Nope, I’m not describing what I’ve been up to lately (and not because ‘wicked’ would be too tame a descriptor) but instead the famed musical – Wicked, based on the book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
If you were to read the theater reviews (and I don’t) you’d probably be told what a great show it is, what a wonderful cast they have and what fantastic sets they use. Well I’m here to tell you my first hand story of my life and time at Wicked…
And the invitation goes to…
Receiving a second hand invite from a friend with an extra ticket; I give her an offhand acceptance with innocently innocent inquiries on ticket prices & potential resale value. Having been sold out for months, this show was highly anticipated and I could imagine tickets reselling for an exorbitant price. My good friend, knowing me well enough and long enough, held onto my ticket until show time to ensure I did no such thing. Apparently she bought the tickets because she wanted to see the show and wasn’t looking to make a profit (amateur!). With tickets safely locked away in her purse, we headed downtown to watch the show.
Cut to Act 1, scene 1
I’m falling asleep. Actually, I think I’ve fallen asleep several times already and I’m not sure if it’s still the first scene or even still the first act. Years of attending boring lectures and never-ending meetings has taught me how to look awake (sit upright, hold head straight) while dozing quietly away. As the singing chorus on stage bursts into song, I awake with a start. Glinda the good witch is regaling her court with a story of the Wicked Witch of the West. As the chorus leans in expectantly to listen to the good witch’s tale, I know should feel excited, I should be intrigued, I should be on the edge of my seat but I can barely keep my eyes open…
2 hours before showtime
My friend and I are sharing stories and making up for lost time the best way we know how – our traditional tequila shooters ( Recipe: take regular tequila and then add the word ‘traditional’ in front). They’re on special tonight too, a sure sign that we were all meant to be together…
1 hour to showtime
Martinis on special you say? Don’t mind if we do. If our glasses are empty waitress dear, that means we need refills. Chop chop!
30 minutes to showtime
They sell drinks at the theatre too? How convenient. Now, should we start with gin and tonics, bacardi and cokes or one of each?
You’re right, silly question (one of each).
Also, let’s not forget to pre-order our intermission bevies too.
Showtime!
Cut to Act 2, Scene 1
Nothing like halftime refreshments to, well, refresh. The scenes are brighter, the singing is bolder and the action is soooo much livelier when your eyes are open.
Things I’ve learned from my life and time @ the musical Wicked:
- I love getting dressed up to go to plays
- 1 hour goes by very slowly when you desperately need to use the washroom
- People take their play watching seriously ( I think someone poked me in the shoulder for moving my head around too much!)
- My eyes will always perk up for good looking male actors (oh Fiyero!)
- I’ll never get the song Defying Gravity out of me head (and yes, I’m even singing it now)
And most importantly:
- If you’re gonna consume a whole lotta drinks….save it for after the play.
.
.
.
Oh and if you still need some official reviews:
4 out of 4 stars – The Toronto Star
Wicked is steeped in talent -The New York Times
If [Wicked] doesn’t please you, you’re too tough to please – Wall Street Journal
Go see it already!
The Nelley Code 