The Broadway sensation made its way to Tampa late last month. Wicked the story of the wicked witch of the west from classic tale of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

After being born with emerald, green skin Elphaba (Originally played by Idina Menzel on Broadway) does her best to make it through school. Meanwhile Glinda the good (Originally played by Kristen Chenoweth on Broadway) is just excited to learn magic. The two opposite girls become roommates and are forced to get along. The story follows the pair through their trial and triumph and explains the wicked side of the story. 

The cast performed at the Tampa Straz Center. The theatre was beautiful. Wicked was held in the Carol Morsani Hall. It is said there are no bad seats in the Theatre and that every seat gives you a wonderful view of the stage.

Elise Boze, freshman explains“Yes, I think that is true. I have sat in every level of the Straz and had a good view in each seat but that could vary along others because of eyesight.”

The theatre has over 500 comfortable seats and is perfect for you to sit back, relax and enjoy a good show. 

The actors were utterly amazing. Elphaba, played by Lissa Deguzman, had a strong voice perfect for a definitive performance. With showstoppers like the “Wizard and I” and cry worthy song “I’m not that girl” and one of the most popular songs of the show “Defying Gravity.”

Along with Elphaba, her best friend Glinda, played by Jennafer Newberry, had an amazing soprano voice. Wowing the audience with songs like “Popular” “No one mourns the wicked” and friendship bonding song “For good”

Freshman, Emily Boze said “Glinda was very bright, and bubbly and the actress did a great job expressing her personality.”

Other characters like Fiyero played by Christian Thompson (Originally played by Norbert Leo Butz on Broadway) was also a one of a kind character with songs like “Dancing Through Life” and love song “As long as your mine.”

No show can be put on without an outstanding ensemble and they did not disappoint. With dance breaks like in “Dancing through life and voices displayed in Act 1 finale “Defying Gravity”. 

The actors are only a fraction of what goes into big shows like Wicked. Many people work backstage to make the show what it is.

The Set pieces really pop off stage like emerald city and its big green lights and the opening when Glinda descends from the top of the stage down in a little bubble perfect of a personality such as hers.

The characters also wear crazy costumes. Each ensemble member gets their own unique costume because they play multiple characters. The leads themselves also wear beautiful ballgowns with glitter and rhinestones that can take hours and days to make. All those factors really help tell the story and make the show one of a kind.

Wicked was first performed on Broadway on October 30th, 2003. The show makes the audience laugh and cry and applaud for such a show.

Substitute Teacher, Mrs. Elliott says “I love when Elphaba and Glinda become friends. It goes to show that no matter what you look like or where you come from you can be friends.”

The show can be seen around the world like the west end (UK) and tours and of course in New York. Overall, it is an amazing show and is highly recommended for any musical theatre goers.