"Wicked" Continues to Amaze | Keller Auditorium
March 16, 2009 — PDXPIPELINEBy Jonathon So
When I walked into the Keller Auditorium for the first time, I was in awe of the magnificent set of "Wicked", waiting patiently for my arrival. The towering stage draws the audience down to the front, inviting you to take a closer look. The stage is just the beginning of the connection the musical has with the audience. Though photography is not allowed, the quick snapshots with cameras and iPhones were taken by audience members who wanted to take a piece of this experience with them.
As the audience settles in, Glinda the Good comes floating down from the ceiling on a cascade of bubbles. She sets the mood for the show as she asks the citizens of Oz, "It's good to see me, isn't it?"
For the next two and a half hours, the show cast a spell over the audience as the stories of Glinda the Good and her "evil" counterpart, Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) unfold. Their friendship grows, their lives connected – leading them toward two very different destinies. Within the pop music and catchy lyrics, hides a very clever message about love, politics and revolutionary ideas. From teenage girls to adults, this musical has something for everyone.
In Saturday night's performance, Stefanie Brown who played Glinda stole the show. With every little flick of the foot, tilt of the head and toss of the hair, Stefanie does an amazing job that makes this writer think about doing something he has never done before. Something different. Something shocking. If not for the fear of melting in Portland's downpour with no umbrella, this theater fan would have stayed after to try and get a photo/autograph with the star.
"Wicked" continues to memorize fans and the national touring company is no different as it continues to touch new and old fans a like.
Wicked: A New Musical
March 4 — April 5, 2009
Times Vary
Keller Auditorium
Tickets are $41.00 to $125.00
$25 Tickets are available through daily lottery (info in the comments)
_____________________________
Jonathan So is a system/business analyst by day but in his free time, he loves the theater, exploring Portland, photography and reaching out to support the community and people in need. You can find his thoughts at http://www.smashededlife.com or follow @smashedlife on Twitter.
March 16, 2009 at 16:06
Jonathan, welcome to the Pipeline!
Can you elaborate more on where to find/how to enter the $25 ticket lottery?
J
March 16, 2009 at 16:29
The ticket lottery happens 2 1/2 hours prior to show time. People who show up to the Kellar Auditorium box office at this time will be able to place their name into a lottery for a chance to purchase tickets to Wicked for $25. Thirty minutes after collecting the names, a limited number of names will be pulled for seats. There is a limit of two tickets per person and they only accept cash.
March 16, 2009 at 20:11
I’ve seen Wicked in NY. And I have to say that I believe it to be a slick and vapid Broadway production. For those of you who wish to see terrific acting in a local production with real heart, visit The Illusion at Coho Theater. It is a play by Tony Kushner of “Angels in America: fame. Great dialogue. Fun direction. Better acting than you can see in a traveling show. Check it out.
http://www.publicplayhouse.org/CurrentSeason/index.html
March 17, 2009 at 05:35
Thanks Jerry,
I am looking into getting some coverage of that show on here.
Julian
March 18, 2009 at 13:54
I saw Saturday night’s performance of Wicked also. I have to admit when I saw that the understudy was playing Glinda, I was disappointed at first. However, she was amazing! The show was unbelievable.
March 20, 2009 at 09:27
I definitely agree with you Allison, the show was amazing. I had read the book and heard the music from the Broadway show before going…the show helped bring everything to life for me. Stephanie also preforms in the ensemble when she isn’t Glinda.
March 21, 2009 at 07:44
Myself and my wife were lucky enough to see Stefanie’s first ever performance as Glinda on opening night at the Keller and like you, when we heard that the understudy was performing we were disappointed. We quickly put those thoughts aside while enjoying a terrific performance. “Popular” was our favorite. Oh yeah, for the first time in our theatre experience, we went to the stage door to meet Stefanie and were greeted by a fresh, unassuming young lady who stopped to talk to everyone and pose for every picture.
March 29, 2009 at 11:56
my girls would love to meet the cast when we see the show Tuesday night. Any suggestions?