Theater Review – March 5, 2025

“WICKED” WORKS ON-STAGE AT ASU GAMMAGE BUT DIFFERENTLY THAN THE MOVIE

“Wicked”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

With the outstanding first part of the “Wicked” movie out, seeing a stage production of the musical now raises a major question.  Is the musical on stage as wonderful as the stellar movie version?

The answer is that the two approaches to an outstanding musical are very different but are both tremendously successful.  The film provides marvelous grandeur not possible on stage but seeing the show live provides an intimate connection to the tale that the movie can’t achieve.

“Wicked” is back on stage locally at ASU Gammage.  The winning tour is a flawless re-creation of the original Broadway version I saw several years ago in New York City where it continues its long and still sold-out run.

The touring cast is tip-top although they bring interpretations strongly patterned on those created by the fabulous original stage cast.  But that’s not bad and the production is exuberantly dynamic as the Broadway staging plays out with precision and decked out with wondrous scenery plus luxuriously beautiful costumes.  There is enthusiasm behind every word of dialogue, every bit of stage movement, and all the clever stage business crafted by director Joe Mantello and in Wayne Cilento’s impeccable dances.  Even the sound system lets every word of dialogue be distinctively heard, a rare occurrence in the ASU Gammage concert hall.

The musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel but Winnie Holzman’s cagey and amusing take lessens the novel’s many distressing unpleasantries so the show is more jubilant than the book. The story tells the richly engaging pre- “Wizard of Oz” story of the good and evil witches and their arrival in magical Emerald City.

The touring cast is fine but certainly doesn’t endanger either Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo’s superb movie creations of Glinda and Elphaba.  Austen Danielle Bohmer’s joyful and bubbly Glinda explodes with life while Lauren Samuels’ Elphaba is tamer and a bit inward but both performers have strong voices.  Unfortunately, neither performer has the movie stars thrilling exposes of sustained and glorious high notes. The surrounding cast bring the many characters to vibrant life and they sing beautifully as they pay credit to Stephen Schwartz’s collection of song hits.

If you have never seen “Wicked” on stage, this wonderful touring version is the perfect introduction and if you’ve seen the show before, this staging won’t dampen your fond memories of earlier productions. “Wicked” plays through March 30. To order tickets, call the ASU Gammage box office at 480-965-3434 or order tickets online at www.asugammage.com.

Grade: A