One Art Event a Week: Wicked at the Murat Theatre

[Laura Frank]

Week 14: Wicked at the Murat Theatre
Spoiler alert: this post exposes some of the plot twists of Wicked the Musical.

OK, here’s the truth: I disliked the book Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I labored through it all summer long a couple of years ago, vowing to understand why so many people were in love with the story. But I just didn’t get it.

So when my friend’s husband declined to accompany her to Wicked the Musical at the Murat Theatre and I was asked to attend in his place, I was skeptical. But hear me now: Wicked the Musical was such a delightful experience!

Wicked is a prequel that centers around two misunderstood characters of The Wizard of Oz, Galinda (later to be called Glinda “the Good Witch”) and Elphaba (aka the Wicked Witch of the West) and their unlikely friendship in the years prior to Dorothy, the tornado, and the ruby-red slippers.

From the beginning, I was captivated by the character Galinda and her amusingly dim grasp of the English language, as she used a mash-up between two words to convey her feelings. Her character reminded me of Cher from the ‘90s movie Clueless, the way she shallowly flitted around stage, knowing all would follow her because of her beauty and popularity.

Of course Elphaba was just as captivating as Galinda’s studious green-colored roommate who, after years of torment, understandably carried a big chip on her shoulder against everyone. But Elphaba was the protagonist in this story, as she unfairly became known as the Wicked Witch of the West because of her protest of the Wizard’s unfair treatment of animals.

Not only did the musical explain why Elphaba was so misunderstood, it also clarified all of the characters of The Wizard of Oz and how they became different than others via Elphaba’s sorcery. Fiyero is a young prince in love with Elphaba who, after defending her, was turned into a scarecrow by her in order to survive a public beating. Boq is a classmate-turned-servant of Elphaba’s sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, who has his heart stolen by his master when she finds out he loves Galinda. Elphaba remedies the problem by turning him into the Tin Woodsman, so he wouldn’t need a heart. Of course, the Cowardly Lion is one of the animals Elphaba tries to rescue from the hands of an evil handler.

As the musical unfolded, Wicked began to turn wicked witch haters into sympathetic supporters. Even though this was a touring company, all of the vocalists were superb. And the sets and effects were just as amazing. I forgot I was in a theatre! The Murat Theatre in Indianapolis is a beautiful venue to see the story brought to life, as well. However, if you plan on attending, be mindful that the 15 minute intermission is rigidly followed. As you can imagine, the lines were long for the ladies’ room and many people were shut out of the theatre for the first 10 minutes of the second half!

The music connected everything in the story and seamlessly provided a positive spin on the misunderstood characters of The Wizard of Oz. To me, the theme of the entire musical is the power of one person’s words and how that can change someone’s life in an instant, as well as the power of friendship, especially between the unlikeliest of people. Anyone walking out of the theater NOT singing “Popular, I’ll help you be popular” must have been stuck in the bathroom. Wicked was…well, wicked!

Wicked is playing at the Murat Theatre now through June 21st. Tickets range from $32 to $135.

[Laura Frank]

I agree, the 15 minutes for intermission seemed waaay too short, which is why I mentioned it in my blog. However, I am not so sure it's Murat's fault; it may be a requirement of the touring company, Broadway Across America. I could not find any information on this either way.

[Marcia Clutter]

I loved it too...DESPITE the venue! The Murat totally turned me off. I specifically asked for seating on the aisle where my husband could extend his left leg, which is in a brace. I didn't realize, until we arrived at the theatre, that I was actually sold the tickets that they originally offered me - with the only option being to extend his other leg...Maddening!!! And what a rat race! My family was almost locked out at intermission because we were waiting in the line to go back in (which was moving slowly) and they started the show. The usher was actually trying to close the doors on people! I grabbed my kids and pushed my way in. If we hadn't made it in we would have had to wait for 10 minutes before being allowed to be seated. I will NOT attend another high-priced event at the Murat.

[Shawn Quick-Raflik]

I can't believe it, I am going again tonight. My friend called and has an extra ticket - for free.
That means I will have seen WICKED two times in three days. I feel like I just won the lottery!

[Laura Frank]

I just read your blog, you were nicer than me by not giving away the story! I really enjoyed myself.

[Shawn Quick-Raflik]

I went last night and also blogged about it. I LOVED IT! Made me want to try to Defy Gravity!!!