"Wicked," the smash hit girl-power musical that relates the 'true' story of the Wicked Witch of the West, is making its third tour to Cincinnati in a classy-as-ever production in an extended run at the Aronoff Center through Nov. 26.
On opening night it needed a little more heart.
Center stage in the title role is first-rate Mamie Parris as Elphaba, our principled, misunderstood and bright green heroine. Long before Dorothy lands in Oz, we meet studious Elphaba on her first day at wizard school and the action moves forward, slyly referential to the children's classic - from flying monkeys to ruby red slippers - until the two stories collide.
Of course all Elphaba's classmates at school think she's the geekiest freak ever, and gravitate to the perky blonde Glinda (Amanda Jane Cooper). All Elphaba wants is to get to Oz and meet the Wizard, who will somehow, magically, set to right everything that's wrong, including making her unloving father - proud and loving.
"Wicked" is the story of how Elphaba finds a friend and falls in love and meets the wizard - and how just about every one of her best intentions goes awry as she finds true wickedness all around her. The show sends a clear political message about inventing enemies and manipulating the media and citizenry.
For the apolitical, it's enough that most girls recognize some piece of Elphaba in themselves.
Sets, costumes, choreography - it's all as shiny as if the production were in its first national circuit. The company is energetic and dance is precise. Oz is startlingly green. Glinda's mode of transport looks like a new model of bubble-iciousness.
"Wicked" is one of those shows that can and almost always does build a lump in your throat - you really do want the friendship to impact the women's lives for the rest of their lives, you really do want the romance to be happily-ever-after. And how is Elphaba going to beat the overwhelming odds against her?
On opening night the key relationships weren't sparking. As Fiiyero, the slacker-with-a-soul prince loved by both girls, Colin Hanlon needed more warmth. And while Cooper pushed Glinda's antics to the edge, we need to be rooting for her, too. She needs more self-awareness.
"Wicked," through Nov. 26, Broadway Across America, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Tickets: $27.50-$87.50; plus fees. 1-800-982-2787. and http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/
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