Wickedly Good

While in San Francisco I had the opportunity to catch Wicked, a musical about the untold story of the witches of Oz. It's sort of Oz, only pre-Dorothy and the tornado. It's being performed at the Orpheum Theatre with shows every day except for Mondays. Some days there are two-a-days. Right now, the show is scheduled to play through September 27, 2009.

I went on a Thursday night and got tickets at the box office. You can also purchase tickets online, except you'll have to pay an additional service fee to Ticketmaster. Either way you do it, just do it. I heard that every show gets sold out.

Judging by the night I went, the theater was a packed house with not many open seats. Make sure you plan ahead if you've got a large party and want to sit together. I noticed that there were many couples and families in attendance. There was even a group of what looked to be high schoolers - possibly a drama club. They were dressed to the nines, but you don't have to suit up if wearing a tux makes you feel like you're in a monkey suit. The dress attire is pretty casual.

The show itself lasted about two-and-a-half hours with a 15-minute intermission to stretch your legs. As with other theaters, there was a slight jump in price between the best seats in the house and the rest of the theater. However, I think you can get a good view no matter where you're sitting. I was in the orchestra/loge section and paid $80 for my ticket. It was a little far but I was still able to see and hear everything.

What will probably make or break your Wicked experience is the people around and especially in front of you. If someone tall happens to sit in front of you, you won't be able to see no matter how much you paid for your ticket.

At first I couldn't really get into the show. Galinda (soon-to-be Glinda) is completely irritating, but she eventually grows on you. She's played by Natalie Daradich. Elphaba (soon-to-be the Wicked Witch of the West), on the other hand, is so relatable and such an underdog in this show. Elphaba is played by Vicki Noon. She did an amazing job and what a voice on her! Also worth mentioning is that Patty Duke plays Madame Morrible, Galinda and Elphaba's teacher.

Overall, the songs were so moving and engaging. They really helped to move the plot along. They were my favorite part of the show (then again, it is a musical, right?). There were some great effects and the costumes were so beautiful. Even as far away as I was, I could still appreciate all the work that went into making them.

The show gives you another perspective on the timeless tale of The Wizard of Oz. It makes you realize that there are always underlying factors in every day situations. It's really been able to spin a classic on its head.

Although, you're not supposed to bring cameras into the theater, someone apparently did. Here's a clip of the show. Magnificent!