WICKED Review

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Mamie Parris as Elpahba. Photo by Joan Marcus.

WICKED presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Nov. 26. You can read the show description here.

A quick confession. I enjoy WICKED very much. This is my fourth time seeing the national touring production and I’ll be back whenever it comes through Cincinnati. This visit I was fortunate enough to catch the opening Thursday matinee.

Heading into Cincinnati, a bug of some kind was wrecking havoc with the health of the cast. This was at least partially responsible for several understudy performers getting a chance to move into leads. The role of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz was played by Christopher Russo, Fiyero was portrayed by Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald (nice handling of the costume malfunction, btw :)) and stepping into the shoes of Glinda was Megan Campanile. Cincinnati audiences may recognize Campanile’s name. She attended CCM, leaving her junior year to serve as the understudy for Ariel in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid, followed by the national tour of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE THE MUSICAL as Laura Ingalls.

Justin Brill as Boq and Stephanie Brown as Nessarose. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Personally, it was very fun to see Megan Campanile as Glinda, appropriately perky and sounding wonderful. Mamie Parris’ voice is beautiful, rich and strong, inducing chills and tears as Elphaba. Each time I have seen the show, I’ve been impressed by the depth of talent that tours. This time was no exception and allowed me to relax and enjoy the show.

An added bonus to this experience was the row of grade school children, sitting in front of me, in rapt attention. The quality and theatricality of this production works as a great introduction to the magic of musical theater for any age.

Paul Slade Smith as Doctor Dillamond. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Ticket availability is limited for the remainder of the run. If you are feeling lucky, a limited number of $25 Orchestra seats will be made available by lottery daily at the Aronoff Center 2 1/2 hours prior to the performance. Names will be placed in a lottery drum and the drawing will take place 2 hours prior to show for a limited number of Orchestra tickets at $25 cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office with a limit of two tickets per person.

Bring an old cell phone to be recycled and help save a gorilla! Recycling cell phones reducing mining for coltan, an ore used in cell phones, in gorilla habitats and raises money for the Zoo’s Project Saving Species. Check the link and bring your phones with you to the theatre.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for WICKED.

I would love to hear what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion.You can post your comments below.