The Emerald City

I saw Wicked at the Pantages theater this week in Hollywood. The tone was much more humorous than Gregory Macguire's book, but I think it was a necessary interpretation for a musical. It was fascinating to compare the novel to the show; there were quite a few plot changes. I felt that most of the additions, such as incorporating characters and lines from the original Wizard of Oz, were very clever and fun. The musical even managed to have a happy ending! Having read and loved the book, this aspect was bittersweet. The costumes were amazing. I was in awe of Stephanie J. Block, who portrayed Elphaba. Her voice was so powerful; I just can't imagine how she performs at that level of intensity every night of the week.

I don't go to the theater often; I saw The Lion King a few years ago--but that's about it. I wish I could afford to go more often, but then I think going too frequently would lessen the mystic of the experience for me. Someday I hope to see a Broadway show in New York. I don't know why it seems so glamorous to me, but it does.