crisp humor she brought to the fiery but socially awkward character. All three Latinx Elphabas are California girls and we couldn’t be prouder. (You can hear their performances via YouTube.)
About the journalist: Cris Franco has won both the Imagen and Nosotros Awards for excellence in television writing.
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