We followed the yellow brick road!

On Saturday night I finally saw the musical WICKED... I say finally because due to bad timing I only just missed out on seeing it in Melbourne a year ago when I was there for a little break. ANYWAY it finally came to Sydney, so I finally booked my ticket, and then I finally saw it... Finally!


So after all that what did I think? 


Well, first off, let me say this. As a kid I adored the "Wizard Of Oz"! I pretty much know that film word for word. Secondly, I have read the novel "Wicked" and the following "Son Of A Witch" and "A Lion Among Men". I really enjoyed these books, which are quite twisted and dark. OK, they kind of made me re-think the whole childhood-sweetness I felt connected to the film, but I found them a thought-provoking, imaginative read. Not for kids though!! 


So how did the musical compare? Well, I liked it. It was MUCH more innocent than book, but I mean given the platform the story was being told on, that made sense to me. It had a nice balance of humour thrown into the mix and the costumes and sets were really expressive! I especially enjoyed the set design, which was simple, yet quite graphic stylistically. My overwhelming feeling? I wanted to wear emerald green afterwards! And red lipstick! I thought the actor who played Glinda was especially good in her role, and really committed herself to her scenes - she was FUNNY.  Plus, it was a real treat to see Bert Newton onstage as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz! I know, I know... but it made me smile! 


There were some obvious plot "alterations" which took place between the novel and the stage production. I expected this to some extent, but I fear I did find this a little jarring. However, I'd have to say overall, the production stayed pretty true to the overall point of the novel.  


So, all in all, it was an enjoyable performance. Would I recommend it? Yes, go see it Sydneysiders! Is the book better? Yes, but isn't that always the case?