Yesterday, my family traveled to see the musical production of Wicked in Birmingham, Alabama. I'd seen the show on Broadway in December and had been impressed. Then, I discovered the touring company was performing a couple of hours away from where I live so I got tickets for the family and we went. We'd been listening to the soundtrack since December so we all knew the songs but this was no Oklahoma or Sound of Music (although I do love both those shows). The second time around this show blew me away, Again. I don't know if it was that much better than the first or if there are so many layers you can't grasp them all the first time. This was a third viewing for my sister and she said it was the best yet for her.
There is a moment in the song Defying Gravity where the "wicked" witch is above you singing and I felt sobs building in my chest. Not because I was so sad or so happy, just because the moment felt so powerful. this is the trailer for the show set to that song. I encourage you to get to see it if you get a chance, maybe hock your gradmother or something.
The other thing of huge note about this show is it is the ruler of fractured fairy tales. The author of this production was genius. I say of the production because I HATED the book. In fact, I didn't even finish it. I wouldn't have seen the show except my sister assured me it was different. I'm sure many of the ideas must have come from the book but it was very dark. The stage show still had some elements of the darkness but I didn't come away from the show feeling like I needed to wash like I did the book. But to give the author, Gregory MaGuire, his props, the ability to create any strong feeling in a reader is a gift. Although we all hope that feeling doesn't make our readers put down the book.
Finally, just a thought, I think anyone out there who reaches for and obtains even part of their dream whether that be writing, acting, singing, or lawyering is defying gravity. I hope each of us gets that moment when our feet are no longer touching the floor because we have risen about what the practicalities of this world tell us we can do. Now, I'm going to go teach a drama class to see if I can give anyone else a leg up.
Glad you were so moved! I've seen several plays, including the original cast doing Les Miserables, and when it's done right, it's powerful.
ReplyDeleteit certainly was
DeleteA good live performance can be very moving. I recall seeing Amadeus years ago when I was in college and I thought it was better by far than the movie was.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time.
I never saw that one.
DeleteMy wife has seen this show twice and enjoyed it both time...it was a girls weekend for her!
ReplyDeleteThan you need to get to go next time. At the end my husband looked over at me and said, "That is the best show I have ever seen."
DeleteI'd love to see this show. I haven't read the book - and I'm not sure if I should now :-)
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like I am discouraging that doesn't it? Sorry. Clearly, tons of people loved it. You'll have to let me know what you think if you do read it. Regardless, see the show if the opportunity arises.
DeleteI heard the book wasn't good. But I've seen the show twice and have the whole soundtrack memorized. So, SO good.
ReplyDeleteAnd i tear up during Defying Gravity too. SO POWERFUL!
I'd love to see this. Live productions are so expensive that it's really rare, but this is one I really want to see. I only know a little bit about the story, but I love the misunderstood villain angle. it has to be great.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, because last week I had Cherie Reich on as a guest and she just released a BOOK called Defying Gravity, so I totally thought that was what I'd find. Nice post!