Hey there, fellow Broadway enthusiasts! Gather ’round as I take you on a magical journey through the Land of Oz with WICKED, the musical sensation that has captured hearts across generations. So buckle up and get ready for a delightful ride!
Let’s start with a trip down memory lane. Picture this: a seven-month-pregnant me, filled with excitement, as my parents surprised my hubby and me with tickets to WICKED. Growing up, I had an undying love for anything Wizard of Oz related. In fact, my fifth birthday party was a testament to my Oz devotion, proudly displayed alongside my treasured Wizard of Oz dolls. Little did I know that this enchanting musical would steal my heart, leading me to return, this time with my daughters by my side. We embarked on a family adventure, and to my surprise, even my husband couldn’t resist humming “Popular” on the train ride home. WICKED had worked its magic on all of us!
When it was time for my daughter’s first Broadway show outside the womb, without hesitation I knew it had to be WICKED. What better way to make new memories with my daughter and connect them to the cherished memories of my father who surprised me with those first tickets years ago. As we sat in the theater, I felt his presence beside me, just as he had been on that memorable day.
WICKED offers a fresh perspective on the Land of Oz, long before Dorothy’s arrival. It introduces us to a young woman with emerald-green skin, misunderstood but possessing extraordinary talent. When she crosses paths with a bubbly blonde, an unlikely friendship blossoms amidst initial rivalry. With a mesmerizing score featuring hits like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” WICKED has rightfully earned its title as the defining musical of the decade, as hailed by The New York Times. Time Magazine even proclaims that if every musical had the brain, heart, and courage of WICKED, Broadway would truly be a magical place.
Speaking of magic, let’s fast forward to my latest adventure with WICKED. The stars aligned, and along with a group of fellow mommy-bloggers I returned to experience the show for a third time. Mothers, daughters, sons, husbands—people of all ages and backgrounds gathered to witness the power of friendship, ambition, and love unfold on stage. It was a testament to WICKED’s universal appeal, captivating each and every one of us. Prior to the show, we were treated to a pre-show lunch where we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Elphaba and Glinda in person! I couldn’t contain my excitement, as it was my first encounter with Broadway actresses. We delved into discussions about the show’s uniqueness and its partnership with BullyBust, an organization dedicated to ending bullying in schools. My daughter, Emma, had the pleasure of meeting Elphaba, her favorite character. She admired Elphaba’s unwavering determination and willingness to stand up for what she believed in, resonating with the message of WICKED and BullyBust.
And there you have it, an extraordinary show that transcends generations, bringing joy to both young and old. So next time you find yourself in the Big Apple, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the enchantment of WICKED at the Gershwin Theatre on 50th Street and Broadway. Let it sweep you away on a broomstick of emotions, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the untold stories of the Witches of Oz. Because in the end, as WICKED so beautifully reminds us, everyone deserves the chance to fly.
For more heartwarming stories and delightful adventures, make sure to visit LivingCleanandDirty.com, where the magic never ends. Until next time, my fellow theater aficionados, keep embracing the beauty of the stage and the enchantment it brings into our lives.
My dad treated me to my first viewing of Wicked, but for my experiences over a decade later Wicked provided my family complimentary tickets for the purpose of this review. I went out of my way to contact the company because I had the most amazing experience and I thought it would be a perfect first Broadway show for my kids. I was right! All opinions expressed are my own.
