it must be the madness

As you may or may not know, last Thursday I saw Wicked at the Hippodrome in Baltimore.

Two words: Ah-fricking-mazing.

Oh lordy, that was probably one of the best, if not the best, stage performances I have EVER seen. And I’m not even kidding about that. The cast was amazing. I hadn’t really heard of any of them before, but they had enough talent to…fill a…a really big thing. Victoria Matlock (Elphaba) was absolutely stunning. Her performance blew me away. I didn’t see Idina Menzel on Broadway (and I do love Idina), but judging from the soundtrack, I think it’s safe to say that Victoria blew Idina Menzel out of the water. Her voice is wonderful, her stage presence is stunning, and her acting abilities were breathtaking. Her chemistry with Christina DeCicco (Galinda) was spectacular, and their performance of “For Good” was overflowing with raw emotion. I was (almost) moved to tears.

And if the acting wasn’t extraordinary enough, the actual book and music of the play was magnificent. I was in awe when I first heard the original cast soundtrack, but seeing and hearing the book, also, just stupefied me! The technical aspects of the show were stunning, also! The rain effect was extrememly realistic, and I actually thought it was raining onstage. The sets were wonderful, too! I loved the use of lighting and how they moved sets during the scene; they didn’t go to blackout.

I would recommend it to everbody. Seriously. There’s nothing I can say…it’s a wonderful show with wonderful actors.

God, it was four days ago, but I’m still amazed by Wicked.

Wicked runs through February 18, 2007 at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (The Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore). Ticket prices range from $34-$80. The show runs under three hours.

Photo Copyright 2007 Joan Marcus

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