MARK AUERBACH
HARTFORD – The sumptuous production of the Broadway hit musical “Wicked” has settled into Hartford’s Bushnell for a long-awaited run through November 23. The Bushnell is probably the only theatre large enough between Boston and New York to house the large cast, the Tony Award-winning sets and costumes by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty, and the lights and special effects that make this production a feast for the eyes and ears. Before I trip over my words to describe one of the most fun evenings of theatre for young and old, let me say that there are still tickets available for most of the remaining performances in Hartford. Order them first. Read my comments after.
Laurel Harris and Kara Lindsay lead the Hartford cast of “Wicked”. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
“Wicked” is the story of the witches of Oz, Glinda The Good (Kara Lindsay) and Elphaba (The Wiicked With of The West) (Laurel Harris), before Dorothy’s arrival. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman fashioned the easy on the ears music and lyrics and smart commentary on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. This back story to the plot and characters of “The Wizard of Oz” has been a Broadway blockbuster, since it opened 11 years ago, and touring companies of “Wicked” enchant young and old alike around the globe.
Wicked” flies into Hartford. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
“Wicked” is high on spectacle. When Glinda and Elphaba arrive in Emerald City, bouncing to Wayne Cilento’s choreography, and lit to perfection by Kenneth Posner, the audience went wild. Joe Mantello’s direction and staging is gold standard, and the touring production is as fine as the Broadway one on every level. There was loud applause at several of Schwartz’s wonderful melodies, which have become popular fare via the award-winning cast album, and the many renditions performed in concerts, clubs, and TV shows. The applause here is well-deserved, not just because of good material and execution, but also because every performer folded in their own individual bits into the mix.
Gene Weygandt is the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked” at The Bushnell. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
Laurel Harris is dynamic as the serious Elphaba, and her rendition of “Defying Gravity” swept the audience into a frenzy. Kara Lindsay as the “popular” blonde Glinda (a part inspired by and originally cast with Kristin Chenoweth) negotiated the coloratura score with incredible ease. The other characters were well-performed, and the ensemble had an exuberance not often seen in long-running productions.
“Wicked” is a musical with a message, and it’s likely to have special appeal with older elementary school and middle school kids. (Don’t worry, the adults accompanying them will have a good time). The show’s top-notch production values, and larger-than-life excitement are totally engaging. The sold-out Bushnell audience was completely enthralled.
The Bushnell’s Broadway series thus far has been its best in years. After “Wicked”, another Stephen Schwartz musical arrives in early January–”Pippin”, direct from its award-winning run on Broadway.
The Bushnell presents “Wicked”. Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Book by Winnie Holzman. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. Directed by Joe Mantello. Music direction by P. Jason Yarcho. Choreography by Wayne Cilento. Scenic design by Eugene Lee. Costume design by Susan Hilferty. Lighting design by Kenneth Posner. Sound design by Tony Meola. Performances through November 23. The Bushnell, Hartford, CT. Tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.bushnell.org
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
