Wicked the Musical

[MirrorrorriM]

Went yesterday. Am I alone in thinking it's not all that? Ok, the performances and dancing were good (the two lead actresses had amazing voices) but the plot was weak and a lot of the songs were meh.

At the end though the audience all leapt to their feet like it was the most incredible thing they'd ever seen. It's got nothing in Matilda or The Lion King IMO and I didn't see a standing ovation at those. I guess it's personal taste but I think I must really be missing something here. Both my DC agreed with me though.

And don't get me started on the constant chat / noise / fidgeting / noisy eating and drinking in the audience (adults as well as kids). I know it's a kids show but I've been to pantomimes with quieter audiences.

Of the songs I can only remember Defying Gravity but didn't think think it a brilliant 1st act closer.

😧

Well...there’s no pleasing some folk. Is One Day More a bit sub-par as well, by any chance?

Who steals a dead woman's shoes...😁

I thought it was just me that found it ok(ish). DH and DD loved it and saw it for a second time but for some reason it didn't grab my attention.

Hoping to see Michael Ball in Hairspray when it comes to the London Coliseum next summer. I'm sure that will not be a let down.

OP I had mixed feelings about it too. Especially as the most dramatic and exciting part is the end of the first half. Everything after that can't really compete. I adore the soundtrack but it didn't quite hang together as a show for me.

I went to see Oklahoma at Chichester recently. Now that's an odd show. High quality performances and amazing dancing, but a very strange plot with some tonally jarring moments and a very flat finale.

It only has three songs — Defying Gravity, Popular and For Good — and the plot is just ropy standard ‘magical high school outsider’ stuff. I realise it’s the kind of thing teenage girls think is profound (well, judging by the ones at the performance we were at), but I thought it was really weak. Maybe it needs to be redeemed by stocking performances, but this wasn’t. And I like musicals — it’s not that I’m hostile.

I saw Michael Ball in Hairspray the first time around. He was bloody marvellous (the man is just impossible not to watch, despite his cheesy AF albums-for-housewives) but Hairspray the musical itself is thoroughly naff, IMO. Strangely dated/done-to-death themes in a relatively modern musical.

Is One Day More a bit sub-par as well, by any chance?

Weeell...

I can't actually remember it, so - from my point of view - yes.
Sorry, Elph

Love Wicked, not bothered at all about Matilda.

Haven't seen Lion King but I'd like to.

My gob is smacked LaMarschallin.

So, if a green woman belting to F from the roof of the theatre, and 60 people on stage heading to war are forgettable first act closers...um...what do you actually consider a good ending to the first act? I am very curious! 😁

I enjoyed Wicked but saying that, don’t remember any of the songs apart from Defying Gravity.

Recently saw Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Palladium and it was FANTASTIC. Sheridan Smith, Jason Donovan and the lead, Jac Yarrow were brilliant. Considering going again!

Literally, one of the great highlights of my life as a mother so far was seeing my DSs’ little faces during Defying Gravity.

DS2 pointed and shouted, ‘LOOK AT THAT MUMMY!!!’ over the roar of the crowd. He’s generally a model child during shows, but even he was overwhelmed. They still both rob my kitchen broom from time to time and leap off the highest step they dare, shouting a slightly painful approximation of the final notes.

I’m counting the years until they have a rudimentary-enough understanding of prostitution for me to take them to Les Mis just so I can watch them lose their shit during One Day More.

Yes, they may have been thoroughly brainwashed inherited their DM’s love for all things musical theatre.

I love Wicked. I booked it on a whim for me and my two ds last year for after the anti-Brexit march. DS 1 is very political and was desperate to go on the march and ds2 was there on sufferance. I booked Wicked for afterwards as it was the cheapest show available – I baulked at most West End prices. We had no prior knowledge and no expectations, though I had heard Defying Gravity and knew ds2 was a sucker for a diva belting out a show stopper like that. We all loved it. Ds2 loved the ballads and ds1 loved the political element. We’ve had the soundtrack on in the car off and on ever since. I agree that many of the songs are growers rather than immediately wowing you though, but I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing.

I especially loved that the main story is the friendship between two women and that the man is a bit of a wet weekend on the side who is of limited relevance to the story. I love the ballad towards the end (For Good?) in which the two women sing about their friendship rather than about a man.

We saw Matilda earlier this year and I was a bit underwhelmed. Kids enjoyed it but haven’t asked for the soundtrack like they did for Wicked.

In the autumn we’re off to see Hamilton. This time we all know the soundtrack well and I’m sure it won’t disappoint.

I loved it!

I found it boring too. Agree with a PP that the Apollo isn’t a great venue as it’s too big and I was so easily distracted by everyone around me.

So, if a green woman belting to F from the roof of the theatre, and 60 people on stage heading to war are forgettable first act closers...um...what do you actually consider a good ending to the first act?

Well, just not that, I suppose.
I'm sorry, it just didn't do it for me. We can't all like exactly the same things.

Like you, though, I really enjoyed seeing my children enjoying it.

I think it hugely depends on the cast-

Have seen Les Mis and loved it and with a different cast thought dire.

I saw Wicked years ago and loved it, and like PP I am not generally a fan of the andrew lloyd weber type musicals at all.
I know this isn't ALW but of the genre.
I am a big Wizard of Oz fan-the books not the film so maybe that helped?

Another one here who was a bit 'meh' about Wicked, and i love musicals so really wanted to like it.

Loved Matilda, love Les Mis, love JCS.

We were in London recently and due to already seeing those two and my hatred of Jack black, chose to see Aladdin instead of school of rock. Big mistake. Aladdin was just a really expensive panto.

We also went to see the Cursed Child, which obvs isn't a musical but does have great soundtrack. Fantastic. The magic was at times.

Probably the most overrated musical of recent years. If I ever hear "Popular" again it will be too soon. A friend of mine calls it "Disney On Acid" and that sums it up nicely.

Mind you, I'm another who really doesn't think Les Mis is all that either, sorry Elphaba

With the exception of the lead actors and “Changed for Good”, which reminded me of a friendship and made me emotional, I didn’t like it much, and nor did the DC.

Some clever ideas, but not a patch on Wizard of Oz!

The sound was too loud when we went.

Totally agree!

Best musical ever - School of Rock. No words..... amazing!

I absolutely loved Wicked. First saw in on broadway. Think I’ve seen it 3 times now.
Saw The Book of Mormans last week. That’s very good. Quite in PC & I can see why some people would be offended but I really enjoyed it.
I love most musicals to be honest although I thought Cats was pretty bad & was disappointed with Les Mis.

I love wicked. In fact I want for good played at my funeral.

Musicals like anything else are very much “each to their own” though.

I loved Les Mis. Saw it on a cheap ticket knowing nothing about it and it made a big impact.

Sirzy me too! I thought it was just me! I love that song!