No, I didn't love it. I didn't really even like it. Some of the music was appealing - but I didn't want to buy the CD or sing along with it.
Honestly, I never really liked the Wizard of Oz, so it seems to follow suit that I wouldn't like this either. OR, is it my dislike of the Wizard of Oz that tainted my perception of Wicked?
I do appreciate the story of the witch of the west.
Traditionally I identify and enjoy psychology and the understanding of how ones childhood and life experiences contribute to who a person is.
BUT, it just seemed to be a lot of revenge, woe is me, kind of thinking - and I don't like that. I want inspiring stories of people who lived through total crap and found a way to bring themselves out of it - and be something better than the crap - instead of just a different variety of crap. I know I know, it sort of like I am missing the point that the story is depicting how she came to be the Wicked Witch. So maybe I'd like it better if there was a sequel to the Wizard of Oz that showed Elphaba awakening to and making penance for her misdeeds, and showing up in Oz as a reformed and happy woman. WHO KNOWS.
On a different note - I am POSITIVE that the fact that I was absolutely miserable during the show had some influence on my opinion of the entire experience. My poor pregnant butt which is no longer designed for sitting on - was hurting in every conceivable way. I was tired, and couldn't breathe through my nose. So, I sat trying to hold my head in my hands while I held my cheeks with my finger to open my airways - which just gave me a nice place to fall asleep. It was also hotter than heck! After the intermission I stayed in walkways to watch and eventually pulled up a nice piece of carpet where I could see and stretch my pathetic self all at once.
In all I think the theater was truly amazingly FABULOUS, the set was creative, unique and awesome, the singing excellent, the orchestra superb and the acting very good.
I apologize to all the die hard fan friends out there - but someone's gotta be the wierdo out there, so I guess it will be me!!!!
Very brave of you to buck the trend there - much respect for that. I of course, disagree a bit, but I'm pretty easily impressed. I am a non-fan of the Wizard of Oz too, so getting into it was hard that way, but the music and the surprising story won me over. It is pretty dark and kinda depressing, but I'm ok with that - I guess cuz life is that way, but happily only sometimes. I love the idea that people may not be exactly who you think they are - we have layers and SO much baggage in the background that nobody knows the totality of. This is what makes us, well, us. Elphaba and Galinda both weren't at all who I thought they were going into the thing. Anyway, LOVE that you threw down the contrary opinion - shout out for that. (and I can only imagine how that physical, um, discomfort didn't help much - sorry about that...)
ReplyDeleteBecca,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad that you were totally miserable during the show. I was feeling bad, but knew there was really nothing I could do. I really want you to see it again, after the baby is here and you are feeling great. We'll make you a Wicked fan after all. :)