Wicked/Son of a Witch

[Gwendolyn]

I finished these a few months ago, but loved both. As a theatre person I felt compelled to read Wicked and I was transfixed. I did not connect with Son of a Witch in the same way, but still really enjoyed it.

These are deconstructions of the Wizzard of OZ series with a focus on the "evil" characters. They are just as political as the original.

I've heard great things about the book and musical. Thanks for the reminder -- I'll add them to my list.

[Sheherezade]

Is Wicked still playing in Chicago? (It's a short plane flight from here....hmm....) Or is it in NYC? (Close to the ILs.....)

[Vanquisher]

I read the book, but I haven't seen the play. I found the book to be just okay. I thought there were some definitely unnescessary scenes in the book, and I would not recommend it. I thought the premise was interesting, but ultimately, I didn't think it was carried out very well.

I am very picky about books though!

[Gwendolyn]

I haven't yet seen the play. It is in Chicago and NY and somewhere else, but we just don't know a trustworthy enough babysitter yet to leave town for the day. I am also having a hard time convincing DH the ticket price will be worth it

I have heard that the play is significantally different from the book...at least half has been cut, but I can't wait to see it.

I agree that there were some unnecessiary parts...there is one section in particular that was very graphic and still when my mind wanders, I find myself trying to figure out what its purpose was.

I just felt it was an unflinching, fascinating look at what happens to women who don't fit the "mold." They are labeled unnatural, cursed and wicked. I also identified because I read it right after we moved and I was having a very hard time trying to find a fit for myself an a fairly traditional community.

[mommax3]

We went up and saw this in October, (in Chicago) and it was wonderful. We loved Ana Gasteyer as Elphaba. I have been to lots of musicals, and this was one of the best productions I have ever seen.

I read the book about a year and a half ago, and I agree that the stage production leaves out a lot of what is in the book......I actually preferred the stage version to the book, which is not usual for me. I read another book by this author, "Confessions of An Ugly Stepsister", and I enjoyed it MUCH more than I did "Wicked".

Sally

[Gwendolyn]

I have been to the Oriental and just walked around outside wishing I could just buy a ticket!! A woman at the theatre I work with here in Milwaukee went and entered a raffle that they have frequently, and got her 3rd row tickets for $25.

Someday soon. I don't want to miss Anna Gasteyer.