A Wicked production! (Wicked The Musical)

Member Name: AmyAmy

Product:	Wicked The Musical
Date:	18/10/08 (195 review reads)
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It had been my dream to visit London since the tiny age of just seven. This week I was lucky enough to travel down to London (first time on a plane too, I must add!) for a three-day trip. Not only was this alone a great experience, but we were also timetabled to see a show on the second night.

At first, we were given the choice of either The Lion King, or Wicked. Personally, I would have preferred to see the Lion King, but as everybody else opted for the other, Wicked it was! If I am honest though, I was most looking forward to it. I hadn't a clue what Wicked was about, until I searched online. Even then though, did I just understand that it was connected to the story of the Wizard of Oz, and no more. I hoped it would be a thrill.

I'd never been to see a West End show before, so when we all nessled in our seats of the packed Apollo Theatre, everything looked so amazing and spectacular. The rows upon rows of seats were full of excited people eager for the show to begin. When it was time for it to start, the first thing that happened was actually quite terrifying - a great way to draw peoples' attention in right from the start! The large mechanical dragon roared, and as this echoed around the room, the dancers began to move around in a cloud of smoke. Yes, I was hooked already!

As the production progressed, I quickly learned a lot about the plot. It was the story of Elphaba (Elphie), who's skin was an all-over shade of green. She attends a school in Oz, and this school specialises in sorcery and magic. Of course, Elphie is no ordinary girl; she has a special power inside of her, one she refers to as being the 'curse'. Elphie has a dream of meeting the Wizard of Oz, and hopes she and he will become a great team, best of friends, and that he will rid her of her greeniness which has caused her grief from bullying all her life. One of the main bullies at her school is Galinda (or Glinda), missy prissy popular who wants her own way at all times. But will the two girls be enemies for life, and will Elphie get to meet her wizard the way she planned?

The cast of Wicked, truly is remarkable. Such a large proportion of the team gave a memorable performance, it was unreal! Elphie is played by Alexia Khadime. Her voice has truly got to be the most amazing vocal machine in the world - such power and strength, and never a note wrong! Her acting skills are just as wonderful, diction clear and choreography precise. Khadime also plays Nala in The Lion King production, but has also done some Television work, such as The Bill and Grange Hill.

Glinda was acted fantastically by Dianne Pilkington, She has a much softer voice than Khadime, but not weak in the slightest. She suited her character, and most certainly developed her in such a phenomenal way throughout the production. Pilkington has appeared in other musicals such as Cats and Beauty and the Beast, but has also had a few television roles too. Wicked has such a memorable cast, each character rich in depth and power!

Of course, not only does Wicked have acting, but music too (after all, it is a Musical!). In my opinion, it seems to have one of the greatest soundtracks of all time. Throughout the production, we heard many amazing songs and pieces I simply cannot get out of my head! These include songs such as the Wizard and I (sung my Khadime), and Popular (Pilkington). This obviously could not have been carried out without the fantastic band though. And even though I could not see them from my seat, it is clear to say that they were working exceptionally hard!

At the end of the performance, all the cast came out to take their bows. I have never before seen an audience erupt in great applause before! The atmosphere was outstanding; the cheering, the whistling, the clapping! Though was I surprised? No, of course not! Every single applauding viewer truly meant it; I just wish I could personally thank each part of the production team individually!

During the breaks and at the end of the show, you have the opportunity to purchase refreshments and souvineers. Though no lies here; they are extortionate! I was nearly £3 for a bottle of J2O, and a friend was £4 for a plastic tub of malteasers! Souviners were quite pricey too, with £30 for a hooded top and £16 for a CD of the original cast. Though I was only £6 for a program, which I was quite impressed with!

If you feel you wish to see Wicked, which I highly do recommend, then you can do so by visiting the Appolo Victoria Theatre in London from Monday-Saturday to see one of the 8 weekly performances! Ticket prices vary from £15 to £60, and further information can be found below.

I know if I had not been on that trip, I would not have got to experience such a phenomenal production. Though if you are able to enjoy the wonders of Wicked, then do not let the opportunity pass!

© Amy 2008

http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/default.asp

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