The hardest kind of review to write is one where one comes across a show that is so brilliant, practically perfect in fact, that it is almost impossible to critique, and one finds oneself becoming almost sycophantic in one's use of superlatives.... 'Wicked' at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre this evening was that kind of show, and so this will be that kind of review...!
I had been looking forward to seeing this for some time. The musical doesn't tour as often as many do, and so, the anticipation is greater. Winnie Holzman's reimagining of Oz and the backstory to Frank L Baum's famous novel is inspired, and with award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz providing the emotive and almost gravity-defying score, this is a show which, although we all know is only fantasy, we invest deeply in and our emotions are taken on a roller-coaster ride from start to finish.
The set design (Eugene Lee) was impressive, and I doubt there being too many theatres up and down the country having the technical capacity to take this show. There is flying, magic, and a lot of sliding flats, all ameliorated by a lovely lighting design (Kenneth Posner). And of course the costumes (Susan Hilferty) were Oztastic!
This evening's two protagonists, Glinda and Elphaba were played by Sarah O'Connor and Laura Pick, and I defy anyone to find me a better pair of leading ladies for these roles. They were both utterly stunning and worked off each other excellently. Aiding and abetting them were a whole ensemble of hugely talented performers from chorus to supporting roles, each as important as the other, and each working perfectly and seamlessly filling the stage with tableaux of story, song, and colour. I loved Simeon Truby, who had to work doubly hard this evening as he doubled as both the goat Dr. Dillamond and the Wizard of Oz himself, showing his versatility as two completely contrasting characters. Stephanie Lindo was Elphaba's wheelchair-ridden sister Nessarose, Jed Berry a happily obsequeous Munchkin Boq, and Carl Man the handsome loverboy prince, Fiyero. All three giving impressive and noteworthy performances.
If you want to know the prequel to 'The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz', and be utterly blown away by the sheer talent on display, not to mention the cumulative mise-en-scenes this talent creates, then get yourself down to The Emerad City for an evening of fantabulous verbalations.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 18.4.24
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