Wicked the Musical

Wicked the musical is loosely based on the Gregory Maguire novel: Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the West. It is currently playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in Westminster and has been a huge hit among audiences and critics. This production shows quite a different and more unique side of the Land of Oz than what people are used to seeing.

Located near Victoria station in the city of Westminster, the Apollo Victoria Theatre opened as a cinema and variety theatre. In 1981 it became a musical theatre venue and housed the famous Sound of Music. In 2006 it became home to the sensational hit Wicked. An interesting thing to take note of is that the Apollo Victoria Theatre is reported to be a “gently haunted theatre.”

Wicked the musical is the tale of two witches and their relationship with each other. Elphaba is the future Wicked Witch of the West while Galinda, or Glinda as she is later known, will be the Good Witch of the North. The musical displays the struggles of their friendship due to their very opposite personalities, their rivalry over the same object of affection, the corrupt government of the Wizard, and also of Elphaba’s public fall. Elphaba or the Wicked Witch of the West is not depicted as the same evil person as in the 1939 film. She is misunderstood and her reactions and behaviour are against the Wizard and his very corrupt government. Fans of the Wizard of Oz will be delighted that there are plenty references and events that are depicted from the film to add as a back story.

The acting and elaborate costumes are not the only great things about this musical. A big factor in the success of Wicked is the music. The lyrics are heartfelt and also received great critical praise. Perhaps one of the most famous songs in this production is “Defying Gravity.” This song is about living without limits and going against the standards of what life gives a person. It is quite moving and has been a hit among musical artists and also television programs like Glee.

Those who have to see this phenomenal play do not know what they are missing. This show will delight all musical lovers and Oz lovers alike. It’s a different and touching story of the Wicked Witch of the West. It shows that being “Wicked” is not always necessarily a bad thing.